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BACKGROUND:

One of key priorities of a new Uzbekistan UN’s United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2021-2025 years (UNSDCF) is enhancing access of the most vulnerable groups including persons with disabilities to gender-sensitive quality public services. A Thematic Group on Human Rights and Inclusion (UNHRIG) has been established to ensure coordinated and coherent UNCT approach to disability programming, implementation and quality assurance across the joint work of the UNCT in implementing UNSDCF.

The United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy provides the foundation for sustainable and transformative progress on disability inclusion through all pillars of the work of the United Nations. The Strategy enables the UN system to support the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and other international human rights instruments. Additionally, UNICEF CO aims to plan, design and monitor the programmes for children and youth with disabilities jointly with people with disabilities, self-initiative parents’ groups and Organizations of People with Disabilities. In this context, UNICEF continuously conducts consultations with young people with disabilities, parents and OPD as well as engaging them into programming.

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

In this context and given the scope of the work, UNICEF Uzbekistan is looking for sign language interpreters proficient in Uzbek and Russian. Proficiency in Karakalpak and English is an asset but not requirement. The purpose is to support UNICEF programmes to ensure full contextual understanding during meetings/discussions/focus group discussions, interviews amongst OPD, parents and children and youth disabilities, including their representatives with hearing impairments.

PROGRAMME AREA AND SPECIFIC PROJECT AREA

The consultant (sign language interpreter) will provide simultaneous and consecutive sign language interpretation services at UNICEF CO events across all sectors and sectoral areas.

OBJECTIVE(S)

To ensure that all participants of UNICEF events, including people with hearing disabilities, have equal access to information and communication, specifically:

• To provide high-quality, accurate, and culturally sensitive sign language interpretation services at all UNICEF events;
• To increase the accessibility of UNICEF information and communication materials for people with hearing disabilities;
• To promote inclusive and accessible practices within UNICEF to ensure the full participation of people with hearing disabilities in all aspects of UNICEF's work;
• To contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and accessible working environment for all.

MAJOR TASKS TO BE ACCOMPLISHED

• Translate UNICEF information and communication materials into sign language, including presentations, videos, website content (if it is required);
• Develop and implement a plan for providing sign language interpretation services at UNICEF events;
• Prepare reports on the progress of the programmes;
• Ensuring that sign language interpretation services are provided in a culturally sensitive and professional manner.

Responsibilities of the Consultant:

The contractor will be engaged on a retainer basis and will provide services as deemed necessary by UNICEF Uzbekistan Country Office.

Deliverables include timely and accurate interpretation during various UNICEF-supported meetings and events.

• The contractors will be expected to perform the following tasks:
• Provide consistently accurate and high-quality interpretation (consecutive, simultaneous) Uzbek and/or Russian languages at conferences, workshops, focus group discussions/interviews and other public events held/supported by UNICEF including at high level meetings with counterparts;
• Adhere to established standards of interpretation to deliver consistent and coherent interpretation services throughout the contract.

Provide sign language interpretation in accordance with the tasks mentioned above both independently and in close relationship with another sign language interpreter.

Responsibilities of UNICEF:

• Ensuring the rights of all children, including those with hearing disabilities to access quality education, healthcare, social protection, and protection in emergencies;
• Advocating for inclusive policies and practices that promote full participation of children with hearing disabilities in society;
• Working with government bodies, OPDs, and other partners to create a more inclusive and accessible world for all children;
• Partner with organizations of people with disabilities to ensure that their voices are heard at UNICEF's work;
• Monitor and report on progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to disability.

DELIVERABLES:

Sign language interpretation

• Accurate and high-quality sign-language interpretation is provided of/for people with hearing impairments.
• Assistance during and around programme-related activities with expected participation of persons with hearing disabilities is provided.
• Assistance with ensuring participation of persons with hearing disabilities in required circumstances is provided.

TRAVEL:

• Payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging, etc. should be agreed upon, between UNICEF and the consultant as part of the quotation for each specific assignment and included in the respective purchase order. All air travel will be by economy class irrespective of the duration of travel. Travel expenses will be reimbursed as and when they take place in accordance with UNICEF rules and regulations.

ESTIMATED DURATION OF LTA:

Twenty-four (24) months with optional extension of twelve (12) months (36 months in total)

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

• Preference for University degree in English/Russian Linguistics and/or Literature and Journalism, or an accredited qualification in Sign language translation and interpretation.
• At least three years of proven experience in the field of sign language interpretation.
• Previous experience with the UN and other international agencies is an asset;
• Excellent knowledge of and fluency from Uzbek and/or Russian, and/or Karakalpak;
• Familiarity with social issues terminology, with strong focus on/specialization in a particular subject (gender, disability, protection).

Competencies:

• Proven ability to consistently deliver high-quality sign-language interpretation from Uzbek, and/or Russian, and/or Karakalpak, and/or Karakalpak languages to be confirmed through reference check;
• Ability to pursue high standards of work effectively with minimum supervision to be confirmed through the reference check;
• High level of cultural, gender, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability to be confirmed through the reference check;
• Excellent communication skills with ability to speak clearly and concisely to be confirmed through the reference check;
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines to be confirmed through the reference check.

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

Consultants (sign language interpreters) are expected to submit their proposal in line with the provided template in the announcement. Please note that no additional cost will be accepted such as equipment rental expense, memory cards and/or batteries. Travel fees will be reimbursed as and when they take place in accordance with UNICEF rules and regulations.

Financial Bid – Sign Language Interpreters Services on LTA is attached new Financial Bid - Sign language interpreters on LTA.docx.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

The LTA to be signed will have a fixed fee rate for three years. However, UNICEF in Uzbekistan does not warrant that any quantity of services will be purchased during the term of the LTA as this will depend on forthcoming needs.

CONTRACTS CREATED AGAINST THE LTA

Whenever sign language interpreters services are required, details of the requirement/deliverables including quantities and deadlines will be presented to the top-ranking LTA holder. Should this consultant not be available for this assignment, UNICEF in Uzbekistan will contact the second ranked consultant and so on, while ensuring

Upon receipt of confirmation of availability and interest in the assignment, a contract will be issued with the prices/fees agreed in the LTA. The consultant must sign the contract prior commencement of work.

Payment will be made after completion of deliverables and submission of invoices for the actual work completed, subject to satisfactory performance.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications to be submitted through the online TMS portal should contain four separate attachments:

• A Cover letter explaining the motivation for applying and explaining how the qualifications and skillset of the candidate (to be uploaded online)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) (to be uploaded online)
• A financial proposal indicating professional fee as per the attached template. Please do not forget to specify your name in the file while saving (to be uploaded under other supporting documents).

Important Note: Please do not indicate financials anywhere else in the online application form, please mark "N/A or 00", under the fee related questions in the online application form. Financial proposal should be attached using the provided template in the announcement.

Without all the above 3 documents your application will be considered incomplete and invalid and will not be considered further.

• Any attempt to unduly influence UNICEF’s selection process will lead to automatic disqualification of the applicant.
• Joint applications of two or more individuals are not accepted.
• Please note that UNICEF does not charge any fee during any stage of the process.
• Female candidates meeting the requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds including persons living with disabilities to apply.

LTA CONTRACT MANAGER: Disability and Inclusion Specialist, UNICEF Uzbekistan 

IDENTIFICATION OF RISKS AND PLAN FOR MITIGATION: Consultants will be paid upon deliverables.

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

To view our competency framework, please visit  here. 

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

Remarks:  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.