Interpretation of 2026 UNHCR Global Consultations with NGOs (English/Spanish)
Organizational Context
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is mandated to protect people forced to flee and stateless individuals, safeguarding their rights and well-being. UNHCR works with states and partners to find solutions to forced displacement and statelessness, providing international protection and responding to humanitarian emergencies. The Division of External Relations supports engagement with partners, with the NGO and Civil Society Team strengthening partnerships with NGOs and civil society organizations, including those led by refugees.
Job Purpose
This role supports the 2026 UNHCR Global Consultations with NGOs, co-organized with ICVA, focusing on "Safeguarding the Right to Asylum and Strengthening Protection." The online event aims to bring together various stakeholders, including NGOs, civil society, and refugee-led organizations, to exchange experiences and develop recommendations. The interpreter's primary purpose is to facilitate meaningful participation by ensuring effective communication between English-speaking participants and those communicating in Spanish, thereby reducing language barriers and contributing to the overall success of the consultations in advancing protection and asylum rights.
Responsibilities
Provide accurate, impartial, and protection-sensitive real-time interpretation between English and Spanish during the 2026 UNHCR Global Consultations with NGOs. This includes interpretation for the opening plenary, methodology and orientation sessions, thematic discussions, and the closing plenary. Volunteers will attend briefings, review relevant materials, complete onboarding, and participate in technical tests and rehearsals. They must familiarize themselves with terminology related to refugee protection, asylum, statelessness, forced displacement, and civil society engagement. Responsibilities also include coordinating with partner interpreters, managing handovers, promptly flagging technical or terminology issues, and providing brief feedback post-session. The role aims to ensure all participants can engage meaningfully, fostering the exchange of experiences and development of recommendations.
Work Experience
Candidates should be fluent in English and Spanish. Familiarity with technical terms related to refugees, civil society, and international organizations is considered an advantage. Previous interpretation and translation experience is also considered an asset.
Skills
Fluency in English and Spanish is essential. The role requires the ability to provide accurate, impartial, and protection-sensitive interpretation. Familiarity with terminology related to refugee protection, asylum, statelessness, forced displacement, and civil society engagement is advantageous. Strong communication and coordination skills are necessary, along with the ability to adapt to online event platforms and technical requirements.