Online Volunteer for Interpretation at 2026 UNHCR Global Consultations with NGOs
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is dedicated to protecting individuals who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict or persecution, as well as stateless individuals. Established to safeguard the rights and well-being of these vulnerable populations, UNHCR operates globally, providing international protection and responding to humanitarian emergencies. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including states and civil society, to ensure that those displaced can seek asylum and find safety. The Division of External Relations (DER) within UNHCR plays a crucial role in fostering partnerships with NGOs and civil society organizations, particularly through the NGO and Civil Society Team, which focuses on enhancing engagement and dialogue at a global level. This team is responsible for coordinating the annual UNHCR Global Consultations with NGOs, which serve as a platform for stakeholders to share experiences and develop recommendations on protection issues. The upcoming 2026 Global Consultations will center on the theme of 'Safeguarding the Right to Asylum and Strengthening Protection.'
Job Overview:
The Online Volunteer position involves providing interpretation services during the 2026 UNHCR Global Consultations with NGOs, which will be held online from September 28 to 30, 202
Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Online Volunteer include: attending an assignment briefing to understand the agenda and session details; completing onboarding requirements, including signing a Confidentiality Undertaking and Code of Conduct; participating in a technical test and interpretation rehearsal prior to the event; familiarizing oneself with terminology related to refugee protection, asylum, and civil society engagement; joining assigned sessions early to conduct technical and coordination checks; providing accurate and protection-sensitive interpretation between English and the assigned language during sessions; coordinating with partner interpreters and adhering to agreed handover protocols; promptly addressing any technical or terminology issues that arise during interpretation; and providing feedback after each assigned session to improve future interpretations. The sessions will take place at specific times, and volunteers must be available to interpret during these scheduled sessions.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Online Volunteer position should possess strong language skills in English and their assigned language (French, Spanish, or Arabic). They should have a solid understanding of interpretation practices and be able to provide accurate and impartial interpretation. Familiarity with terminology related to refugee issues, asylum, and civil society engagement is essential. Volunteers should also demonstrate good communication skills, the ability to work under pressure, and a commitment to confidentiality and professionalism. Experience in interpretation or translation, particularly in humanitarian contexts, is highly desirable.
Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, a background in languages, interpretation, translation, or a related field is beneficial. Candidates should have a strong command of both their working languages and an understanding of the context in which they will be interpreting, particularly regarding refugee and asylum issues.
Experience:
The position requires volunteers to have prior experience in interpretation or translation, especially in contexts related to humanitarian work or civil society engagement. Experience working with NGOs or in international settings is advantageous, as it provides a better understanding of the dynamics involved in such consultations.
Languages:
Mandatory languages for this position include English and one of the following: French, Spanish, or Arabic. Proficiency in both languages is essential for effective interpretation. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.
Additional Notes:
This is a remote volunteer position, and the assignment is specifically for the duration of the 2026 UNHCR Global Consultations with NGOs. Volunteers will be expected to commit to the scheduled sessions and may need to participate in preparatory activities leading up to the event. The role is part-time and temporary, focused on the specific dates of the consultations. Volunteers will not receive financial compensation but will gain valuable experience in interpretation and engagement with international humanitarian efforts.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is dedicated to protecting individuals who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict or persecution, as well as stateless individuals. Established to safeguard the rights and well-being of these vulnerable populations, UNHCR operates globally, providing international protection and responding to humanitarian emergencies. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including states and civil society, to ensure that those displaced can seek asylum and find safety. The Division of External Relations (DER) within UNHCR plays a crucial role in fostering partnerships with NGOs and civil society organizations, particularly through the NGO and Civil Society Team, which focuses on enhancing engagement and dialogue at a global level. This team is responsible for coordinating the annual UNHCR Global Consultations with NGOs, which serve as a platform for stakeholders to share experiences and develop recommendations on protection issues. The upcoming 2026 Global Consultations will center on the theme of 'Safeguarding the Right to Asylum and Strengthening Protection.'
Job Overview:
The Online Volunteer position involves providing interpretation services during the 2026 UNHCR Global Consultations with NGOs, which will be held online from September 28 to 30, 202
- The primary goal of this role is to facilitate meaningful participation for attendees communicating in languages other than English, specifically French, Spanish, or Arabic. Volunteers will be assigned a specific language pair and will be responsible for interpreting during various sessions of the event. This role is crucial in ensuring that all participants, regardless of their language, can engage fully in discussions about asylum rights and protection issues. Volunteers will need to prepare by reviewing session materials, participating in technical tests, and familiarizing themselves with relevant terminology related to refugee protection and civil society engagement. The role requires a commitment to providing accurate and impartial interpretation, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with other interpreters.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Online Volunteer include: attending an assignment briefing to understand the agenda and session details; completing onboarding requirements, including signing a Confidentiality Undertaking and Code of Conduct; participating in a technical test and interpretation rehearsal prior to the event; familiarizing oneself with terminology related to refugee protection, asylum, and civil society engagement; joining assigned sessions early to conduct technical and coordination checks; providing accurate and protection-sensitive interpretation between English and the assigned language during sessions; coordinating with partner interpreters and adhering to agreed handover protocols; promptly addressing any technical or terminology issues that arise during interpretation; and providing feedback after each assigned session to improve future interpretations. The sessions will take place at specific times, and volunteers must be available to interpret during these scheduled sessions.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Online Volunteer position should possess strong language skills in English and their assigned language (French, Spanish, or Arabic). They should have a solid understanding of interpretation practices and be able to provide accurate and impartial interpretation. Familiarity with terminology related to refugee issues, asylum, and civil society engagement is essential. Volunteers should also demonstrate good communication skills, the ability to work under pressure, and a commitment to confidentiality and professionalism. Experience in interpretation or translation, particularly in humanitarian contexts, is highly desirable.
Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, a background in languages, interpretation, translation, or a related field is beneficial. Candidates should have a strong command of both their working languages and an understanding of the context in which they will be interpreting, particularly regarding refugee and asylum issues.
Experience:
The position requires volunteers to have prior experience in interpretation or translation, especially in contexts related to humanitarian work or civil society engagement. Experience working with NGOs or in international settings is advantageous, as it provides a better understanding of the dynamics involved in such consultations.
Languages:
Mandatory languages for this position include English and one of the following: French, Spanish, or Arabic. Proficiency in both languages is essential for effective interpretation. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.
Additional Notes:
This is a remote volunteer position, and the assignment is specifically for the duration of the 2026 UNHCR Global Consultations with NGOs. Volunteers will be expected to commit to the scheduled sessions and may need to participate in preparatory activities leading up to the event. The role is part-time and temporary, focused on the specific dates of the consultations. Volunteers will not receive financial compensation but will gain valuable experience in interpretation and engagement with international humanitarian efforts.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.