Online Volunteer Interpreter
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. UNHCR operates globally, focusing on safeguarding the rights and well-being of those who have been forced to flee their homes. The organization emphasizes the importance of engaging with organizations led by displaced and stateless persons, recognizing their critical role as first responders in humanitarian emergencies. UNHCR aims to strengthen its collaboration with these actors to effectively address the needs of the populations it serves.
Job Overview:
The position of Online Volunteer Interpreter is crucial for facilitating communication during the 2026 UNHCR Global Consultations with NGOs, which will occur online from September 28 to 30, 202
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Online Volunteer Interpreter will have several key responsibilities, including: attending a briefing to review the agenda and relevant materials, completing onboarding procedures such as signing a Confidentiality Undertaking and Code of Conduct, participating in a technical test and interpretation rehearsal, familiarizing themselves with terminology related to refugee protection and civil society engagement, joining assigned sessions early for technical checks, providing accurate and impartial interpretation between English and their assigned language, coordinating with partner interpreters, flagging any issues that may affect interpretation, and providing feedback after each session. The sessions will take place at specific times, and interpreters must be available for all assigned sessions to ensure seamless communication.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Online Volunteer Interpreter position should possess strong language skills in their assigned language pair, with a deep understanding of the nuances and cultural contexts of both languages. They should demonstrate proficiency in interpretation techniques and have a solid grasp of terminology related to refugee issues, asylum, and civil society. Additionally, candidates should exhibit strong communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively with others, and a commitment to impartiality and confidentiality in their work.
Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, a background in languages, interpretation, translation, or a related field is highly desirable. Candidates should ideally have formal training or experience in interpretation, particularly in contexts related to humanitarian work or international relations.
Experience:
The position requires candidates to have prior experience in interpretation, particularly in online settings. Experience working with NGOs, civil society organizations, or in contexts related to refugee protection and asylum is advantageous. Familiarity with the challenges faced by displaced persons and the ability to navigate sensitive topics with care and professionalism are also important.
Languages:
Mandatory languages for this position include English and one of the following: French, Spanish, or Arabic. Proficiency in both languages of the assigned pair is essential for effective interpretation. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.
Additional Notes:
This is a volunteer position, and the work will be conducted remotely. The assignment is specifically for the duration of the 2026 UNHCR Global Consultations, with sessions scheduled across three days. Volunteers must be available for all assigned sessions and should be prepared to engage in a collaborative environment with other interpreters and stakeholders. The role is part-time and temporary, focusing on the specific event dates.
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. UNHCR operates globally, focusing on safeguarding the rights and well-being of those who have been forced to flee their homes. The organization emphasizes the importance of engaging with organizations led by displaced and stateless persons, recognizing their critical role as first responders in humanitarian emergencies. UNHCR aims to strengthen its collaboration with these actors to effectively address the needs of the populations it serves.
Job Overview:
The position of Online Volunteer Interpreter is crucial for facilitating communication during the 2026 UNHCR Global Consultations with NGOs, which will occur online from September 28 to 30, 202
- The consultations will focus on 'Safeguarding the Right to Asylum and Strengthening Protection,' bringing together various stakeholders, including NGOs, civil society organizations, and organizations led by refugees. The interpreters will ensure that participants who communicate in French, Spanish, or Arabic can engage meaningfully alongside English-speaking attendees. Each volunteer will be assigned a specific language pair and will participate in multiple online event sessions, contributing to the overall success of the consultations by reducing language barriers and enhancing participation.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Online Volunteer Interpreter will have several key responsibilities, including: attending a briefing to review the agenda and relevant materials, completing onboarding procedures such as signing a Confidentiality Undertaking and Code of Conduct, participating in a technical test and interpretation rehearsal, familiarizing themselves with terminology related to refugee protection and civil society engagement, joining assigned sessions early for technical checks, providing accurate and impartial interpretation between English and their assigned language, coordinating with partner interpreters, flagging any issues that may affect interpretation, and providing feedback after each session. The sessions will take place at specific times, and interpreters must be available for all assigned sessions to ensure seamless communication.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Online Volunteer Interpreter position should possess strong language skills in their assigned language pair, with a deep understanding of the nuances and cultural contexts of both languages. They should demonstrate proficiency in interpretation techniques and have a solid grasp of terminology related to refugee issues, asylum, and civil society. Additionally, candidates should exhibit strong communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively with others, and a commitment to impartiality and confidentiality in their work.
Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, a background in languages, interpretation, translation, or a related field is highly desirable. Candidates should ideally have formal training or experience in interpretation, particularly in contexts related to humanitarian work or international relations.
Experience:
The position requires candidates to have prior experience in interpretation, particularly in online settings. Experience working with NGOs, civil society organizations, or in contexts related to refugee protection and asylum is advantageous. Familiarity with the challenges faced by displaced persons and the ability to navigate sensitive topics with care and professionalism are also important.
Languages:
Mandatory languages for this position include English and one of the following: French, Spanish, or Arabic. Proficiency in both languages of the assigned pair is essential for effective interpretation. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.
Additional Notes:
This is a volunteer position, and the work will be conducted remotely. The assignment is specifically for the duration of the 2026 UNHCR Global Consultations, with sessions scheduled across three days. Volunteers must be available for all assigned sessions and should be prepared to engage in a collaborative environment with other interpreters and stakeholders. The role is part-time and temporary, focusing on the specific event dates.
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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.