Freelance African Language Interpreters — Canada-Wide
Company: Sako Voices
Job Type: Freelance / Independent Contractor / On-Call
Compensation: CA$35–$60 per hour, depending on assignment
Location: Canada-Wide
Work Format: Remote (VRI/OPI) & In-Person
About Sako Voices
Sako Voices is a Canadian Language Service Provider (LSP) specializing in African, rare, and underserved languages.
We connect organizations with qualified interpreters, translators, and linguists to support effective communication in government, immigration, legal, healthcare, community-service, and institutional environments.
Sako Voices is expanding its Canada-wide interpreter network and is seeking qualified freelance interpreters for current and future assignments.
Languages We Are Recruiting
We are particularly interested in interpreters working in:
- Somali
- Amharic
- Tigrinya
- Oromo
- Afar
- Bambara
- Dyula / Dioula / Juula
- Malinké / Maninka
- Mandinka / Mandingo
- Fulani / Fulfulde / Pulaar / Peul
- Wolof
- Soninke
- Susu
- Lingala
- Swahili / Kiswahili
- Kikongo
- Kituba
- Tshiluba
- Yoruba
- Igbo
- Hausa
- Twi
- Fante
- Ewe
- Ga
- Ibibio
- Efik
- Fon
- Baoulé
- Mooré / Mossi
- Malagasy
- Kinyarwanda
- Kirundi
- Zulu
- Xhosa
- Afrikaans
Other African, rare, and underserved languages are strongly encouraged to apply.
If your language is not listed above, you may still submit an application.
Responsibilities
Depending on the assignment, freelance interpreters may:
- Provide professional consecutive interpretation
- Provide Video Remote Interpretation (VRI)
- Provide Over-the-Phone Interpretation (OPI)
- Attend in-person interpretation assignments
- Interpret accurately between the source and target languages
- Preserve meaning, tone, and intent
- Maintain strict confidentiality
- Remain impartial and professional
- Follow client-specific terminology, procedures, and protocols
- Arrive or connect on time for accepted assignments
- Communicate availability and scheduling changes promptly
Assignments may involve:
Government | Immigration | Legal | Healthcare | Community Services | NGOs | Education | Institutional Services
Qualifications
Applicants should have:
- Fluency or near-native proficiency in at least one African language
- Strong proficiency in English and/or French
- Excellent listening and communication skills
- Ability to interpret accurately and impartially
- Understanding of confidentiality and professional ethics
- Professional and reliable communication
- Reliable internet connection and appropriate equipment for remote assignments
Previous professional interpretation experience is preferred.
Experience in legal, immigration, government, healthcare, or community interpretation is an asset.
Interpreter training, professional certifications, security clearances, professional memberships, and relevant educational qualifications are considered assets.
Compensation
CA$35–$60 per hour, depending on the assignment.
Rates may vary according to:
- Language and availability
- Assignment type and complexity
- OPI, VRI, or in-person delivery
- Interpreter experience and qualifications
- Specialized legal, healthcare, immigration, or government requirements
- Location and travel requirements
- Client-specific requirements
Rare or difficult-to-source languages and highly specialized assignments may qualify for different rates.
The applicable rate and assignment terms will be communicated and agreed upon before an interpreter accepts an assignment.
This is freelance, assignment-based work. Joining the Sako Voices interpreter network does not guarantee a minimum number of assignments or working hours.
Interpreters may accept or decline individual assignments according to their availability.
Canada-Wide Opportunities
We are building our network across Canada, including:
Ontario | Québec | British Columbia | Alberta | Manitoba | Saskatchewan | Nova Scotia | New Brunswick | Newfoundland and Labrador | Prince Edward Island | Northwest Territories | Yukon | Nunavut
Applicants should provide their city/province and indicate whether they are available for:
- In-person assignments
- Video Remote Interpretation (VRI)
- Over-the-Phone Interpretation (OPI)
How to Apply
Complete the Sako Voices Interpreter Recruitment Form:
https://forms.gle/7g6jrsWKG9g3kPfB7
Please provide complete information about your:
- Language(s) and dialect(s)
- City and province
- English/French proficiency
- Interpretation experience
- Areas of specialization
- Availability
- Remote and/or in-person capabilities
- Training and certifications
Selected applicants may be contacted by Sako Voices for additional screening, documentation, onboarding, and assignment opportunities.
Join the Sako Voices Interpreter Network
https://forms.gle/7g6jrsWKG9g3kPfB7
Help organizations communicate effectively with Canada's diverse communities while improving access to professional interpretation in African, rare, and underserved languages.
SAKO VOICES
Canadian Language Service Provider (LSP)
African, Rare & Underserved Languages
Interpretation Translation Language Solutions
African Languages. Global Reach.
Pay: $25.00-$60.00 per hour
Work Location: Remote
