AMS PSR

On behalf of the MOD, we are looking for x20 Interpreters (Inside IR35) to join our client on an ad hoc basis contract that runs up until 31st March, 2026 in Whitehall London.

As an Interpreter for DARR you will play a pivotal role in facilitating effective written communication between DARR staff and our customers who speak Dari and Pashto. Your exceptional language proficiency, cultural sensitivity, and strong interpersonal skills will be instrumental in bridging linguistic gaps, enabling successful written interactions with ARAP customers, and case work resolution.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is a central government department with a mission to protect our country and provide the ultimate guarantee of its security and independence, as well as helping to protect its values and interests abroad.

To do this we have an annual budget of almost £40 billion and a workforce comprising 193,000 people, almost 59,000 of whom are civilians. We currently manage more than £11 billion of spend every year.

Our work really matters; we offer engaging roles which have a direct impact on the quality of services we provide. We employ people in many different roles and in many locations across the UK and abroad. We have jobs in policy, finance, HR, IS/IT, commercial and project management and all the types of jobs you would expect to find in a government department, or indeed in the private sector. We also employ doctors, dentists, teachers, police, fire service, quantity surveyors, and engineers to name a few. There are many opportunities to develop and progress both within MOD and across the wider Civil Service, whether you’re a permanent appointee or an interim. 

As a Interpreter, your main responsibilities will be:

• Interpretation Services: Provide accurate and timely translations of Afghan documents and ability to translate to English and vice versa.
• Cultural Competence: Possess a deep understanding and appreciation of cultural nuances to ensure the accurate transmission of meanings during translation.
• Active Listening: If and when, required, actively listen and comprehend the speaker's message, conveying the intended meaning faithfully while maintaining impartiality and professionalism.
• Confidentiality: Maintain the highest level of confidentiality and integrity, safeguarding sensitive information encountered during interpretation assignments.
• Note-Taking: if required effectively take notes during interpretation to assist in conveying complex or lengthy information accurately.
• Team Collaboration: Collaborate with other interpreters and language professionals to share insights, improve skills, and enhance overall service quality.
• Continuous Professional Development: Engage in ongoing training and professional development to stay updated with language trends, MOD best practices, and relevant technology.

Essential:

• SC Clearance is an essential requirement for this role, as a minimum you must be willing & eligible to undergo checks.  Please note, due to the exceptional requirements of this position (short-term nature of this role and speed at which we require a postholder in situ) preference may be given to candidates who meet all of the essential criteria and hold active security clearance. 
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in Dari and Pashto, demonstrated through formal education or professional experience.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, coupled with the ability to remain composed under pressure and adapt to various speaking styles.
• Cultural Awareness: Deep understanding of cultural differences and sensitivities, with a strong commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding.
• Knows formal documentation to recognise if genuine.
• Knowledge of military units/locations in Afghan would be highly desirable.
• Professional Experience: Proven experience in interpretation services is desirable.
• Technology Aptitude: Familiarity with Microsoft and willingness to learn how to use the DARR platforms.
• Punctuality and Reliability: A track record of punctuality and dependability
• Dual nationals are acceptable for this role, as long as one nationality is UK

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not overseas.

Disability Confident 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, the MOD guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant 

MOD guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following “this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.