Organization Mission

The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org).

Context

Since the outbreak of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, over 2 million people have crossed the Republic of Moldova. While most of them continue their journey to the EU, over 140,000 refugees have chosen to stay in the country –the vast majority of whom are female, children, and older persons.

As a response to the refugee situation, UNHCR has re-established its presence by opening a country office in Chisinau. Working closely together with the Government of the Republic of Moldova local authorities, other UN agencies, civil society and private sector, the refugee response, under the Refugee Coordination Forum, takes a multi-sectoral approach ensuring the protection and wellbeing of refugees in the country.

Key Responsibilities

UNHCR Moldova is seeking the support of an Online Volunteer to assist with the translation and proofreading of various communication materials from English to Romanian. While the working language of UNHCR Moldova is English, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in our communications is essential—particularly when engaging with local NGO partners and the broader Moldovan population through awareness-raising and information-sharing efforts.

The Online Volunteer will be responsible for the following tasks:
• Translating documents from English to Romanian, and occasionally from Romanian to English.
• Proofreading Romanian-language materials, translated internally.
• Ensuring consistency in terminology and style across all translated documents.

The volunteer will receive materials for translation or proofreading via email on a weekly basis. The average workload is approximately two-four pages (250-300 words) per week, though this may vary slightly. Delivery timelines will be agreed upon in advance to ensure flexibility and manageability.
Upon onboarding, the Online Volunteer will receive a briefing on UNHCR Moldova’s work, the specific areas the person will be supporting, and access to relevant resources to facilitate their tasks.

Required Skills and Experience

We are looking for an Online Volunteer with Professional experience in translation with a degree in translation, interpretation or similar field. Strong command of both English and Romanian, including grammar, spelling, and style. Demonstrated ability to translate and proofread a variety of communication materials with accuracy, clarity, and cultural sensitivity. Ability to meet agreed deadlines and work independently with minimal supervision.

Familiarity with humanitarian or refugee-related terminology is an asset. Open to learn and support people forced to flee.