Online Volunteer Translator

Job Posting Organization:
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization established to protect individuals who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution. Founded in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries worldwide, providing essential life-saving assistance, safeguarding fundamental human rights, and helping displaced individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. The organization is committed to ensuring that refugees and displaced persons receive the support they need to thrive in their new environments, and it works closely with governments, humanitarian partners, and communities to achieve these goals.

Job Overview:
The Online Volunteer Translator position at UNHCR is designed to enhance the agency's communication and community engagement efforts. The role involves translating various materials from English into Ukrainian and Arabic, ensuring that the translations are not only accurate but also culturally appropriate for the intended audience. Volunteers will be tasked with translating social media posts, FAQs, posters, handouts, and learning materials, among other texts. The position requires a commitment to maintaining confidentiality and adhering to UNHCR's communication guidelines. The tasks will be assigned based on the organization's needs or a pre-determined schedule, with a focus on timely delivery of translations. Short social media messages will typically require a one-day turnaround, while longer translations will have deadlines agreed upon in advance, allowing for flexibility in managing workload.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Online Volunteer Translator include:

• Translating a variety of materials from English into Ukrainian or Arabic, ensuring clarity and accuracy in the translations.
• Proofreading and editing existing translations to maintain consistency and quality.
• Adapting translations to ensure cultural sensitivity and appropriateness for the target audience.
• Maintaining confidentiality regarding all translated materials and adhering to UNHCR's communication guidelines.
• Collaborating with UNHCR staff to understand the context and nuances of the materials being translated.
• Meeting deadlines for translation tasks, with a focus on delivering high-quality work in a timely manner.
• Participating in training or orientation sessions as required to align with UNHCR's mission and values.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• Proficiency in English and either Ukrainian or Arabic, with strong writing and communication skills in both languages.
• Experience in translation, proofreading, or editing, preferably in a humanitarian or non-profit context.
• Familiarity with UNHCR's mission and the challenges faced by refugees and displaced persons.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively to meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality translations.
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness of the needs of the target audience.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Online Volunteer Translator position should ideally have a background in languages, translation, linguistics, or a related field. A degree or certification in translation or a relevant area is preferred but not mandatory. Practical experience in translation work, especially in humanitarian contexts, will be highly valued.

Experience:
The role is suitable for individuals with varying levels of experience in translation. While prior experience in translation is preferred, motivated individuals with strong language skills and a willingness to learn may also be considered. Experience working with refugee populations or in humanitarian settings will be an advantage.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, along with fluency in either Ukrainian or Arabic. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required for this position.

Additional Notes:
This is a volunteer position, and as such, it may not offer financial compensation. The role is flexible, allowing volunteers to work remotely and manage their own schedules based on the workload and deadlines provided by UNHCR. The position is open to individuals who are passionate about supporting refugees and displaced persons and who wish to contribute to UNHCR's mission through their language skills.