The Regional Trialogue for Central and West Africa, organized by the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network (BES-Net), is scheduled in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, from 11-13 June 2024.

BES-Net, a collaborative initiative of UNDP, UNEP-WCMC, and UNESCO, aims to synergize the efforts of scientists, policymakers, and practitioners towards biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of ecosystem services. Since its inception in 2016, BES-Net has been instrumental in promoting institutional coordination and capacity building across more than 20 countries, leveraging Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) assessments to inform and inspire national and regional conservation strategies.

This Trialogue event embodies BES-Net’s vision of a future where the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable ecosystem management are fundamental to human well-being and planetary resilience. It represents an essential platform for dialogue, aimed at fostering tangible biodiversity solutions and strategic actions that reflect a deep commitment to inclusivity and sustainability. Through facilitating these critical conversations, BES-Net continues to build upon its foundational work, ensuring that diverse voices, especially those of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, are integral to shaping a nature-positive future.

Task type: Translation and Interpretation

Task description
We are seeking 1 dedicated online volunteer with strong bilingual skills (French and English) and a passion for fostering inclusive communication within the framework of a significant regional workshop focused on biodiversity and sustainable ecosystem services in Central and West Africa. This opportunity is a chance to contribute to important conservation efforts and to work closely with the event organizing team from the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network (BES-Net).

Responsibilities
Provide live interpretation services for one English-speaking BES-Net team member during the event to facilitate seamless cross-lingual interviews with French-speaking participants.

Translate or edit captions of video interviews captured during the workshop.

The volunteer is expected to provide real-time interpretation services during the workshop dates and to translate or edit captions of 6-8 short video interviews captured during the workshop.

This assignment will offer the volunteer the chance to build valuable connections with participating stakeholders and organizing team members and enhance their understanding of global biodiversity conservation efforts.

Education, Skills and Other Requirements:

Fluency in both French and English, with a strong preference for native French speakers.

Experience in translation and interpretation.

Excellent communication skills.

A keen interest in biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable development.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural environment.

Languages:
English, Level: Fluent, Required
French, Level: Mother tongue, Required