Online Volunteers for Translation

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the UNHCR, established on December 14, 1950, by the UN General Assembly, is dedicated to leading and coordinating international efforts to protect refugees and resolve refugee-related issues globally. The agency's primary mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state. The UNHCR also facilitates voluntary return, local integration, or resettlement in a third country. The organization operates in 23 countries across West and Central Africa, including nations such as Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and others, with a regional office based in Dakar, Senegal. The UNHCR is committed to addressing immediate humanitarian needs while contributing to long-term development and resilience in the region, particularly in response to ongoing crises such as those in the Sahel and the Central African Republic.

Job Overview:
The UNHCR is seeking three online volunteers to assist in translating a comprehensive guide on Localization from English to French. This guide, which spans 33 pages with an additional 9 pages of annexes, is crucial for enhancing the operational capabilities of UNHCR teams in French-speaking countries within the West and Central Africa region. The volunteers will be responsible for translating specific sections of the document, ensuring that the translation is accurate, concise, and adheres to the communication guidelines set by the UNHCR. The target audience for this guide includes UNHCR colleagues and partners who are engaged in localization efforts, making the accuracy and clarity of the translation vital for effective communication and implementation of the guidelines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The selected online volunteers will undertake the following duties:

• Translate the 33-page document and its 9-page annex into French, ensuring that all text, including words in graphics, is accurately translated.
• Each volunteer will be assigned approximately 10 pages of the main document and 3 pages of the annexes to translate.
• Maintain the original format and layout of the document throughout the translation process.
• Ensure that the translation aligns with UNHCR's communication guidelines and is tailored to the intended audience, which includes UNHCR staff and partners in French-speaking regions.
• Collaborate with other volunteers to ensure consistency in terminology and style across the translated sections.
• Participate in discussions to clarify any doubts regarding the target audience and communication directives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong proficiency in both English and French, with a demonstrated ability to translate complex documents accurately. Familiarity with UNHCR's mission and terminology related to refugee protection and localization is highly desirable. Volunteers should also have excellent attention to detail and the ability to work independently while adhering to deadlines. Previous experience in translation, particularly in humanitarian or development contexts, will be an advantage.

Educational Background:
A background in translation, linguistics, international relations, or a related field is preferred. Candidates should have formal training or certification in translation or interpretation, particularly between English and French. Knowledge of UNHCR's work and the context of refugee issues will be beneficial.

Experience:
While specific years of experience are not mandated, candidates should have a proven track record of translation work, ideally within humanitarian or development sectors. Experience working with international organizations or NGOs will be considered an asset, as will familiarity with localization practices and guidelines.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills relevant to the West and Central African region may be considered a plus, enhancing the ability to communicate with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is voluntary and does not offer financial compensation. The contract duration is not specified, but the work is expected to be completed within a set timeframe aligned with the project needs. The role is suitable for individuals looking to gain experience in translation within an international organization and contribute to humanitarian efforts. The work can be conducted remotely, allowing for flexibility in scheduling.