Makonde​/Kimakonde Translator

As a Makonde/Kimakonde Translator at Leidos, your role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities including translating various reports and texts in both electronic and hard-copy formats. You'll need to accurately convey nuanced meanings while adhering to language norms, as well as interpret conversations, primarily using consecutive interpretation. Additionally, the role involves transcribing audio materials to a high degree of accuracy, which requires excellent English-writing skills. Your work will significantly contribute to our mission of ensuring national security.

To apply for the Makonde/Kimakonde Translator position at Leidos, you should hold a BA/BS degree or have equivalent military training, along with 4 to 8 years of relevant experience. A Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of experience can also be considered. Additionally, all candidates must successfully pass a language test administered by Leidos or an accepted vendor, and you must be eligible for a TS/SCI security clearance.

A security clearance is crucial for the Makonde/Kimakonde Translator role at Leidos because the position involves handling sensitive information as part of national security efforts. Only candidates with the proper clearance can begin working on contracts that support our intelligence customers. After successfully passing required assessment tests, Leidos will sponsor the necessary security clearance, enabling you to contribute effectively to the mission.

At Leidos, you can expect a collaborative and supportive work environment where innovation is encouraged. We are committed to our mission and values and strive to create a culture that empowers employees. You'll work alongside a diverse team of talented individuals who are equally dedicated to national security and community impact, providing you with numerous opportunities for professional growth.

As a Makonde/Kimakonde Translator at Leidos, strong computer skills are essential, particularly proficiency in MS Office. This proficiency will assist you not only in document preparation and reporting but also in conducting basic research and managing translation projects efficiently. Being comfortable with technology will enable you to adapt to various tools and systems used in the translation process effectively.

When describing your translation process, emphasize your approach to understanding the source material, identifying key messages, and the steps you take to ensure accuracy and nuance in your translations. Highlight tools or methods you use to maintain consistency and understand cultural implications.

It's important to demonstrate your research skills and familiarity with context when addressing difficult terminology or slang. You might explain that you consult industry-specific resources, collaborate with colleagues if available, or seek clarification from subject matter experts to ensure accurate translations.

Discuss your relevant experiences in both areas, offering specific examples of past projects where you handled written translations and instances where you provided interpretations. Highlight any challenges faced and how you successfully overcame them, showcasing your dual abilities.

Illustrate your understanding of the target language's nuances and express your commitment to preserving the original meaning. Explain your approach to thorough understanding and research, which aids in maintaining fidelity to the original text, especially when dealing with abstract concepts.

Provide a clear example where cultural context significantly influenced your translation choices. Explain how you identified the cultural nuances involved and the adjustments made to ensure the translation was appropriate and effective for the target audience.

Mention any specific software tools or platforms that enhance your efficiency in translation and transcription. Share how integrating these tools into your workflow benefits your productivity and accuracy, and express your openness to exploring new technologies as they emerge.

Discuss your time management strategies, such as prioritizing tasks, breaking down projects into manageable segments, and how you maintain communication with your team or clients to set realistic expectations. Emphasize your commitment to quality even under pressure.

Reflect on any particular challenges, such as ambiguous source material or cultural misunderstandings, and describe how you approached these situations. Highlight the problem-solving and critical thinking skills you employed to find effective solutions.

Share your motivation for pursuing a career in translation and interpretation, emphasizing your appreciation for language, communication, and cultural exchange. Articulate what excites you about your contribution to national security through these efforts.

Talk about your process for addressing ambiguity, including seeking clarity from clients, using contextual clues, and how you use your language skills to provide the clearest possible translation while noting uncertainties when necessary.