The IOM Interpreter (Arabic-French) Job offers an opportunity to support migrants, refugees and vulnerable individuals through interpretation services in Bulgaria. Learn about the role, qualifications, languages, responsibilities and application requirements.
The IOM Interpreter (Arabic-French) Job 2026 is an opportunity for language professionals interested in supporting migration and humanitarian programmes with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The position is based in Sofia and Harmanli, Bulgaria, and involves providing interpretation services to IOM teams working with migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable groups.
However, an important point should be noted: the vacancy information supplied for this article was originally published in July 2024, with an application deadline of 19 July 2024. Although the page currently displays a 2026 copyright notice, the vacancy itself is not a 2026 opening based on the supplied information. Applicants should therefore verify the current status directly with IOM before attempting to apply.
IOM Interpreter Job Overview
The position was established as part of IOM Bulgaria’s effort to create a pool of interpreters supporting staff working with migrants and individuals with specific protection needs.
The role is classified as an hourly contract and was advertised on a part-time/on-call basis.
Position Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | International Organization for Migration (IOM) |
| Position | Interpreter |
| Languages | Arabic, French and other specified languages |
| Duty Stations | Sofia and Harmanli, Bulgaria |
| Contract Type | Hourly contract |
| Appointment | Part-time/on-call |
| Reference Number | CV BG10-2024-01 |
| Education | High school required |
| University degree | Advantage |
| Computer skills | Required |
| Bulgarian | Required |
| Application deadline in supplied vacancy | 19 July 2024 |
About the International Organization for Migration
The International Organization for Migration is an intergovernmental organization working in the field of migration.
According to the vacancy information, IOM works with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners to address migration-management challenges, improve understanding of migration issues, promote social and economic development through migration, and uphold the dignity and well-being of migrants.
In Bulgaria, IOM has been involved in responding to migration-related needs while supporting the Bulgarian Government and cooperating with other organizations working in the sector.
IOM Interpreter Job Responsibilities
The selected interpreters are expected to provide language support to IOM teams working with migrants and vulnerable populations.
Key responsibilities include:
1. Provide Interpretation Services
The interpreter provides interpretation in coordination with IOM colleagues and as part of protection or other field teams.
The language support is intended to help IOM staff communicate effectively with individuals who require assistance in their preferred language.
2. Support Vulnerable Cases
The role includes interpretation during screening and assessment activities involving refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.
The supplied vacancy specifically identifies vulnerable groups such as:
- Potential victims of trafficking
- Survivors or potential cases involving sexual and gender-based violence
- Unaccompanied and separated minors
- Unaccompanied elderly people
- Pregnant women
- People with mental disabilities
- People with physical disabilities
Because interpreters may work with vulnerable individuals, communication skills, professionalism and sensitivity are particularly important.
3. Support Counselling and Educational Activities
The interpreter may provide language support during educational activities, psychological support activities and individual counselling sessions involving identified vulnerable cases.
4. Translate Documents and Materials
The role includes informal translation of documents and materials between relevant languages, including Bulgarian and English/French into Arabic, Farsi/Dari, Pashto, Kurdish or other relevant languages.
5. Support Information Sessions
Interpreters may also provide translation during information sessions organized by IOM.
They may additionally translate information materials when required.
6. Perform Other Duties
The vacancy states that interpreters may perform other duties required for the successful implementation of IOM projects.
IOM Interpreter Qualifications
Applicants should meet the educational, technical and professional requirements outlined in the vacancy.
Education
A completed high school education is required.
A university degree from an accredited academic institution is considered an advantage.
Computer Skills
Applicants should have a good level of computer literacy.
This is important because the role may involve handling information, documents and other materials associated with IOM operations.
Experience Requirements
Previous experience providing interpretation services to migrants and/or refugees is considered an advantage.
The position also requires candidates to demonstrate:
- Excellent communication skills
- Personal commitment
- Efficiency
- Flexibility
- Ability to work with minimal supervision
- Ability to work under difficult conditions
Experience working in humanitarian, migration, refugee-support or protection environments could therefore be particularly relevant, although the supplied vacancy does not state that all such experience is mandatory.
Language Requirements
Language ability is central to this position.
The supplied vacancy lists fluency in:
- French
- Arabic
- Kurdish
- Urdu
- Dari
- Pashto
It also states that fluency in Bulgarian is required.
Applicants should carefully check the exact language combination required for the specific assignment before applying.
For someone specifically searching for an Arabic-French interpreter job, the combination of Arabic and French is therefore relevant, but Bulgarian proficiency is also an important requirement for this particular vacancy.
Other Requirements
The vacancy indicates that female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Any appointment would also be subject to certification that the selected candidate is medically fit for appointment.
Where applicable, residency, visa and government authorization requirements would also need to be verified.
How to Apply for IOM Interpreter Jobs
The supplied vacancy instructed interested candidates to submit a CV in European format, written in English or Bulgarian, to the IOM Sofia email address provided in the original advertisement.
Applicants were required to quote the reference number CV BG10-2024-01.
However, because the stated closing date was 19 July 2024, this particular vacancy should not be presented as an active 2026 application without confirmation from IOM.
For current opportunities, applicants should use the official IOM careers channels rather than relying on reposted vacancies.
Visit the International Organization for Migration official website
Who Can Be a Good Fit for IOM Interpreter Opportunities?
People with strong multilingual communication skills may find IOM interpreter roles relevant, particularly those with experience in migration, refugee assistance or humanitarian settings.
A potentially strong candidate for similar roles would typically have:
- Strong spoken and written language skills
- Experience interpreting between multiple languages
- Cultural awareness
- Excellent interpersonal communication
- Ability to maintain professionalism in sensitive situations
- Good computer skills
- Flexibility to work on an on-call basis
- Ability to work independently
- Experience working with vulnerable populations
Applicants should always distinguish between required qualifications and desirable experience when reviewing an individual IOM vacancy.
Important Notice About the 2026 Job Listing
The title “IOM Interpreter (Arabic-French) Job 2026” should be treated carefully.
The vacancy supplied for this article identifies:
- Publication period: 5–19 July 2024
- Closing date: 19 July 2024
- Reference: CV BG10-2024-01
Therefore, the information does not establish that this particular interpreter vacancy is currently open in 2026.
The current copyright year on the website does not change the original publication and closing dates contained in the vacancy announcement.
Candidates looking for current IOM interpreter positions should check IOM’s official careers and country-office vacancy pages for newly advertised positions.
Final Thoughts
The IOM Interpreter opportunity provides an example of the important role multilingual professionals can play in humanitarian and migration programmes. The position involves much more than straightforward language translation, with interpreters supporting communication during assessments, counselling, information sessions and activities involving vulnerable migrants and refugees.
The supplied vacancy required a high school qualification, good computer literacy, strong communication skills and relevant language abilities, with previous experience working with migrants or refugees considered an advantage.
Important: The specific vacancy provided has a 19 July 2024 deadline, so applicants should not assume that it remains open in 2026. Always verify the current vacancy status through official IOM channels before submitting an application.
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