Organization Mission

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a United Nations agency mandated to aid and protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people, and to assist in their voluntary repatriation, local integration or resettlement to a third country.

Context

As part of this effort, the three Innovation Funds – Digital, Data, and Environment & Climate Action – are internal opportunities for UNHCR staff to apply for funding and support to develop innovative solutions within their operations. These funds are designed to empower colleagues to pilot and scale new approaches that respond to operational challenges and improve protection outcomes.

Within the context of the September/October 2025 launch, we are preparing a range of communications materials to promote the Funds internally and ensure accessibility for Arabic-speaking staff. Support is needed before, during, and while applications are open, to translate and adapt communications outputs that clearly convey the purpose, process, and benefits of the Innovation Funds.

Key Responsibilities

Translate written documents, communications materials, social media graphics, and other communications outputs related to humanitarian innovation between Arabic and English, in support of the launch and promotion of the UNHCR Innovation Funds: Digital, Data, and Environment & Climate Action.

We are seeking one Online UN Volunteer to support the translation and proofreading of communications materials related to the launch of the three internal Innovation Funds. The volunteer will:
Proofread Arabic-translated content to ensure clarity and accuracy. This includes:

Written documents (FAQs, guidelines, forms etc.)

Emails and internal communications products

Promotional materials

Translate from English to Arabic, including:

Communications materials and internal guidance

Social media graphics and digital content for internal platforms

Questions or materials submitted by staff

Submission forms (e.g. proposal submission forms)

Provide Arabic-English interpretation for internal online meetings, if required.

Review of full proposals originally submitted in Arabic that have been translated online, ensuring the translations are accurate and maintain the original meaning and nuance. This review would be carried out over 2 weeks (approx. 8 hours total).

Required Skills and Experience

Required Experience

Fluency in Arabic (Modern Standard Arabic) and English

Previous experience in translation and/or interpretation

Familiarity with humanitarian contexts, particularly in digital, data, or climate innovation, is a strong asset

Languages

Arabic – Level: Fluent (Required)

English – Level: Fluent (Required