Online Volunteer - Proofreader/Editor

Job Posting Organization:
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights, and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. Established to address the needs of those who have been forcibly displaced, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries worldwide, utilizing its expertise to protect and care for millions of individuals. The organization has a significant presence in the Multi-Country Office (MCO) for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, which is based in Almaty. This office provides overall coordination and strategic oversight of UNHCR operations through National Offices located in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. As a non-resident agency, UNHCR maintains a small presence in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and implements projects in Turkmenistan through partnerships with NGOs. Across these four countries, UNHCR collaborates with various partners to implement programs that uphold the basic human rights of individuals who have been forced to flee and those who are stateless. The organization works closely with governments to improve laws and national systems, ensuring that those in need can stay safe, obtain necessary documentation, access education, work, and exercise their rights. UNHCR's focus in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan includes strengthening local ownership and investment in quality asylum systems, pursuing local integration opportunities for refugees, eradicating statelessness, and collaborating with partners on emergency preparedness and response initiatives. Additionally, UNHCR contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSCDF) at the respective country levels in the sub-region, ensuring that refugees, asylum-seekers, and stateless individuals are not left behind in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Engagement with local authorities and communities ranges from promoting the rule of law to enhancing access to and transparency in administration, justice, and human capital development.

Job Overview:
The online volunteer position involves proofreading and editing a machine-translated Russian version of the recently issued International Protection Considerations for Syrians. The original document, which is approximately 90 pages long, is available in English. The primary focus of this assignment is to ensure that the Russian version is accurate, consistent, and aligned with the terminology and standards used in international protection and UNHCR documentation. Given that the text has been machine-translated, the volunteer will need to pay particular attention to correcting any linguistic inaccuracies, improving the overall readability of the text, and ensuring that legal and protection-related terminology is rendered correctly. The final output should be a polished Russian-language version that is suitable for professional and institutional use, reflecting the high standards expected in UNHCR documentation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main duties and responsibilities of the online volunteer include:

• Proofreading the machine-translated Russian version of the International Protection Considerations for Syrians to ensure accuracy and consistency with the original English document.
• Editing the text to correct any linguistic inaccuracies and improve readability, ensuring that the language used is clear and professional.
• Ensuring that legal and protection-related terminology is correctly rendered in the Russian version, in line with UNHCR standards.
• Collaborating with UNHCR staff to clarify any ambiguities or uncertainties in the text.
• Providing feedback on the translation process and suggesting improvements for future translations.
• Completing the proofreading and editing tasks within the specified timeframe, ensuring that the final output meets the quality standards required for institutional use.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for this position should possess the following qualifications:

• Strong proficiency in both Russian and English, with a deep understanding of legal and protection-related terminology.
• Experience in proofreading and editing documents, particularly in the context of legal or humanitarian texts.
• Familiarity with UNHCR documentation and international protection standards is highly desirable.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to work independently while meeting deadlines.
• Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with UNHCR staff and provide feedback on the translation process.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a background in linguistics, translation, law, international relations, or a related field. A degree or equivalent qualification in one of these areas is preferred, as it will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of legal and protection-related terminology.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have prior experience in proofreading and editing, particularly in the context of legal or humanitarian documents. Experience working with international organizations or in the field of refugee protection is an advantage, as it will enhance the candidate's understanding of the subject matter and the specific terminology used in UNHCR documentation.

Languages:
Proficiency in Russian is mandatory, as the primary task involves editing a Russian-language document. Strong English language skills are also required to ensure accurate understanding of the original English text. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the region, would be considered a plus but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This is a volunteer position, and as such, it may not offer financial compensation. The duration of the assignment is not specified, but the volunteer is expected to complete the proofreading and editing tasks within a reasonable timeframe. The position is remote, allowing candidates from various locations to apply. The role is suitable for individuals seeking to gain experience in the field of international protection and humanitarian work.