Support for Translation of COP31 Observer Handbook

Volunteering

Contract

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The UNFCCC Observer Handbook has been prepared to support observers attending a UNFCCC COP, particularly those participating for the first time. It also serves as a practical reference for more experienced observers, bringing together key information on how to navigate COP31, participate effectively and engage in the UNFCCC process.

The handbook provides practical guidance on registration and access, logistics, the Code of Conduct, observer roles and constituencies, negotiation meetings, side events, advocacy actions and other opportunities for observer engagement before and during COP31.

The handbook is currently available in English. Translating it into the other five UN official languages will help make this practical guidance more accessible to the diverse community of observer organizations participating in the UNFCCC process and support more inclusive and meaningful participation.

The assignment contributes to the secretariat’s efforts to provide observers with clear and accessible information to support their effective engagement in the UNFCCC process.

Five Online Volunteers will support the UNFCCC secretariat in translating the COP31 Observer Handbook from English into the other five UN official languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish.

Each volunteer will be assigned one target language and will translate the full handbook, which is approximately 50 pages (8,600 words).

Volunteers will receive the English source document, previous translations of relevant UNFCCC materials, the UNFCCC Writing Guide and relevant terminology resources. Volunteers will be expected to ensure that the translation accurately reflects the English source text, uses consistent UNFCCC terminology and is clear and accessible to the intended audience.

The translated outputs will be reviewed by the UNFCCC secretariat for accuracy and consistency. Volunteers may be asked to address comments or make minor revisions following the review before the translation is finalized for publication.

The assignment is expected to start in early October 2026 and will run for approximately 3 weeks. Volunteers will coordinate remotely with the hiring manager and should be available to complete the translation and address any review comments within the assignment period.

The assignment will be carried out remotely, with communication and coordination with the hiring manager as needed.

Excellent command of English and native or near-native proficiency in the respective target language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is required.

Previous experience translating handbooks, guides or similar materials is desirable. A good understanding of climate change issues, the UNFCCC process and relevant terminology is also desirable.

Strong attention to detail and the ability to ensure accuracy and consistency in terminology are desirable.

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Added 1 month ago - Updated 30 days ago - Source: unv.org