Online Volunteer Translator

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that operates in over 170 countries and territories. Established to help eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities, UNDP focuses on developing policies, enhancing leadership skills, and building institutional capabilities. In Malawi, UNDP has been active since 1964, working closely with the government, civil society, and the private sector to promote economic growth, sustainable environmental management, and democratic governance. The organization's efforts are aligned with the Malawi Agenda 2063 and aim to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 203

• UNDP's programs address interconnected issues such as poverty, inequality, and vulnerability, managed under two main portfolios: Responsive Institutions and Citizen Engagement, and Resilience and Sustainable Growth. The former focuses on governance and civic engagement, while the latter emphasizes economic innovation and climate resilience.

Job Overview:
The position of Online Volunteer Translator involves supporting the translation of key electoral messages from English to Tumbuka for the upcoming elections in Malawi. This role is crucial as it contributes to the Malawi Electoral Support Project (MESP), which aims to enhance the electoral process by improving the capacity of various stakeholders, including the Malawi Electoral Commission and civil society. The volunteers will work collaboratively to ensure that the translations are not only accurate but also culturally relevant and appropriate. This task is vital for promoting gender-sensitive electoral processes and encouraging the participation of women, youths, and persons with disabilities in the electoral process. The expected outcome is the successful translation of 30 key messages that will facilitate effective communication during the elections.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary duties of the Online Volunteer Translators include:

• Translating content from English to Tumbuka, ensuring accuracy and cultural relevance.
• Collaborating with another volunteer to discuss and agree on suitable phrasing and terminology.
• Submitting the final translated version for review by UNDP.
• Engaging in discussions to ensure the tone and clarity of the messages are appropriate for the target audience.
• Completing the assignment in a timely manner to meet project deadlines.
• Receiving a certificate of appreciation from UNV upon successful completion of the assignment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this position should possess strong language skills in both English and Tumbuka, with a focus on translation accuracy and cultural sensitivity. They should have a good understanding of the electoral process in Malawi and be able to convey messages clearly and effectively. Experience in translation or related fields is preferred, but not mandatory. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively in a team setting and communicate effectively with fellow volunteers and UNDP staff.

Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, a background in languages, communications, or social sciences would be beneficial for this role. Candidates should have a strong command of both English and Tumbuka, with an emphasis on written communication skills.

Experience:
The position does not require extensive professional experience, but familiarity with translation work or involvement in electoral processes would be advantageous. Volunteers should be comfortable working in a collaborative environment and be able to manage their time effectively to meet project deadlines.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Tumbuka is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional local languages may be considered an asset, but it is not required.

Additional Notes:
This is a volunteer position, and the duration of the contract is not specified. The role is part-time and remote, allowing volunteers to work from their own locations. Volunteers will receive a certificate of appreciation upon completion of the assignment, which acknowledges their contribution to the electoral process in Malawi.