Organization Mission

The UNESCO Office for the Caribbean serves twenty Caribbean English and Dutch-Speaking Small Island Developing States to pursue peace, eradicate poverty, sustainable development and inter-cultural dialogue through its five programmes in Education, Natural Sciences, Social and Human Sciences, Culture, and Communication and Information.

The Member States and Associate Members of the Office”s regional mandate are Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, Saints Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sint Maarten, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago.

Context

The Caribbean SIDS present unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to promoting the rights and participation of persons with disabilities. Recognizing the importance of inclusive communication, UNESCO is seeking qualified sign language interpreters to facilitate equitable access to its Knowledge Series launch event. The event may be held online or in-person and interpretation services will be required in English and Dutch, considering the linguistic diversity of the region (including countries such as Aruba and Curaçao).

The UNESCO Office for the Caribbean is soft launching a Knowledge Series focused on advancing disability inclusion in Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This initiative promotes inclusive dialogue, visibility, and the active participation of persons with disabilities in regional development. The launch event will bring together policymakers, youth, educators, CSOs and development partners to spotlight local innovations, challenges, and policy recommendations. The panel discussion will foster deeper dialogue on how to move from commitment to implementation to advance disability inclusion across the region.

To ensure accessibility and uphold the principles of the CRPD and the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy, the event will offer real-time English and Dutch sign language interpretation. This will foster inclusive participation of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing across the Caribbean region.

Key Responsibilities

The Online Volunteer will:

-Provide real-time English or Dutch Sign Language interpretation during the launch event (duration: approx. 2 hours).

-Work collaboratively with the event organizers to prepare for the session (e.g. reviewing the agenda, speeches, or key vocabulary).

-Ensure accurate and culturally appropriate interpretation to support the full participation of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.

-Support any preparatory or follow-up technical meetings as needed (maximum of 1 hour, if applicable).

-Adhere to ethical standards, confidentiality, and inclusive communication practices throughout.

Required Skills and Experience

Languages:

-Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) and Nederlandse Gebarentaal (NGT) or relevant regional variants.

Required education level:

-A minimum of a diploma or professional certification in sign language interpretation.

-Certification in English Sign Language and/or Dutch Sign Language is required.

-Bachelor”s degree in Communication, Linguistics, Deaf Studies, or a related field is an asset.

Competencies and values:

-Commitment to inclusion, diversity, and accessibility

-Professionalism and respect for confidentiality

-Cultural sensitivity and adaptability

-Teamwork and collaboration

-Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Skills and experience:

-Minimum of 2 years of experience as a professional sign language interpreter

-Proven ability to interpret in English and/or Dutch Sign Languages

-Experience working in international, multicultural, or development-related events is an asset

-Familiarity with disability inclusion, accessibility rights, or SIDS contexts is desirable

-Experience with virtual/hybrid platforms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams) is a plus

Area(s) of expertise:

-Sign Language Interpretation

-Disability Inclusion

-Communication and Information

-Inclusive Education

-Conference or Event Services