Online Volunteer for Interpretation
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established in 1950 with the mission to save lives, protect rights, and build a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced persons, and stateless individuals. The organization operates globally, focusing on safeguarding the rights and well-being of those who have been forced to flee their homes. UNHCR collaborates with various organizations, particularly those led by displaced and stateless persons, to enhance humanitarian responses and ensure effective engagement with communities that are often the first responders in emergencies. UNHCR aims to strengthen its partnerships with these organizations to better address the needs of the populations it serves.
Job Overview:
The position of Online Volunteer for Interpretation is crucial for the successful execution of the 2026 UNHCR Global Consultations with NGOs, which will be held online from 28 to 30 September 202
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Online Volunteers will have a range of responsibilities, including: attending an assignment briefing to understand the agenda and session details; completing onboarding requirements such as signing confidentiality agreements; participating in technical tests and interpretation rehearsals; familiarizing themselves with relevant terminology related to refugee protection and civil society engagement; joining assigned sessions early to conduct technical checks; providing accurate and impartial interpretation between English and their assigned language during the sessions; coordinating with partner interpreters and adhering to handover protocols; promptly addressing any technical or terminology issues that arise; and providing feedback after each session to improve future interpretations. The sessions will take place at specific times, and volunteers must be available to fulfill their roles during these periods.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this position must possess strong language skills in their assigned language pair, with a high level of proficiency in both English and the target language (French, Spanish, or Arabic). They should have a good understanding of the context of refugee protection and the humanitarian sector. Additionally, volunteers should demonstrate excellent communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively with others, and a commitment to impartiality and confidentiality in their work. Familiarity with remote interpretation tools and platforms is also beneficial, as is prior experience in interpretation or translation roles, particularly in humanitarian contexts.
Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications may not be strictly required, a background in languages, interpretation, translation, international relations, or a related field is advantageous. Candidates should ideally have formal training or certification in interpretation or translation, particularly in a humanitarian or non-profit context, to ensure they are well-prepared for the demands of the role.
Experience:
Volunteers are expected to have some level of experience in interpretation or translation, particularly in settings that involve humanitarian work or engagement with NGOs. Experience working with diverse groups and understanding the challenges faced by refugees and displaced persons will be highly valued. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and be able to adapt to the dynamic nature of online events.
Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, along with fluency in one of the following languages: French, Spanish, or Arabic. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required for this specific role.
Additional Notes:
This is a volunteer position for the duration of the 2026 UNHCR Global Consultations with NGOs, which will take place online. The role is part-time and requires availability during specific session times. Volunteers will be expected to commit to the entire duration of the event and participate in preparatory activities leading up to the consultations. This opportunity allows individuals to contribute to meaningful discussions on refugee rights and protection while gaining valuable experience in interpretation within an international context.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established in 1950 with the mission to save lives, protect rights, and build a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced persons, and stateless individuals. The organization operates globally, focusing on safeguarding the rights and well-being of those who have been forced to flee their homes. UNHCR collaborates with various organizations, particularly those led by displaced and stateless persons, to enhance humanitarian responses and ensure effective engagement with communities that are often the first responders in emergencies. UNHCR aims to strengthen its partnerships with these organizations to better address the needs of the populations it serves.
Job Overview:
The position of Online Volunteer for Interpretation is crucial for the successful execution of the 2026 UNHCR Global Consultations with NGOs, which will be held online from 28 to 30 September 202
- This role involves providing interpretation services to facilitate communication among participants who speak different languages, specifically English, French, Spanish, and Arabic. Volunteers will be assigned to specific language pairs and will play a vital role in ensuring that all participants can engage meaningfully in discussions about safeguarding the right to asylum and strengthening protection for refugees and displaced persons. The role requires volunteers to prepare thoroughly for the event, including attending briefings, completing onboarding processes, and participating in technical tests and rehearsals to ensure high-quality interpretation during the sessions.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Online Volunteers will have a range of responsibilities, including: attending an assignment briefing to understand the agenda and session details; completing onboarding requirements such as signing confidentiality agreements; participating in technical tests and interpretation rehearsals; familiarizing themselves with relevant terminology related to refugee protection and civil society engagement; joining assigned sessions early to conduct technical checks; providing accurate and impartial interpretation between English and their assigned language during the sessions; coordinating with partner interpreters and adhering to handover protocols; promptly addressing any technical or terminology issues that arise; and providing feedback after each session to improve future interpretations. The sessions will take place at specific times, and volunteers must be available to fulfill their roles during these periods.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this position must possess strong language skills in their assigned language pair, with a high level of proficiency in both English and the target language (French, Spanish, or Arabic). They should have a good understanding of the context of refugee protection and the humanitarian sector. Additionally, volunteers should demonstrate excellent communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively with others, and a commitment to impartiality and confidentiality in their work. Familiarity with remote interpretation tools and platforms is also beneficial, as is prior experience in interpretation or translation roles, particularly in humanitarian contexts.
Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications may not be strictly required, a background in languages, interpretation, translation, international relations, or a related field is advantageous. Candidates should ideally have formal training or certification in interpretation or translation, particularly in a humanitarian or non-profit context, to ensure they are well-prepared for the demands of the role.
Experience:
Volunteers are expected to have some level of experience in interpretation or translation, particularly in settings that involve humanitarian work or engagement with NGOs. Experience working with diverse groups and understanding the challenges faced by refugees and displaced persons will be highly valued. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and be able to adapt to the dynamic nature of online events.
Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, along with fluency in one of the following languages: French, Spanish, or Arabic. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required for this specific role.
Additional Notes:
This is a volunteer position for the duration of the 2026 UNHCR Global Consultations with NGOs, which will take place online. The role is part-time and requires availability during specific session times. Volunteers will be expected to commit to the entire duration of the event and participate in preparatory activities leading up to the consultations. This opportunity allows individuals to contribute to meaningful discussions on refugee rights and protection while gaining valuable experience in interpretation within an international context.
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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.