Long Term Agreement (LTA) for Engagement of Professional Translators with UNICEF in Uzbekistan

Job no: 577593
Position type: Consultant
Location: Uzbekistan
Division/Equivalent: CEE/CIS
School/Unit: Republic of Uzbekistan
Department/Office: Tashkent, Rep. of Uzbekistan
Categories: Communication

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UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, safety!

BACKGROUND:
 
UNICEF works towards the realization of the rights of children as prescribed in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Advocacy, Communication and Partnerships is one of the key strategies to achieve programme results as stated in the Country Programme Document.
 
In order to promote its media outreach, advocacy and fundraising, the UNICEF country programme is consistently in need of new and updated communication, advocacy and visibility materials that document key children’s issues and ongoing responses in the field through high quality content packages. These materials are indispensable for a range of products, donor reports, human interest stories and contents for social media. They will support UNICEF to better communicate with policy and decision makers, media, donors, partners and the public at large.
 
These high-quality content packages include design packages, advocacy toolkits, photo essays, human interest stories, and short films that document UNICEF related initiatives. The packages will be disseminated through different channels including website, social media networks, partner networks and donor reports.
 
To achieve these, UNICEF would like to engage the services of translators who will be available at short notice to undertake assignments of translating/transcribing UNICEF evidence-based communication, advocacy and visibility materials from English to Uzbek and English to Russian, or vice-versa.
 
PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
 
The purpose of setting up the Long-Term Arrangement is to facilitate and expedite the process by which UNICEF in Uzbekistan will hire the services of individual translators to undertake written translations (Uzbek-English, Russian-English and vice-versa), simultaneous translation for events, and live translation for field visits.
 
PROGRAMME AREA AND SPECIFIC PROJECT AREA
 
The consultant under LTA arrangement will support all programme areas. Specific contract managers will provide supervision for specific services contracted under the provisions of this LTA. Technical supervision will be provided by the Communications team.
 
OBJECTIVE(S)
The overall objective to set up this Long-Term Arrangement is to facilitate and expedite the process by which UNICEF in Uzbekistan will hire the services of translators.
 
MAJOR TASKS TO BE ACCOMPLISHED
 
This LTA is being established to serve the needs of all sections in UNICEF Uzbekistan country programme related particularly to translation services to meet the office’s media, advocacy and fundraising objectives.
  • Under the guidance of Programme teams and supervision of direct Specialists, the translator/interpreter the consultant will provide high quality translations of press releases, booklets, human interest stories, reports, papers, subtitles/scripts, proposals and other materials.
  • Provide direct editing/writing and proofreading support to programme sections in the compilation of donor reports, and other materials for advocacy and fundraising (including donor proposals).
  • Translations/simultaneous interpretations are done keeping in mind culture, gender and other diverse sensitivities as per UNICEF guidelines.
  • Expected to complete a comprehensive translation of the material provided ensuring clarity and correctness while taking into account the sensitivity of alternative care jargon and respecting the intentions of the writers and experts.
  • Expected to verify that in the case of longer documents each chapter or section reads well by establishing flowing tones, cohesion and proper structure and to deliver a final product in a timely manner and of publishable quality.
  • Present at the briefing on specific projects and issues to be covered based on national and state priorities where required.
  • Demonstrate a client-oriented approach, tact and ability to work with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
  • Ensure effective and efficient provision of services, full confidentiality in all aspects of assignment, management of information flow and follow-up on deadlines and commitments made.
Responsibilities of the Consultant:
The consultant will use their own equipment (i.e. laptop) and source additional equipment that may be required for this task.
 
Responsibilities of UNICEF:
To provide a thorough briefing and technical update as required by programme colleagues.
 
DELIVERABLES:
At the end of each assignment, the translator/interpreter will deliver high quality translations of documents in English, Uzbek, Russian language(s); and interpretation services within the given time ensuring clarity and correctness:
 
Type of Service
  1. English-Uzbek/Russian-English
    (consecutive interpreting)
  2. English-Uzbek/Russian-English
    (simultaneous interpreting)
  3. English-Uzbek/Russian-English (written
    translation per page, 1 page = 2000 characters with spaces)
  4. English-Uzbek/Russian-English of Power
    Point presentations per characters with spaces, applicable rate of the regular document translation. 1 page=2000 characters with spaces
Deliverables
 
Accurately translated and adapted for the target audience, ensuring linguistic and cultural appropriateness. This can include various formats, depending on the document type (e.g., Word, PDF, or specific software formats).
 
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… 

Education/Experience/Language:

  • Preference for University degree in English/Russian Linguistics and/or Literature and Journalism, or an accredited qualification in translation and interpretation.
  • At least five years of proven experience in the field of translation/interpretation.
  • Previous experience with the UN and other international agencies is an asset.
  • Professional Certificates (IELTS or TOEFL) is desirable.
  • Excellent knowledge of and fluency in English, Uzbek and/or Russian, and/or Karakalpak (both verbal and written);
  • Computer literacy, especially good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint);
  • Preference for familiarity with social issues terminology, with strong focus on/specialization in a particular subject (i.e. law, economics, health, public administration, education, etc.);
  • Appropriate work samples are a requirement.
Competencies:
  • Proven ability to consistently deliver high-quality translation/interpretation in English, Uzbek, and/or Russian, and/or Karakalpak languages to be confirmed through the written exam and 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 and write clearly and concisely to be confirmed through the written exam and reference check;
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines to be confirmed through the reference check.
FINANCIAL PROPOSAL
 
Consultants (translators and 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 – Translation Services on LTA is attached. Download File new Financial Bid - Translation Services on LTA.docx
 
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
 
The LTA to be signed will have a fixed fee rate for three years (should there be a change in the UN establishment common rates for translation services, the variation agreement is signed). 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 translation/edition 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)
  • Professional Certificates (IELTS or TOEFL) (to be uploaded online)
  • Three Work Samples –It is critical to submit work samples as you will observe from the advertisement that marks have been assigned to these criteria for arriving at the most suitable candidate (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 5 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: Chief of Communication, 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. 

Advertised: West Asia Standard Time
Application close: West Asia Standard Time

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