1. The assignment

The Community Media Fund (CMF) is a project by the Bloomberg Media Initiative In Africa (BMIA) whose grant is administered by Hivos and is aimed at improving citizens’ access to relevant information that enables the public to support policies and practices that drive inclusive economic and human development locally, regionally and nationally. In 2023, the CMF will make disbursements to grantees in Senegal, Ivory Coast, Zambia, Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. Previously, the project only worked in Anglophone countries of Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.

It is because of the project’s expansion to Francophone countries (Senegal and Ivory Coast) that we are now seeking services of a translator to aid in project communication and implementation activities.

Here you can find more information about the CMF project.

The project’s partners are:

• Civil society organizations and NGOs supporting community media;
• Media training institutions and initiatives to help journalists report on the impact of economic and financial issues in local and marginalized communities;
• Community media outlets, including outlets affiliated with educational institutions;
• Networks of community media;
• Civil society organizations and NGOs supporting initiatives that increase the visibility of emerging non-traditional reporters; and
• Civil society organizations and NGOs focusing on transparency, accountability and promoting financial literacy and inclusive governance at the community level.

2. Scope of the assignment

The consultant is expected to deliver the following:

1. Written translations of English to French and vice versa of key project grant making tools such as Call for Concepts notes, Call for Full Proposals, Budget Templates
2. Simultaneous interpretation of English to French and vice versa for multiple project implementation related activities sch as information sessions, kick off meetings, partner capacity building assessments, capacity building activities etc.
3. Thematic areas related to the above two task areas will be language encompassing project management, monitoring and evaluation, grantee reporting, transparency and accountability, financial journalism, financial literacy, greater access to data, social justice, or investigative reporting. Additional thematic areas will include climate justice, economic, data and investigative journalism and general governance issues.

3. Consultant qualifications and experience

• A minimum of 7 years’ experience working as an interpreter and offering translation services for human rights, media, climate justice, and financial literacy related content and activities.
• Experience designing and implementing translation services for diverse set of activities such as those mentioned in section 2 above.
• Working knowledge of thematic areas mentioned in section 2 above.
• Working knowledge of media and community media work in Africa.
• Demonstrated strong skills in spoken and written English and French, and the ability to adapt writing style to diverse audiences.
• Proof of similar assignments done before.
• Relevant professional certifications.

4. Expected deliverables

1. Draft design of how provision of simultaneous interpretation and written translation services for the scope mentioned above in section 2 will be executed.
2. Timely simultaneous interpretation services for physical and online activities as agreed by Hivos and the consultant.
3. Timely translation services for physical and online activities as agreed upon by Hivos and the consultant.

5. Duration

We anticipate to work with the consultant on a need-to basis over the course of 1 year as per activities and events agreed and communicated well in advance between the consultant and Hivos.

6. How to apply

All applications should be sent to the address eastafricajobs@hivos.org  by January 31, 2023 5pm with the following information:

1. Cover letter detailing your experience, why you are the best fit for this assignment, and your proposed general approach to the consultancy.
2. CV of consultant and description of any partners or contributing institutions as appropriate.
3. Not more than 1 page describing the financial proposal of how you will deliver the workshop rates of service provision per hour and per number of words.
4. Examples and references of similar previous assignments delivered.

The email subject should read: ‘APPLICATION FOR CMF TRANSLATION CONSULTANCY.’ Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.