Call for Volunteer Translators
June 2022
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Position Titles: Translator
Term Length: 1-month trial, joint development of expectations thereafter
Start Date: ASAP
About Us: Water Science Policy (WSP)
Water Science Policy is a global, multilingual platform for water journalism, thought leadership, engagement, and solutions. Founded in May 2020 by a graduate cohort of the University of Oxford’s School of Geography and the Environment, WSP now comprises over 100 volunteers from more than 25 different countries.
We are a powerful and thriving example of how passion, tenacity and technology can unite like-minded people across continents and time zones.
We publish and translate original articles into more than a dozen languages and produce educational and engaging photo stories and videos. We also collaborate with international and local organisations to help them reach their target audience, investigate water and sanitation related stories, help develop the right policies for the right context and create text-based and graphic content around water. All our content is free to read and view, so that everyone can access the latest water-related news, research, and policy insights from around the world.
We also strive to build meaningful partnerships and projects around local and regional water solutions, including with partners such as United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Stockholm International Water Institute, Water Integrity Network, and the World Photography Organisation. We also engage with leading universities and the private sector because water concerns us all.
Currently, Water Science Policy receives no ongoing funding from any source and all expenses are covered by the two co-founders, Silvia and Chris. We all give our time and energy to this work, outside of our full-time jobs, driven by a strong connection to water and an enduring commitment to environmental protection, climate action and social justice.
About the Position: Situation, Role Overview and Key Responsibilities
Water Science Policy is young and ambitious, and a dynamic project that is entirely youth-led. We are looking for Volunteer translators who are excited to join a young and global team and motivated to contribute to an organisation that is still at the earliest of stages. Are you a professional translator, a student or a water professional fluent in any language other than English? Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Hindi, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish are our priority, but any African or Asian languages are particularly welcome! Are you willing to contribute to the cause of making the water content on the platform accessible to a truly global audience? Or you just want to put your country on the map? You are in the right place!
Key Responsibilities
Translators will be critical members of our newly formed team. They will be part of an existing pool of volunteer translators and commit to anything from 1-4 translations and/or reviews of translations per month to their native language.
What we are looking for: Requirements
● Initiative, passion, and enthusiasm.
● Strong writing skills and a natural ability to switch back and forth between different languages.
● Strong communication, collaboration, and teamwork skills.
● Dependable, well-organised, and able to work independently.
● Near-native fluency in English and the language you would like to translate to.
(Note that you do NOT have to have an advanced university degree for this position. As long as you are a good writer and communicator in the necessary languages and passionate about water, do consider applying).
Additional Assets
● Experience working in an international team.
● Experience or strong interest in water science (& policy), international climate and/or environmental issues.
● Access to networks in their community and/or region, and/or has demonstrated skills building a network.
● Skills in publishing and editing
● Experience in project management and event facilitation.
Compensation
Water Science Policy is non-profit and is only able to cover basic operational costs for established team members. This is a part-time position on an entire voluntary basis. We expect between 2-4 hours per week.
Work Schedule: 2-4 hours/week, whenever and wherever you can accommodate it!
Location: This is a remote position; applicants must have access to a personal computer.
Benefits:
● Involvement in a growing and dynamic network in the international water science community.
● Opportunity for autonomy and creativity: freedom to help shape our growth as key members of the team.
● Potential for extension and further involvement in the organisation in the future.
● Access to training opportunities in areas including media and communications, storytelling, and policy.
How to Apply
To apply to be a volunteer translator, please send us the following to [email protected] asap
1) Your CV (max 2 pages)
If you have any questions about the position, contact us at [email protected]
