idealist.org

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT:

Translators, Translation Supervisors and Interpreters (French, English, Spanish)

MRI Translation Network (Volunteer positions)



ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

Migrants Rights International (MRI) is a non-governmental organization and global alliance of migrant associations and migrant rights, human rights, labor, religious, and other organizations which operate at the local, national, regional or international levels. Its mission is to advocate for the respect, protection and fulfillment of the full range of human rights of migrants around the world and to foster unity and the inclusion of migrant voices at all levels of policy making. Its membership currently brings together over 500 organizations in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States

MRI defends and promotes the recognition and respect for the rights of all migrants and members of their families. It has consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council, and works in diverse international fora including the UN system as well as other inter-governmental negotiations. It supports migrants’ and migrants’ rights organizations in their work and the promotes their participation in international policy debates.



PROJECT DESCRIPTION

There is a crisis in migrants’ rights all over the world today. Racial and ethnic discrimination, religious discrimination, denial of social rights, poor labor standards, violations of due process, detentions, deportations, torture and mistreatment are only some of the human rights violations that are occurring all over the world against migrants.

Many migrants are excluded from legal protection due to their status or nationality. They suffer from discrimination, are denied political and social rights, and cannot have their voices heard. They are especially marginalized from debates on international policies on migration, even though they are stakeholders in them.

A major factor that contributes to the exclusion of migrants, is the fact that they often do not speak the dominant language of the country in which they live, or, the languages in which international policy debates are held. Language barriers hinder migrants from (1) getting sufficient information, (2) having their voices heard, and (3) communicating with each other to build solidarity.

Migrants Rights International is launching a new initiative to increase the capacity of the migrants’ rights movement by building a core of volunteer translators that can help support migrants in their efforts. We are building the MRI Translation Network, a network of volunteer translators and interpreters, who will play an integral role in ensuring that migrants have access to critical information, the opportunity to communicate their views and impact public policy, and the support to be able to work together to better defend migrants’ rights. We are currently building a team of English, French and Spanish translators, and we hope to add additional languages as the Network grows.

We are recruiting for the following positions at this time:

* Translators (written)
* Translation Supervisors (written and oral)
* Interpreters (oral)

As a Volunteer Translator, Translation Supervisor, or Interpreter, you will become part of a global team of committed individuals and groups that are working for a just world where all people, regardless of their migration status, are considered equal and enjoy full protection of their human rights.

This also represents a unique opportunity to expand your skills, experience and qualifications, at the same time that you play a critical role in strengthening the global movement for migrants’ rights movement.



JOB DESCRIPTION

We are looking for professional or non-professional translators and interpreters in English, French, Spanish.

You will be credited for all work contributed, and for those that make a minimum commitment per year, you will be listed in the MRI website as a member of the MRI Translation Network. MRI can provide references for you during your time as an active member, or upon successful completion of your commitment.

Translators

As a Translator, you will be asked to take responsibility for translation tasks. Length, timeframe, topics, and level of difficulty can vary, and will be adjusted to your current skills and interests.

We are currently seeking Translation Supervisors and Volunteer Translators that can work on one or more of the following:

1. Migrants Rights International E-Bulletin (monthly publication)
2. MRI’s webpage
3. NGO materials (for instance, statements, press releases, flyers, campaign materials, reports, newsletters, etc.)
4. Informational materials (for instance, information from the United Nations, news articles, etc.)
5. Migrant group communications: Emails and correspondence between migrant groups around the world

Translation Supervisors

As a Translation Supervisor, you will review translations by Translators for accuracy. You will also conduct translation exams for applicants for Translator and Translation Supervisor positions. You may also be asked to conduct oral exams for applicants for Interpreter positions. You may also be asked to coordinate assignments of translation and interpretation tasks.

Interpreters

As an Interpreter, you will interpret at events, meetings, conferences or telephone conference calls. Both consecutive and simultaneous interpretations are available.

We particularly have a need for Interpreters in Geneva, Switzerland for meetings and events related to the United Nations. We also frequently have international conference calls in which consecutive interpretation is needed.



REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Target Languages: English, French, Spanish

* Native level fluency and good language skills in at least one of the target languages.

* Basic computer skills and ability to use Microsoft Word and email.

* For Translators: the ability to translate written documents into at least one of the target languages. Native level fluency in at least one target language is preferred but is not required, upon demonstration of skills.

* For Translation Supervisors: high level of fluency in at least two of the target languages, good organizational and supervisory skills, and ability to meet deadlines are required. Native level fluency in at least one target language is preferred but is not required, upon demonstration of skills.

* For Interpreters: high level of fluency in one or more languages pairs is required. Ability to interpret between at least two of the following languages: English, French and Spanish (simultaneous or consecutive interpretations, or both). Native level fluency in at least one target language is preferred but is not required, upon demonstration of skills.



PREFERRED SKILLS

* Prior experience

* Native level fluency in at least one target language.

* Knowledge of migrants’ rights, human rights, social movements, and the United Nations system

* Computer skills including knowledge of Excel, Acrobat, and other programs

* Knowledge of Joomla and Dreamweaver (for applicants for webpage translators)

* Commitment to social justice and migrants’ rights.

* For Translation Supervisors: Prior experience in translation, supervision, and project management.

* For Interpreters: Native level fluency in at least one target language. Experience in NGO and diplomatic settings



LOCATION :

For Translators and Translation Supervisors

(1) Oakland, California, United States

(2) Remotely by internet or phone

For interpreters

(1) Geneva, Switzerland

(2) Oakland, California

(3) Remotely for international conference calls

(4) Other locations on a periodic basis



COMPENSATION

No salary. These are voluntary positions.

Very occasionally, there may be opportunities for scholarships to attend an international meeting to serve as a volunteer interpreter.



MINIMUM COMMITMENT REQUIRED

Flexible.

One-time volunteers are welcome. You will be credited for all your work.

For Translators and Interpreters, to be listed on the MRI website as an active member of the MRI Translation Network, we ask that you commit to at least an average of 8 hours a month. For Translation Supervisors, we ask that you commit to at least a minimum average of 6 hours a month, for a minimum of 3 months.

For volunteers making a commitment of over 4 months, we can offer capacity building sessions on the migrants’ rights framework, international human rights, and international advocacy.

Work assignments will be made based on your interests, skills and availability.



DEADLINE

Continuous.



Migrants and refugees encouraged to apply. MRI is an equal opportunity employer.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please download an application form from the MRI website at http://www.migrantwatch.org/Opportunities/TranslatorsAnnouncement.htm

Send a cover letter and resume/CV in English, Spanish or French with an application form.

Please submit all your materials by email to humanresources.mri@gmail.com. In the subject line, please write your name and the title of the position(s) you are applying for.