Translation Support from English to Kurdish for UNHCR

Volunteering

Overview

Provide translation support from English to Kurdish for UNHCR.

You have:

• Fluency in English and Kurdish (Sorani or Kurmanji), with advanced written and spoken proficiency, is required for this assignment.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and cultural sensitivity is required.
• Previous experience in translation, interpretation, or proofreading is desirable.
• Previous experience working with refugees or asylum-seekers is an asset.
• Experience working with the United Nations or other humanitarian organizations is an asset.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

Please note that fluency in English and Kurdish (Sorani or Kurmanji), with advanced written and spoken proficiency, is required for this assignment.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to protecting people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution. Operating in over 130 countries, UNHCR provides life-saving assistance, safeguards fundamental human rights, and helps displaced individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

Since the full-scale escalation of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, Bulgaria has played a vital role as an external EU border country, receiving large numbers of displaced persons. As of May 2026, more than 231 498 individuals have been granted Temporary Protection (TP) in Bulgaria. Currently, there are 72 442 valid TP registrations.

Under its mandate, UNHCR leads and coordinates the Inter-Agency Refugee Response for the Ukraine Situation in Bulgaria, in alignment with the Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRP). This coordinated effort is carried out in close collaboration with the Bulgarian government and humanitarian partners.

Beyond the Ukraine crisis, Bulgaria remains a key entry point for asylum seekers from other conflict-affected regions. In 2025, the State Agency for Refugees (SAR) registered 3,895 asylum seekers, including from Morocco, Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq.

While current figures on the Syrian refugee population in Bulgaria remain fluid, challenges such as limited integration prospects and socio-economic barriers continue to affect long-term inclusion. The sustained presence of Syrian and Afghan nationals underscores Bulgaria’s ongoing role in broader European refugee protection efforts.

UNHCR supports the Bulgarian government in aligning national policies and legislation with international and EU standards, promoting a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder, whole-of-society approach to refugee response.

Please note that fluency in English and Kurdish (Sorani or Kurmanji), with advanced written and spoken proficiency, is required for this assignment.

The Online Volunteers will contribute to UNHCR's communication and community engagement efforts by providing accurate, culturally appropriate translation, proofreading, and occasional interpretation support from English into Kurdish (Sorani) or Kurdish (Kurmanji).

Specific tasks include:

• Translate 1–5 short communication materials per week from English into Kurdish. This will primarily consist of social media content, but may also include FAQs, posters, handouts, learning materials, and other public information materials as required.
• Proofread and edit 1–5 short, translated materials per week to ensure they are clear, accurate, culturally appropriate, and consistent.
• Provide interpretation support to facilitate communication with beneficiaries, upon prior arrangement and with advance notice. Expected workload: 1–2 interpretation sessions during the assignment, each lasting approximately 15 minutes to 1 hour.
• Online Volunteers are expected to respect the privacy of beneficiaries and maintain discretion when handling sensitive or non-public information shared during the assignment.

Tasks will be assigned on an as-needed basis between July and September 2026. Short social media translations are expected to be completed within one working day, while deadlines for longer translation and proofreading assignments will be agreed upon in advance. Interpretation support may occasionally require short-notice availability (1-2 days); however, reasonable flexibility will be exercised based on the Online Volunteer's availability.

Please note that fluency in English and Kurdish (Sorani or Kurmanji), with advanced written and spoken proficiency, is required for this assignment.

-Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and cultural sensitivity. - Previous experience in translation, interpretation, or proofreading is desirable. - Previous experience working with refugees or asylum-seekers, providing translation support for beneficiaries, or working with the United Nations or other humanitarian organizations is an asset. - Fluency in English and Kurdish (Sorani or Kurmanji), with advanced written and spoken proficiency, is required.

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Potential interview questions

Added 2 days ago - Updated 7 hours ago - Source: unv.org