UN Volunteer Translator and Interpreter

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a global organization established on July 22, 1993, with a mission to protect people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, providing life-saving assistance, safeguarding fundamental human rights, and helping displaced individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. In Bulgaria, UNHCR assists authorities and civil society organizations in the protection of refugees and supports the development of the national protection system within the European asylum framework. The organization has a historical commitment to refugee protection, dating back to the ratification of the 1951 Geneva Convention and the New York Protocol in 196

• UNHCR has played a crucial role in responding to the influx of refugees from Ukraine and continues to support asylum seekers from various conflict-affected regions, promoting alignment of national policies with international standards.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer Translator and Interpreter position is designed to enhance UNHCR's communication and community engagement efforts. The role involves providing accurate and culturally appropriate translations and proofreading of various texts from English into Ukrainian and Arabic. The volunteer will be responsible for translating social media posts, FAQs, posters, handouts, and learning materials for the UNHCR HELP page. The expected workload includes translating four social media posts and one Help Page post weekly, proofreading four posts weekly, and assisting with live correspondence and real-time interpretation for beneficiaries. The position requires adaptability to cultural sensitivities and maintaining confidentiality while following UNHCR's communication guidelines. The tasks will be assigned based on need from April 2026 until June 2026, with specific deadlines for short and longer translations agreed upon mutually.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the UN Volunteer Translator and Interpreter include: translating a variety of materials from English into Ukrainian or Arabic, including social media posts, FAQs, posters, handouts, and learning materials; proofreading and editing existing translations to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency; assisting with live correspondence and real-time interpretation for beneficiaries contacting UNHCR; adapting translations to be culturally sensitive and appropriate for the target audience; maintaining confidentiality and adhering to UNHCR's communication guidelines; and managing a workload that includes four social media posts and one Help Page post per week, along with proofreading four posts weekly and providing interpretation for two beneficiaries per week. The role requires flexibility in meeting deadlines and availability for interpretation on short notice.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the UN Volunteer Translator and Interpreter position must possess strong language skills in English, Ukrainian, and Arabic, with a proven ability to translate and proofread texts accurately. Familiarity with UNHCR's communication guidelines and a commitment to confidentiality are essential. The ideal candidate should demonstrate cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the refugee context in Bulgaria and the broader European region. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders are also required. Experience in translation and interpretation, particularly in humanitarian contexts, is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in translation, linguistics, international relations, or a related field is preferred for the UN Volunteer Translator and Interpreter position. Candidates should have formal training in translation and interpretation, with a focus on humanitarian or social issues being an advantage. Relevant certifications in translation or interpretation may also be beneficial.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have prior experience in translation and interpretation, particularly in a humanitarian or refugee context. Experience working with international organizations, NGOs, or governmental agencies involved in refugee protection or community engagement is highly valued. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of providing accurate translations and effective communication in high-pressure situations.

Languages:
Mandatory languages for this position include English, Ukrainian, and Arabic. Proficiency in these languages is essential for performing the translation and interpretation tasks effectively. Additional languages relevant to the refugee context in Bulgaria may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a diverse population of beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
The UN Volunteer Translator and Interpreter position is a temporary role with a contract duration from April 2026 until June 202

• The position is part-time, with specific tasks assigned based on need. The role requires flexibility in working hours, particularly for interpretation tasks that may require availability on short notice. Compensation details and benefits will be provided upon selection, and the position is open to both national and international candidates.