Somali-English Translator

Job Description

Job Title: Translator

Department/Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Reports To: Monitoring, Verification and Reporting Technical Officer

Type: Consultancy

Overview:

IBTCI is currently implementing a USAID-funded Somalia Program Support Services (SPSS) that covers a period of five years, from 2014-2019. SPSS is planning to conduct monitoring and verification of approximately 500 site visits being implemented by USAID implementing partners in Somalia from October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018. In preparation for this exercise, SPSS is seeking the services of qualified and experienced consultant to provide support in translation of data collection tools. The translator will be part of the IBTCI-SPSS verification team, helping to deliver timely, well-translated data collection tools to be used to conduct interviews in Somalia by field monitors.

Essential Duties/Tasks and Responsibilities:

The consultant will be expected to execute the following tasks:

• Thoroughly review and understand the core text and context of SPSS’ monitoring and verification data collection tools and protocols.
• Translate the data collection tools – the consultant will study the paper versions of each of the data collection tools that have been written in English, study the scripted version, and translate the paper versions of the tool from English to Somali.
• Participate in internal content review and audit of the translated data collection tools, ensuring that the translations are easy to use for the field monitors.
• Respond to SPSS feedback to correct, enhance or otherwise revise completed translations within defined timelines.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrable experience in translation with strong experience in research, monitoring and evaluation
• Impeccable English language skills with the ability to write succinctly, coherently and effectively, with a very strong attention to detail
• Excellent knowledge of the localized dialects in each of the regions of Somalia
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to work methodically with large volume of data, and large numbers of reports
• Ability to produce consistent quality products under tightly-defined deadlines
• Practical experience in survey tool development
• Knowledge of USAID style guidelines is desirable

Minimum Requirements:

• At least three years of experience in translation, particularly of the localized dialects in each of the regions of Somalia
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to work methodically with large volume of data and large numbers of reports
• At least three years of practical experience in program development, monitoring and evaluation work
• Expert knowledge of the Somali context and language

Education:

Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in the Social Sciences, Humanities or other relevant field. A Master’s Degree is a plus.

Supervisory Responsibility: This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Travel: International travel may be required.

No phone calls please. All candidates will be acknowledged, but only final candidates for particular activities will be contacted.

IBTCI is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or any other classification protected by applicable anti-discrimination laws. We prohibit and do not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment.

About the Organization

International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. (IBTCI), a U.S. based international development consulting company established in 1987, has worked in over one hundred countries and implemented over two hundred projects. IBTCI serves government agencies, private sector companies and several donor agencies. IBTCI specializes in Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) across many sectors including, but not limited to, conflict and crisis, democracy and governance, economic growth, education, environment, and global health.