Volunteer Translator for Sustainable Energy Academy

Volunteer Translator for Sustainable Energy Academy

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

April 12, 2026May 27, 2026United States
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The UNDP Sustainable Energy Hub is a collaborative network that partners with countries to transform their energy systems through an integrated approach that emphasizes policy, technology, and financial shifts necessary for sustainable economic development. Established to support the global transition to net-zero, the Hub aims to ensure that 500 million additional people gain access to sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy by 202
  • The organization operates with a core principle of inclusivity, ensuring that no one is left behind in the energy transition. The Hub is a response to the challenges posed by the current geopolitical context and aims to accelerate the transformation of energy systems while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. UNDP's 2022-2025 Strategic Plan places sustainable energy at the forefront of its mission, with a commitment to mobilizing partners and catalyzing action to provide energy access to the world's poorest communities. The Sustainable Energy Hub seeks to foster impactful partnerships that facilitate a new way of thinking about energy, advocating for an integrated approach that includes all stakeholders in the design process.

Job Overview:
The position involves volunteering to support the Sustainable Energy Academy (SEA), a global digital learning platform developed by UNDP. The SEA aims to strengthen national capacities and foster a global community of energy experts and practitioners by linking energy planning and policy with critical areas such as water management, food resilience, finance, health, employment, social protection, climate security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and gender equality. The Academy consists of nine learning modules that incorporate lessons, data visualizations, infographics, interactive tools, videos, and AI-powered knowledge graphs. Volunteers will play a crucial role in the finalization of the Academy for public release by reviewing completed translations of lesson texts from English into various target languages, ensuring that the content is accurate and effectively communicates the intended messages.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Volunteers will be tasked with reviewing translations of lesson text files for the Sustainable Energy Academy. Their responsibilities will include ensuring consistency in terminology across all modules, identifying overall patterns and inconsistencies in the translations, and flagging any translation or technical issues that require clarification. The SEA comprises approximately 500 pages of text, and while volunteers will not be expected to conduct a word-by-word review, they will need to focus on the accuracy of key terms and concepts. This role is essential for ensuring that the learning materials are accessible and effectively convey the intended messages to a diverse audience.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess strong language skills in both the source language (English) and the target language (Spanish, French, Arabic, Russian, Chinese, or Portuguese). They should have a good understanding of the subject matter related to sustainable energy and development, as well as experience in translation or language review. Attention to detail and the ability to identify inconsistencies in terminology are crucial for this role. Volunteers should also demonstrate a commitment to the mission of UNDP and the Sustainable Energy Hub, as well as a willingness to collaborate with a diverse team of experts and practitioners.

Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, a background in languages, translation, international development, environmental studies, or related fields would be beneficial. Candidates should have a solid understanding of the principles of sustainable development and energy systems, as well as familiarity with the relevant terminology in both the source and target languages.

Experience:
Previous experience in translation, particularly in the context of educational materials or sustainable development, is highly desirable. Volunteers should have a proven track record of working with language review or editing, and experience in collaborating with international organizations or NGOs would be an asset. Familiarity with the Sustainable Development Goals and the energy sector will enhance the candidate's ability to contribute effectively to the project.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the source language for the translations. Proficiency in one of the target languages (Spanish, French, Arabic, Russian, Chinese, or Portuguese) is also required. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they relate to the languages of the target audience for the SEA.

Additional Notes:
This is a volunteer position, and as such, it may not offer financial compensation. The role is remote, allowing volunteers to contribute from anywhere in the world. The duration of the contract is not specified, but volunteers should be prepared to commit to the review process until the SEA is finalized for public release. This position is suitable for individuals seeking to gain experience in international development, translation, and sustainable energy initiatives.
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