Why we exist
We are a social enterprise committed to advancing water science communication and facilitating knowledge transfer. Our mission is to bridge science-policy gaps and facilitate dialogue among communities, researchers, service providers, development agencies and policy makers to address global and local freshwater and oceam challenges and promote sustainable solutions.
Our story
Established in 2020 by a cohort of graduates from the School of Geography and the Environment from the University of Oxford, we emerged as a response to the need for a comprehensive plat- form that tells accessible water science stories. Initially conceived as a WordPress blog, the project quickly gained attention with contributions from students, professors, artists, and development professionals.
Myth: As we grew, we came to realize a modern myth: the belief that facts alone can inspire behaviour change and action for nature and people. But no one’s ever been swayed by a pie chart. As humans, we’re wired for compelling narratives and captivating visuals. Our ancestors came together around crackling fires, not around PowerPoint presentations. It was the stories that brought them together, not statistics. In stories we find meaning, connection, and ultimately, change.
Gap: In the English-speaking world, and even more so globally, there’s an important story we’re failing to tell how clean water bodies, a healthy ocean, and water and sanitation services are fundamental to our well-being and the sustainable development agenda. We need to tell the water story with words and images that connect with people, and highlight its interlinkages to climate justice, biodiversity loss, and planetary boundaries.
Solution: So, we evolved into Onewater, a registered social enterprise in Germany, with a renewed focus on communicating water science and facilitating knowledge exchange among communities, researchers, service providers, development agencies and policy makers. Imagine a world where water connects, not just as a resource, but as a shared narrative. Onewater helps
build this world by telling the stories that often get lost in the endless scroll. We break down complex issues, visualize data, and invite communities to share their own water stories, amplifying them beyond text, borders and languages. Onewater’s work rekindles our shared connection to water and drives positive change at the heart of water management practices, decision-making and public discourse.
Role Overview
We are already consistently covering many languages, including Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Armenian, Bulgarian, Burmese, Catalan, Chinese, Filipino, French, German, Hausa, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Kazakh, Kurdish, Malagasy, Mongolian, Nepali, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swahili, Turkish, Urdu and many others.
We aim to enhance our current translation efforts. If you’re eager to join a young, dynamic, global team and contribute to an organization in its early stages, this opportunity could be perfect for you. We welcome support for all languages, including those we already cover.
Are you a professional translator, a student, or a water professional with (near) native fluency in any language? Would you be willing to dedicate 2-4 hours per week to making water content accessible to a truly global audience? Do you want to help put your country on the map? If so, we would love to have you join our team.
You are in the right place!
Key Responsibilities
Translators are critical members of our team. They are part of an existing pool of volunteer translators and commit to anything from 1-4 translations and/or reviews of translations per month in their native language.
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 one more language.
(Note that you do NOT have to have an advanced university degree for this position. If you are a good writer and communicator in the necessary languages and passionate about water, 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 in building a network.
- Skills in publishing and editing.
- Experience in project management and event facilitation.
Compensation
Onewater is non-profit and can only cover basic operational costs for established team members. This is a part-time position on an entirely 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 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. Past translators are now undertaking projects as graphic designers, writers or social media focal – some of them are remunerated on a project basis.
- 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 your CV (max 2 pages) to contact@onewater.blue If you have any other questions about the position, contact us at the same email.
