Mission and objectives

UNHCR Bulgaria assists the authorities and civil society organisations working directly or indirectly on the protection of refugees and supports the further development of the national protection system within the ever-evolving pan-European asylum system. On July 22, 1993, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria concluded a formal agreement under which the UNHCR's mandate in the country was launched. Previously, in the post-1990 period, around 20 people were granted status under the UNHCR mandate, through a procedure in which interviews were conducted by the Bulgarian Red Cross and status determination was carried out at UNHCR headquarters in Geneva. Historically, the Bulgarian people are known for their traditional sense of hospitality and asylum to persecuted persons from other countries. At the beginning of the 20th century, people banished from Armenia, Russia and Eastern Thrace, as well as people from countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia, fleeing repression during the anti-colonial and liberation struggle after the 1950s, were found refuge. Bulgaria laid the legislative foundations for the protection of refugees with the ratification of the 1951 Geneva Convention and the New York Protocol thereto in 1967 with the publication of the relevant texts in the State Gazette No 88 of 15 October 1993.

Context

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to protecting people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution. Operating in over 130 countries, UNHCR provides life-saving assistance, safeguards fundamental human rights, and helps displaced individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. Since the full-scale escalation of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, Bulgaria has played a vital role as an external EU border country, receiving large numbers of displaced persons. As of January 2026, over 3.5 million refugees from Ukraine have entered Bulgaria, with more than 225 011 individuals granted Temporary Protection (TP). Currently, there are 83 675 valid TP registrations. Under its mandate, UNHCR leads and coordinates the Inter-Agency Refugee Response for the Ukraine Situation in Bulgaria, in alignment with the Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRP). This coordinated effort is carried out in close collaboration with the Bulgarian government and humanitarian partners. Beyond the Ukraine crisis, Bulgaria remains a key entry point for asylum seekers from other conflict-affected regions. In 2025, the State Agency for Refugees (SAR) registered 3,895 asylum seekers, primarily from Morocco, Syria and Afghanistan. While current figures on the Syrian refugee population in Bulgaria remain fluid, challenges such as limited integration prospects and socio-economic barriers continue to affect long-term inclusion. The sustained presence of Syrian and Afghan nationals underscores Bulgaria’s ongoing role in broader European refugee protection efforts. UNHCR supports the Bulgarian government in aligning national policies and legislation with international and EU standards, promoting a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder, whole-of-society approach to refugee response.

Task Description

The UN Volunteers will contribute to UNHCR’s communication and community engagement efforts by providing accurate and culturally appropriate translations and proofreading of different texts from English into Pashto and Dari, respectively. Specific tasks include: • Translate a variety of written materials from English into Pashto and Dari, including social media posts (WhatsApp and Telegram), FAQs, posters, handouts, learning materials, among other materials. o Expected workload: 4 posts for social media (will be shared in WhatsApp and Telegram channels), 1 post for UNHCR Help Page per week. • Proofread and edit existing translations to ensure they are clear, accurate, and consistent. o Expected workload: 4 posts per week. • Assist with live correspondence and real-time interpretation for beneficiaries who have contacted UNHCR. o Expected workload: 2 people per week. • Adapt translations to be culturally sensitive and appropriate for the target audience. • Maintain confidentiality and follow UNHCR's communication guidelines. Tasks will be assigned based on need from May 2026 until August 2026. Short social media messages require a one-day turnaround. For longer translations/proofreading, deadlines will be mutually agreed upon. Interpretation to facilitate communication with beneficiaries requires availability on short notice though flexibility will be exercised.

Competencies and values

Living conditions and remarks