Organization Mission

UNDP”s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with Bangladesh ever since its birth and through its remarkable journey from a war-ravaged economy to a middle-income country. It remains a catalyst in Bangladesh’s journey from Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. UNDP assists in building institutions and helps strengthen institutional capacities through people-centric, pro-poor, inclusive and sustainable policy making and development governance.

Context

Persons with disabilities, including Deaf voters, face significant communication and accessibility barriers during elections. Ensuring full participation of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing citizens is crucial to rebuilding public trust, widening civic engagement, and strengthening democratic values.

The BALLOT and DRIP projects provide targeted support to the BEC in enhancing inclusive civic education, improving accessibility of public information, and ensuring voter diversity. Within this framework, the UNV Sign Language Interpreter will play a critical role in making electoral communication, press events, training, and civic education content accessible to Deaf communities.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Disability Inclusion Specialist and in close collaboration with the Communications, Training, and Programme teams, the Sign Language Interpreter will:

• Provide Bangla Sign Language (BdSL) interpretation for BEC press conferences, national stakeholder dialogues, civic education events, and high-level meetings involving persons with disabilities.

• Interpret during training activities, including the Regional Integrated Training Programme, Training of Trainers (ToT), and consultations with OPDs (Organizations of Persons with Disabilities).

• Support video production by delivering accurate on-camera sign language interpretation for voter education videos, digital awareness content, and social media materials produced under BALLOT and DRIP.

• Assist in the development of accessible civic education materials, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and cultural relevance for Deaf audiences.

• Facilitate communication during engagements with Deaf voters, community members, and representatives of disability organizations.

• Provide input on barriers faced by Deaf voters and recommend practical solutions for improved accessibility in the electoral process.

• Contribute to accessibility-related planning, documentation, note-taking, and reporting within the disability inclusion workstream.

• Support, advise, and coordinate BALLOT’s disability-related activities with the Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC) and partner organizations to ensure effective implementation of inclusion-focused initiatives.

• Perform any other related duties as requested by the supervisor.

Required Skills and Experience

• At least 3 years of experience in Bangla Sign Language (BdSL) interpretation in professional, institutional, or community settings.

• Experience interpreting in live events, training sessions, or video recordings.

• Previous experience working with persons with disabilities, OPDs, or development organizations is an advantage.

• Certification or formal training in Bangla Sign Language interpretation is an advantage.

• Knowledge of Braille is a plus.

• Strong understanding of accessibility, disability rights, and inclusion principles.

• Fluency in Bangla Sign Language (BdSL), spoken Bangla, and working knowledge of English.

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and in high-pressure event environments.

• Strong interpersonal communication skills and commitment to confidentiality and professionalism.

• High degree of self-management, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability.

Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Living Conditions

Dhaka is located in central Bangladesh along the Buriganga River. Not only is it the capital city, but it is also the largest in the country. It is the centre of political, cultural, and economic life in Bangladesh. The official language is Bengali, while English is the working language of UN Agencies. In recent decades, Dhaka has seen the modernization of services, communications, and public works. The city is attracting large foreign investments and greater volumes of commerce and trade. It is also experiencing an increasing influx of people from across the nation; this has reportedly made Dhaka one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Good English-speaking medical, dental services, and educational centres are available for internationals.

Dhaka is connected to other cities by rail, road, and by air and internationals can move easily from one city to another. Dhaka has venerable green spaces, including many gardens and parks, historical places, and nice restaurants. The weather is tropical – hot and very humid during the summer monsoon season (April-September) and drier and cooler in the winter (October-March).

You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.