Background

The United Nations Training and Documentation Centre for South West Asia and the Arab Region (the Centre), was established by the General Assembly resolution 60/153 of 16 December 2005. It is mandated, under the supervision of Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), to “undertake training and documentation activities according to international human rights standards”.

 To this end, The Doha OHCHR Centre implements a series of activities, including designing and carrying out capacity building courses for Member States. Thus, the Centre will produce and translate into Arabic a Human Rights educational material/training manual-in 2 parts- to be used by civil society organizations, educational institutions, governmental organizations, national Human Rights institutions and Human Rights defenders.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Head of the Centre, and in close collaboration with the programme team, the contractor will be responsible to undertake language translation of OHCHR products, and he/she will apply professional judgment across a broad range of translation functions. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

The consultant is requested to translate the below:

• REPORTING TO THE UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS TREATY BODIES TRAINING GUIDE Part I – Manual:  33178 Words
• REPORTING TO THE UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS TREATY BODIES TRAINING GUIDE Part II – Notes for Facilitators: 33095 Words

           The two manuals are available online : http://www.ohchr.org/EN/PublicationsResources/Pages/TrainingEducation.aspx

The translator will work under the direct supervision of the Head of the Centre. To facilitate a smooth monitoring of the translation, regular meetings/conference calls should be organized to discuss the progress of the work.

The project requires a high quality of translation and the expected deliverable are:

1. First draft of the Manual-Par I, in Arabic.
2. Final draft of the Manual-Part I, in Arabic
3. First draft of the Manual-Par II, in Arabic.
4. Final draft of the Manual-Part II, in Arabic

• Study the text and convert it into Arabic using the most appropriate vocabulary and commonly accepted equivalents of professional, scientific or technical terms and ensure that the original meaning is retained by acquiring information about the professional, scientific and technical subject matter covered
•  Incorporate suggested changes to the translation
•  All text, including text contained in figures, boxes, captions, sources and covers requires translation and proofreading
•  The translator is expected to perform terminology research (ie. in OHCHR website and others) to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of translation. The translator is also responsible for ensuring quality and accuracy of the entire document before submitting it back to the officer in charge of the project.
• Consult specialists and reference works, technical dictionaries and other appropriate sources as necessary
• Ensure that terminology and nuances are correctly rendered and that the translation is structurally, grammatically and idiomatically correct
• Verify the accuracy of citations; spot manifest or possible errors in the original text and inform the editor and the author when appropriate
• Compare the translation of a text with the original to verify the accuracy and completeness of the translated version and the suitability of the vocabulary and terminology used
• Proofread the translated materials before final submission to detect any error in spelling punctuation, or grammar

Competencies

• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with supervisor to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas.

• Planning & Organizing: Based on the supervision received, develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; prioritize activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; uses time efficiently.

• Professionalism: Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.

• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively and customizes language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed

Required Skills and Experience

Education:A bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) in translation, or relevant field, from a university or institution of equivalent status. 

Experience:Minimum of five years of experience in translation. Working experience with United Nations and/or other international organizations is desirable. Preference given to translators with experience translating material related to Human Rights trainings. 

Knowledge and skills,Language Requirements:

Knowledge and understanding of the language and vocabulary of international institutions and agreements.

Native Arabic-speaker, professionally bilingual in English, including the ability to write clearly and concisely

Interested applicants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications(Please combine all the documents in one file and attached it )

• Indicate clearly the number of experience years as well as the field, the number and title of translated documents of 250 pages or more
• The Consultant must provide a brief methodology on how to approach and conduct the work (presentation and Feasibility) indicating in his/her offer exactly the number of working days which should not exceed 90 days in any case. He/she must submit a calendar of meetings and evolution of his working and must take into account comments and conclusions of all meetings held with the supervisor
• Proposal explaining how he/she is the most suitable for the work
• If the candidate is part of the list of sworn translator, should provide the evidence justifying such information
• Financial proposal indicating the cost per page of 250 words as well as the total cost
• Personal CV including past experience in similar projects and at least 3 references with contacts details.

Cumulative analysis

The award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

1. responsive/compliant/acceptable and
2. Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial

Criteria specific to the solicitation.

• Technical Criteria weight: 70%
• Financial Criteria weight: 30%

Only preselected candidates having obtained 25 points will be invited to pass a written test

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 point would be considered for the Financial Evaluation