Organization Mission

The World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to achieve better health for all. By connecting countries, people and partners, we strive to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance at a safe and healthy life.

From emerging epidemics such as COVID-19 and Zika to the persistent threat of communicable diseases including HIV, malaria and tuberculosis and chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer, we bring together 194 countries and work on the frontlines in 150+ locations to confront the biggest health challenges of our time and measurably advance the well-being of the world’s people.

Context

The post–Cyclone Ditwah response in Sri Lanka aims to support recovery efforts for affected communities, with WHO playing a central role in ensuring coordinated engagement with government counterparts, development partners, and other stakeholders. This online volunteering assignment contributes to SDG 3 and SDG 17 by strengthening communication capacity for joint humanitarian response, improving the timely dissemination of information, and supporting inclusive and resilient recovery efforts.

Volunteers will translate documents from Sinhala to Tamil and Tamil to Sinhala, including reports and other communication materials related to the Cyclone Ditwah response and Health Cluster coordination, while adhering to communication guidelines and maintaining accuracy, clarity, and contextual relevance.

The Humanitarian Priorities Plan (HPP), implemented under the guidance of the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) and supported by the Inter-Sector Coordination Group (ISCG), focuses on lifesaving and time-critical interventions for vulnerable populations, with a strong emphasis on health service continuity, disease prevention, and access to essential care. The HCT, re-activated specifically for the Cyclone Ditwah response, comprises heads or deputies of humanitarian UN agencies and national and international civil society organizations, coordinating efforts to assist approximately 658,370 people between December 2025 and April 2026, including through Health Cluster response activities.

Key Responsibilities

Selected online volunteers will support Health Cluster by translating documents from Sinhala to Tamil, including reports, briefs, factsheets, and other communication materials related to post–Cyclone Ditwah recovery and climate action initiatives. Volunteers will receive the Sinhala or Tamil language source documents along with guidance on target audiences, UN communication guidelines, and any additional instructions as needed. They will be responsible for producing accurate, clear, and contextually appropriate Sinhala to Tamil or Tamil to Sinhala translations while maintaining the intended meaning and tone of the original content.

Volunteers will coordinate remotely with the Health Cluster focal point to receive feedback, incorporate revisions, and ensure timely submission of deliverables. As part of the selection process, candidates will be asked to provide a one-paragraph translation sample to demonstrate their skills.

⁠- Translate an estimated 5–10 short documents per month/per volunteer (e.g. briefs, factsheets, situation updates), with volume adjusted based on response needs and agreed in advance with the Health Cluster Focal Point.
– Ensure translations are accurate, clear, and contextually appropriate, maintaining the original meaning, tone, and intent in line with UN communication guidelines.
– Adapt translations for diverse target audiences as indicated.
– Coordinate remotely with the Health Cluster focal point to receive guidance, feedback, and incorporate revisions.
– Deliver translations within agreed timelines, responding to time-sensitive humanitarian communication needs.
– Submit a one-paragraph translation sample as part of the selection process to demonstrate language proficiency.

Required Skills and Experience

Proven experience in translation from Sinhala to Tamil and Tamil to Sinhala.
Experience in Health and WASH related fields.
Strong portfolio demonstrating accurate and contextually appropriate translations.
Excellent command of both Sinhala and Tamil languages, including grammar, syntax, and style.
Familiarity with UN communication guidelines and terminology.
Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain the original meaning, tone, and context of documents.
Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate remotely with international and national teams.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and meet tight deadlines.
Experience working on humanitarian, development, or large-scale reporting documents is desirable.
Ability to adapt translations for diverse audiences while maintaining clarity and readability.