Organization Mission

Vision — Security for the United Nations, for a better world.
Mission — Enable United Nations system operations through trusted security leadership and solutions.

At UNDSS we work to:

1. Coordinate and advise on safety and security for the UN in the field
2. Support the UN’s peace, humanitarian, development, and human rights operations
3. Analyse threats and risks
4. Advise on physical security and protective services
5. Manage security at major conferences
6. Provide security at UNHQ and offices away from Headquarters
7. Collaborate with NGOs
8. Provide a security decision-making framework

Context

Organizational Setting and Reporting
The United Nations operates in some of the world’s most challenging environments, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where peacekeeping missions expose personnel to chronic stress and frequent critical incidents. The Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) coordinates the safety and security of more than 180,000 UN personnel worldwide, across the UN Secretariat and UN Agencies, Funds, and Programmes.
Within this framework, the Critical Incident Stress Management Section (CISMS) has been mandated by the General Assembly to establish global standards for psychosocial support services for UN personnel and their dependents, including during emergencies. CISMS oversees a network of over 110 UN counsellors in more than 70 countries and works alongside trained External Mental Health Professionals (EMHPs).

Background of the Project
CISMS applies a WHO community-based approach to psychosocial support and critical incident management, focusing on prevention, response, and recovery. Since 2007, the Section has run a certification programme in critical incident stress prevention and management (CISPM), which has strengthened the capacity of both internal UN counsellors and external professionals. Building on this foundation, CISMS continues to invest in capacity development to reinforce the resilience of UN personnel in high-risk duty stations and to enhance psychosocial support systems in host countries. This ongoing effort reflects CISMS’s dual commitment to strengthening internal resources and supporting external partnerships to meet the complex psychosocial demands of peacekeeping and emergency operations.

Context of the Assignment
To support these efforts, the UNDSS Critical Incident Stress Management Section (CISMS) is seeking two Online Volunteers who are fluent in both French and English. Volunteers will review 10 mental health training modules that were originally translated from English into French.
Candidates with a background in mental health training, psychosocial support, or related fields are particularly encouraged to apply. Selected volunteers will collaborate closely with the CISMS team, contribute to ensuring high-quality bilingual training materials, and gain valuable insight into UN mental health and psychosocial support frameworks.
Upon successful completion of the assignment, volunteers will receive:
• Constructive feedback on their contributions,
• A certificate of appreciation, and
• Acknowledgment of their work, where applicable.

Key Responsibilities

Task Description
• Review translated training materials (10 modules) from English to French
• Ensure language accuracy and alignment with mental health terminology
• Copyedit and proofread the provided materials to ensure high quality
• Ensure the text is concise, coherent, and uses consistent terminology
• Collaborate with the CISMS team to ensure materials are effective and professional
• Provide feedback and suggestions to improve the quality of the documents

Required Skills and Experience

Required Experience
• Mental health training at master’s level or higher.
• Familiarity with mental health and psychosocial support training materials
• Strong attention to detail in written text
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Previous experience in translation review or editing preferred
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Languages
• French: Fluent – Required
• English: Fluent – Required

Expected Results of the Assignment
• High-Quality Bilingual Training Materials
Reviewed modules will meet professional standards in both English and French, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and consistency in mental health terminology.
• Improved Accessibility and Usability
The materials will be linguistically and culturally adapted to meet the needs of diverse UN personnel, fostering better comprehension and stronger engagement across language groups.
• Enhanced Mental Health Support Tools
Refined content will strengthen psychosocial support interventions, directly contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health & Well-being.
• Operational Readiness for Deployment
Finalized modules will be fully prepared for integration into UNDSS training programs, supporting resilience and preparedness among UN staff in critical incident contexts.
Benefits for Online Volunteers
• Professional Development and Recognition
Volunteers will receive a certificate of appreciation and formal acknowledgment of their contributions, strengthening their professional portfolio and credibility in the field.
• Exposure to UN Mental Health Frameworks
Collaboration with the UNDSS CISMS team offers volunteers firsthand insight into UN psychosocial support strategies and operational standards.
• Skill Enhancement in Translation and Editing
Volunteers will sharpen their bilingual editing, proofreading, and terminology alignment skills within a specialized mental health context.
• Collaborative Experience in a Multilateral Setting
Working within a UN framework fosters cross-cultural communication and teamwork, while reinforcing the values of inclusivity and global cooperation.
• Meaningful Contribution to a Global Cause
Volunteers play a direct role in strengthening mental health resources for humanitarian personnel, contributing to a mission with lasting global impact.