Translation Support in Arabic and Ukrainian languages

Volunteering

Overview

Contribute to UNHCR's communication and community engagement efforts.

You have:

• Native or working knowledge of Ukrainian or Arabic, depending on the language you are applying for.
• Fluent in English.
• Strong attention to detail and cultural sensitivity.
• Previous experience with translation or proofreading is a plus.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

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 June 2025, over 3.5 million refugees from Ukraine have entered Bulgaria, with more than 212,000 individuals granted Temporary Protection (TP). Despite onward movement, approximately 65,717 Ukrainian refugees remain in Bulgaria under TP.

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 includes 19 humanitarian partners actively engaged in the 2024 response.

Beyond the Ukraine crisis, Bulgaria remains a key entry point for asylum seekers from other conflict-affected regions. In 2024, the State Agency for Refugees (SAR) registered 12,250 asylum seekers, primarily from Syria and Afghanistan. Syria has consistently been a major country of origin for asylum seekers in Bulgaria since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011. Over the past decade, 55,385 Syrians have sought protection in Bulgaria, with 34,260 granted international protection.

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.

The Online Volunteers will contribute to UNHCR’s communication and community engagement efforts by providing accurate and culturally appropriate translations and proofreading of different texts from English into Ukrainian and Arabic, respectively.

• Translate a variety of materials from English into Ukrainian or Arabic, including social media posts, FAQs, posters, handouts, learning materials, among others. • Proofread and edit existing translations to ensure they are clear, accurate, and consistent. • Adapt translations to be culturally sensitive and appropriate for the target audience. • Maintain confidentiality and follow UNHCR's communication guidelines.

Tasks will be assigned based on need or a pre-determined schedule, depending on the anticipated workload. Short social media messages require a one-day turnaround. For longer translations, deadlines will be mutually agreed upon.

Required Experience • Native or working knowledge of Ukrainian or Arabic, depending on the language you are applying for. • Fluent in English. • Strong attention to detail and cultural sensitivity. • Previous experience with translation or proofreading is a plus.

Languages • English (Fluent, Required) plus the language applying for either: • Arabic (Fluent, Required) • Ukrainian (Fluent, Required)

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Potential interview questions

Added 10 months ago - Updated 9 months ago - Source: unv.org