Volunteer Translation Project Manager

Kindly note that this vacancy is an unpaid volunteer position for TWB and Tarjimly Community members only. 

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Volunteer Translation Project Manager

Opportunity duration: Ongoing
Hours: 5–20 hours per week (flexible, to suit the volunteer)
Location: Home-based (Remote)
Travel: None
Reporting to: Project Officer
Remuneration: Volunteer (unpaid)
Deadline for applications:  Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis until the post is filled.

About CLEAR Global

CLEAR Global is a non-profit organisation that exists to help people get vital information and be heard, whatever language they speak. We work mostly on behalf of nonprofit partners providing language services, language research, and developing language technology for a linguistically inclusive world. To do this we have a global community of over 200,000 linguists who offer their time, energy and skills to address language inequality. This community translates millions of words of life-saving and life-changing information a year, supports vulnerable people with interpretation services, and engages in digital language development and advocacy. 

Background to the role

CLEAR Global helps people get vital information in the language they understand. Much of this work involves translating important content for our nonprofit partners, using a community of skilled volunteer translators around the world. We are looking for a volunteer to help manage these translation projects from start to finish, keeping things organized, on track, and to a high standard.

The role

The Volunteer Translation Project Manager will manage translation projects for CLEAR Global's nonprofit partners, from the moment a translation request comes in through to final delivery. The role involves regular contact with partners to understand what they need, and with our community of volunteer translators to get the work done well and on time. You'll also help make sure translations are checked and corrected before they go out.

This is a flexible role (5–20 hours per week) suited to someone who enjoys organizing work, communicating with different people, and helping make sure things get done properly. It's a great opportunity to build real experience in project management and translation, while contributing to an international nonprofit.

Responsibilities

• Set up and prepare projects: Prepare translation projects ready for work to begin, including uploading files, setting up tasks, and making sure everyone has what they need.
• Launch translation projects on TWB Platform: Ensure all project requirements are met before launch, assign the appropriate translation memory, set accurate deadlines, and monitor project progress to ensure timelines are adhered to and adjusted when needed.
• Liaise with partners: Stay in regular, structured contact with partner organizations to confirm project details, timelines, and any special requirements, and to keep them updated on progress.
• Bring in the community: Reach out to volunteer linguists, invite them to take on tasks, and make sure the right people are matched to the right projects.
• Keep linguists engaged: Communicate clearly and regularly with linguists throughout each project, answering questions, resolving issues, and keeping people motivated to complete their work.
• Track progress: Keep project trackers and records up to date, and give regular status updates so everyone knows how things are going.
• Support review and quality checks: Help coordinate the revision and quality assurance stage, making sure translations are checked, feedback is passed on clearly, and any necessary corrections are made.
• Maintain translation memory: Help build and maintain translation memory (a database of past translations) for each partner, so that translations stay consistent over time and future projects can be completed faster. 
• Deliver the final product: Run final checks before delivery, and make sure the finished translation is handed over to the partner in the right format and on time.
• Keep things organized: Maintain clear, well-organized files and records across the different platforms used for the project.
• Recognise contributors: Support efforts to recognise and thank community contributors.
• Other tasks: Take on other project management tasks as needed.
• Represent CLEAR Global well: Act in the best interests of the organization throughout the project.

Please note that these responsibilities are approximate and may change over time.

Platforms you're likely to use

• TWB Platform – where translation tasks are set up, assigned, and tracked.
• CAT tools (such as Phrase) – translation software used to prepare, translate, and review text, and to build up translation memory for each partner. 
• Google Drive – for storing and sharing project files and documents.
• Asana – for tracking tasks and project progress.
• Community forum / chat channels – for communicating with linguists and partners.

You don't need previous experience with all of these tools. Training and support will be provided.

Please note that these roles and responsibilities are approximate and may change over time.

What we are looking for in candidates

Skills, experience or qualifications

• Strong writing skills and a good command of English. Knowledge of other languages is an advantage;
• Some previous experience in translation, interpreting, or project coordination is helpful, but not essential (this can include volunteering or internships);
• Familiarity with translation memory or CAT tool concepts is a plus, though training can be provided. 
• Previous experience working with nonprofit organizations is a plus;
• Comfortable learning new tools and software.

Requirements

This position is varied and hands-on. The right person is an energetic team player who agrees with CLEAR Global's basic beliefs and values, and who can work remotely while staying in regular contact with the international team.

• Self-starter;
• Good organizational skills;
• Able to turn ideas into clear, practical action;
• Understands that communicating in the right language matters, especially in humanitarian work;
• Team player who is collaborative, adaptable, and self-motivated;
• Interested in building experience in translation project management;
• Able to learn new technologies and skills quickly;
• Good attention to detail.

Volunteering at CLEAR Global

CLEAR Global is an equal-opportunity employer, committed to having a diverse team where individuals of all backgrounds collaborate and learn from one another. We believe we can be most effective with diverse experience and expertise in our team. We recruit volunteers and staff on merit, actively seek diverse applicant pools and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, marital or parental status, or sexual orientation, and welcome all types of diversity.

What do volunteers get from volunteer placements at CLEAR Global?

• Formal References and Verifications: Signed certificates of completion, formal reference letters and direct supervisor recommendations (including LinkedIn endorsements)
• Structured On-the-Job Training: Access to internal training opportunities, including training in translation related workflows, tools and software.
• Hands-on Experience: Direct involvement in translation management, and engagement with staff, partners and linguists that mirrors the responsibilities of paid entry-level positions
• Performance Evaluations: Regular, structured feedback sessions and semi-formal appraisals that help you identify your professional strengths and areas for growth.
• Professional remote team work experience:  Opportunities to collaborate directly with experts and full integration into the remote team working environment 
• Internal Job Pipelines: Early or exclusive visibility into internal vacancies, talent pools, and paid career rosters within the organization’s global network.

Core values

CLEAR Global employees and volunteers are people who believe passionately about the value of this work and take personal responsibility for achieving the mission. CLEAR Global’s mission and organizational spirit embody the core values established in its strategic framework:

• Excellence: As the leading voice for communicating humanitarian information in the right language, CLEAR Global is a leader in the translation industry and in the non-profit sector.
• Integrity: CLEAR Global believes that every person, whether it’s the people who we serve, our volunteers or our staff, has value, deserves respect and has inherent dignity.
• Empowerment: CLEAR Global believes in using language to empower people around the world to control their own development and destiny.
• Innovation: CLEAR Global recognizes and celebrates the power of innovation to address humanitarian and crisis issues around the world.
• Sustainability: CLEAR Global recognizes that meeting our mission necessitates establishment and maintenance of a solid financial and organizational infrastructure.
• Tolerance: Our staff and volunteers are highly knowledgeable and skilled; value each other, our partner and our recipients; create a supportive work environment; and, conduct themselves professionally at all times.

CLEAR Global may re-advertise the vacancy, cancel the recruitment, or offer an appointment with a modified role description or for a different duration at its discretion.