Interpreter

Interpreter

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

December 23, 2025February 6, 2026AnkaraTurkey
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195
  • Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members. In Turkey, UNHCR has been working closely with the Turkish government and various institutions to provide international protection and support to refugees and asylum seekers, particularly following the adoption of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection in 201
  • The organization has a Country Office based in Ankara and several sub-offices and field units across the country, including in Gaziantep, Istanbul, and Izmir, to effectively manage its operations and outreach.

Job Overview:
The Interpreter position is part of a project funded by the European Union, aimed at supporting Türkiye’s International and Temporary Protection Processes. The role involves translating project-related materials between English and Turkish, ensuring that all documentation, including training materials, guidelines, event reports, and other outputs, are accurately translated and consistent with the project's technical terminology. The Interpreter will work closely with the Protection Unit and report to the Associate Protection Officer, while also receiving guidance from the Senior Protection Officer. This position requires a proactive approach to ensure that all translations reflect the necessary technical language and that the project team is supported in their communication efforts. The Interpreter will also be responsible for providing interpretation during meetings, workshops, and consultations, thereby facilitating effective communication between various stakeholders involved in the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Interpreter will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including: translating written materials related to the project from English to Turkish and vice versa; providing interpretation during project meetings, workshops, trainings, and field visits; assisting the project team by ensuring that all translations maintain appropriate technical terminology; maintaining an organized system for managing translated documents to ensure timely delivery; performing other duties related to translation and interpretation as required by the project; and staying informed about the political context and challenges in the region that may affect the project. The Interpreter will also be expected to adhere to UNHCR's operational guidelines and financial regulations while ensuring high-quality outputs in their work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in interpretation, literature, or a relevant field. For those with a High School Diploma, a minimum of one year of relevant experience is required. The position demands excellent knowledge of Turkish and fluency in English, with knowledge of any other UN language considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate strong research and analytical thinking skills, effective planning and organizing abilities, and proficiency in stakeholder management. Additionally, interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment are essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in interpretation, literature, or a related field. Candidates with a High School Diploma must have at least one year of relevant experience to qualify for the role. This educational foundation is crucial for ensuring that the Interpreter can effectively manage the complexities of translation and interpretation within the context of international protection processes.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant experience in interpretation and translation, particularly in contexts related to international protection or humanitarian work. For those with a Bachelor's degree, at least one year of relevant experience is expected, while candidates with a High School Diploma must have a minimum of one year of experience in a similar role. This experience should ideally include exposure to UNHCR operations or similar organizations, as well as familiarity with the legal principles surrounding refugee and human rights law.

Languages:
Fluency in Turkish and English is mandatory for this position, as the Interpreter will be responsible for translating and interpreting between these two languages. Knowledge of additional UN languages is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's application, providing an advantage in communication with diverse stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a local entry and mid-level support role, with a target start date of January 1, 202
  • The contract duration and specific terms will be outlined during the recruitment process. It is important to note that recruitment as a UNHCR staff member or engagement under a UNHCR affiliate scheme is contingent upon successful reference checks and integrity clearance. UNHCR does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and only shortlisted candidates will be notified. The recruitment process may include a written test and/or oral interview. External candidates must be legally present in Türkiye at the time of application, recruitment, and hire, and non-Turkish citizens are required to upload their residence permits or relevant documents to be considered for the position.
Apply now
Similar Jobs