Online Volunteer for Forest Restoration Monitoring

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda. Established to promote the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The UNEP Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (UNEP/ROAP) plays a crucial role in implementing global programmes in the region by initiating, coordinating, and catalyzing regional and sub-regional cooperation and action in response to environmental problems and emergencies. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to help countries achieve their environmental goals and sustainable development objectives.

Job Overview:
The position of Online Volunteer is integral to the Sustaining an Abundance of Forest Ecosystems (SAFE) project, specifically supporting Output 2, which focuses on developing local capacity for monitoring forest ecosystems and assessing the impact of restoration activities. The role involves conducting a series of country consultations with various stakeholders, including national-level government officials, restoration site managers, technical staff, and local community representatives. The primary goal is to explore how the Forest Restoration Impact Monitoring Framework (FRIMF) can be adapted to local contexts and needs. The Online Volunteer will facilitate meaningful participation through language interpretation, ensuring that local perspectives and priorities are effectively captured during these consultations. This role is essential for fostering inclusive dialogue and supporting ecosystem restoration efforts for healthy forests.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Online Volunteer will be responsible for providing real-time interpretation between English and Khmer during online consultations related to forest restoration monitoring in Cambodia. Specific duties include: - Delivering live interpretation during one initial consultation of approximately one hour, with the possibility of supporting up to three additional consultations, each lasting between 30 minutes and one hour. - Ensuring that the interpretation is accurate and clear for all consultation participants. - Assisting in clarifying technical terminology related to forest restoration, ecosystem monitoring, and project implementation as needed. - Reviewing background materials, including consultation briefs and presentation materials, provided in advance to prepare for the consultations. - Collaborating with UNEP staff to ensure effective communication and understanding among participants.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for this Online Volunteer position should possess strong language skills, particularly in English and Khmer, with a focus on interpretation. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to accurately convey messages and technical terminology related to environmental topics. Additionally, a background in environmental science, forestry, or a related field is advantageous. Strong communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders are essential for this role. Previous experience in interpretation or translation, particularly in environmental contexts, is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, a background in environmental science, forestry, linguistics, or a related field is preferred. Candidates should have a strong command of both English and Khmer, with formal education or training in language interpretation being beneficial.

Experience:
Candidates should have prior experience in interpretation or translation, particularly in contexts related to environmental issues or community engagement. Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including government officials and local communities, is highly valued. Familiarity with forest restoration and ecosystem monitoring concepts will enhance the candidate's effectiveness in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Khmer is mandatory for this position, as the primary task involves real-time interpretation between these two languages. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region or environmental terminology would be considered a plus, but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This is a remote volunteer position, and the duration of the contract is not specified. The role is part-time, with the potential for multiple consultations depending on project needs. As an Online Volunteer, there may be no financial compensation, but the experience gained will contribute to professional development and networking opportunities within the environmental sector.