Interpretation of 2026 UNHCR Global Consultations with NGOs (English/Arabic)

Host entity: UNHCR

Application deadline: 24/09/2026

Mission and objectives

Created in 1950, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced persons and stateless people. UNHCR’s primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of people who have been forced to flee.

Organizations led by displaced and stateless persons, including Refugee-led and Community-based Organizations (e.g., organizations led by IDPs, women, persons with disabilities and youth) are often the first responders in humanitarian emergencies and can access areas to which UNHCR and partners have no or limited access. They also often have a profound understanding of the issues and capacities of people UNHCR serves, which allows them to effectively respond to their needs. One of UNHCR’s priorities is to strengthen and increase our engagement with these actors.

Assignment context

UNHCR and the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA) are co-organizing the 2026 UNHCR Global Consultations with NGOs, which will take place online from 28 to 30 September 2026. The Consultations will focus on “Safeguarding the Right to Asylum and Strengthening Protection.” The event will bring together non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, organizations led by refugees, forcibly displaced and stateless persons, civil society networks, UNHCR and other stakeholders. Interpretation will support participation in the opening plenary, methodology and orientation session, thematic discussions and closing plenary.

Task description

Online Volunteers will support interpretation during the 2026 Global Consultations with NGOs, helping ensure that participants communicating in French, Spanish or Arabic can participate meaningfully alongside English-speaking participants. Each Online Volunteer will be assigned a specific language pair (English–French, English–Spanish or English–Arabic) and one or more online event sessions.

Under the supervision of the Assignment Supervisor, volunteers will:
- Attend an assignment briefing and review the agenda, session information, glossary and other relevant non-confidential materials.
- Complete the required onboarding, including signing the applicable Confidentiality Undertaking and Code of Conduct.
- Participate in a technical test and interpretation rehearsal before the event.
- Familiarize themselves with terminology related to refugee protection, asylum, statelessness, forced displacement and civil society engagement.
- Join assigned sessions in advance to complete technical and coordination checks.
- Provide accurate, impartial and protection-sensitive interpretation between English and their assigned language during the sessions.
- Coordinate with their assigned partner interpreter and follow agreed handover arrangements.
- Promptly flag any technical, connectivity, audibility or terminology issues that may affect interpretation.
- Provide brief feedback following assigned sessions.

Date and time of sessions where interpretation is needed (Geneva Time, Central European Summer Time UTC+2)
- Session 1: Monday 28 September, 10:00-12:00
- Session 2: Monday 28 September, 14:00-18:45
- Session 3: Tuesday 29 September, 10:00-12:00
- Session 4: Tuesday 29 September, 14:00-18:45
- Session 5: Wednesday, 30 September, 14:00-17:00

Through this assignment, Online Volunteers will help reduce language barriers and support the meaningful participation of NGOs, civil society organizations, and organizations led by refugees, forcibly displaced and stateless persons in the Global Consultations. Their contribution will help participants exchange experiences, identify priorities and develop recommendations to strengthen protection and safeguard the right to seek asylum.

The application deadline for this assignment is 15 September 2026 (Tuesday), at midnight CEST.

Skills and experience

Candidates should be fluent in English and Arabic. Familiarity with technical terms related to refugees, civil society, and international organizations will be considered an advantage. Previous interpretation and translation experience is considered an asset.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.