Interpreter/Translator

Volunteering Legal Interpretation & Translation Crisis & Emergency Response

Overview

Provide interpretation and translation within WHO's Health Security Project.

You have:

• Experience in English–Turkish translation and/or interpretation, preferably in technical, administrative, or public-health-related fields.
• Proven experience providing simultaneous and consecutive interpretation at meetings, workshops, or conferences, including with government institutions, international organizations, or donor-funded projects.
• Demonstrated experience translating technical and administrative documents, reports, and communication materials, preferably within UN, WHO, EU, or similar institutional contexts.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and Turkish; ability to convey complex technical information accurately and fluently.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with government partners, national institutions, and international colleagues in a multicultural environment.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and familiarity with translation software and document-management systems.
• Demonstrated commitment to public health, humanitarian principles, and the values of volunteerism within the United Nations system.
• Prior experience with UN agencies or international organizations is desirable.

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

This UNV assignment is part of WHO’s flagship projects namely the “Health Security in Türkiye” Project. The Health Security Project aims to strengthen Health Security in Türkiye, through integrated preparedness and response to epidemic threats of all origins in line with international standards.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Project Coordinator of the Health Security Project, or his/her designated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Interpreter/Translator will perform the following duties:

• Provide high-quality consecutive and simultaneous interpretation (English ↔ Turkish) during meetings, workshops, trainings, field visits, and conferences organized under the Health Security Project and other WHO activities. • Translate official correspondence, reports, technical guidelines, visibility materials, presentations, press releases, and other written documents from English to Turkish and vice versa, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and adherence to WHO terminology and style standards. • Ensure linguistic consistency and proper use of technical terminology in all project-related materials, particularly those related to public health, health emergencies, and donor reporting (EU, CFCU, WHO). • Support the editing and proofreading of bilingual reports and communication materials to ensure linguistic and stylistic quality. • Assist WHO and Ministry of Health staff during missions, high-level meetings, and field visits by providing on-the-spot interpretation and document translation as needed. • Maintain and regularly update a glossary of technical and project-specific terms used in the Health Security Project. • Liaise closely with WHO technical teams, translators, and communication focal points to ensure timely delivery of translations and consistency across all project outputs. • Provide logistical and administrative support related to interpretation and translation activities, including preparation of meeting documentation, participant lists, and minutes when required. • Perform other relevant duties as may be assigned by the supervisor to support the effective implementation of the project.

• Communication • Teamwork • Overall attitude at work • Technical Expertise • Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences • Producing Results

• Experience in English–Turkish translation and/or interpretation, preferably in technical, administrative, or public-health-related fields. • Proven experience providing simultaneous and consecutive interpretation at meetings, workshops, or conferences, including with government institutions, international organizations, or donor-funded projects. • Demonstrated experience translating technical and administrative documents, reports, and communication materials, preferably within UN, WHO, EU, or similar institutional contexts. • Familiarity with WHO and EU terminology and style requirements and previous experience supporting EU-funded projects is an asset. • Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and Turkish; ability to convey complex technical information accurately and fluently. • High level of accuracy, linguistic sensitivity, and professionalism in document translation, editing, and proofreading. • Strong organizational and interpersonal skills; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with government partners, national institutions, and international colleagues in a multicultural environment. • Proven ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines while maintaining quality. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and familiarity with translation software and document-management systems. • Self-motivated, disciplined, and able to perform duties with minimal supervision. • Demonstrated commitment to public health, humanitarian principles, and the values of volunteerism within the United Nations system. • Prior experience with UN agencies or international organizations is desirable.

This is a volunteer assignment, not employment. By sharing your time, energy, and talents, you can support communities in need and become part of something greater than yourself — a global movement for peace, development, and humanitarian aid. Volunteering strengthens trust, solidarity, and reciprocity among citizens, and it can promote a sense of belonging and purpose.

The UN Volunteer will be based in Ankara with full-time engagement and be responsible for arranging her/his own housing and other living essentials. The full entitlements at the duty station: https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service: https://explore.unv.org/cos

Summary of National UN Volunteer Specialist Entitlements: (Paid in local currency) • Current Monthly Living Allowance (MLA) is USD 1,615 (paid in Turkish Lira) • Private insurance: Health, dental, life, and dismemberment (coverage by CIGNA) As per UN’s diplomatic mission status, it is not included in National Security Institution’s (SGK) system but can be only initiated on private basis. • Entry allowance: USD 400 •Exit allowance: USD 135 per month, and only upon the satisfactory completion of assignment • Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month • Free access to different learning platforms and UN & UNV network

Notes: 1) The allowances are in no way to be understood as a salary, compensation, or reward in exchange for the volunteer work. 2) It's important to note that UNV assignments are volunteer assignments, not employment.

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Potential interview questions

Added 6 months ago - Updated 6 months ago - Source: unv.org