Terms of Reference (TOR) For Consultancy Services

Translation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the Africa Disability Protocol (ADP) into Amharic and Wolaitigna

Introduction

The Federation of Ethiopian Associations of Persons with Disabilities (FEAPD) is seeking to hire a qualified consultant(s) or consultancy firm to provide professional translation services for the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the Africa Disability Protocol (ADP) into Amharic and Wolaitta. These translations will contribute to the objectives of the “We Can Work” program, funded by the MasterCard Foundation, which aims to enhance the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities in Ethiopia.

Background

FEAPD, established in 1996, is a non-profit, non-governmental umbrella organization that advocates for the rights of persons with disabilities in Ethiopia. As part of FEAPD’s collaboration with Light for the World on the “We Can Work” program, these translations are essential for making international disability rights frameworks accessible to local communities and relevant stakeholders in Ethiopia.

Scope of Work

The consultant is required to translate the following two documents:

• United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)
• Africa Disability Protocol (ADP)

The translations must be completed in Amharic and, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and cultural relevance. The translations will support youth-led advocacy for persons with disabilities and help empower Ethiopian communities by raising awareness of disability rights.

Roles and Responsibilities

FEAPD Responsibilities:

• Provide the Original Workbook: FEAPD will provide the consultant with the original documents (UNCRPD and ADP) in English along with any related materials that may be necessary for translation.
• Support and Clarification: FEAPD will be available to provide clarifications and answer any questions related to the content of the documents throughout the translation process.
• Review and Feedback: FEAPD will review the drafts submitted by the consultant and provide feedback to ensure the translations meet the needs of youth disability advocates and align with the program’s goals.
• Final Approval: FEAPD will review the final translated work to ensure it meets the quality standards, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and relevance before approving the deliverables.
• Organize Meetings: FEAPD will organize online platform meetings involving Light for the World to collect feedback and provide guidance to the consultant as needed.

Consultant Responsibilities:

• Translation: The consultant will provide accurate and professional translation services for the UNCRPD and ADP documents from English into Amharic and Wolaitigna. The translation must be clear, culturally appropriate, and sensitive to disability rights and youth advocacy in Ethiopia.
• Attend Meetings: The consultant will participate in online meetings organized by FEAPD and other partners for feedback and clarification.
• Revise Translations: The consultant will revise and adjust the translations based on feedback from FEAPD’s project team and other partners.
• Submit Deliverables on Time: The consultant will submit the completed translations according to the timeline and will keep FEAPD informed about any potential delays or challenges.

Deliverables

• Initial Draft Translation: Submission of an initial draft translation in both Amharic and Wolaitigna within 2 weeks of the start date.
• Polished and Finalized Translation: A revised and polished version of the translations incorporating feedback from FEAPD and other stakeholders.
• Report: A brief report outlining any significant challenges encountered during the translation process and how they were addressed.

Timeline

• Total Duration: The translation assignment will take a total of 4 weeks.
• First Draft Submission: 2 weeks from the start date.
• Feedback from FEAPD: 1 week after submission of the first draft.
• Final Submission: 1 week after receiving feedback.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal consultant should possess the following qualifications and experience:

• Fluency in Languages: Proficiency in English, Amharic, and Wolaitigna, with excellent writing skills in both Amharic and Wolaitta.
• Translation Experience: Proven experience in translation services, especially in disability-related materials or advocacy content.
• Knowledge of Disability Rights: A strong understanding of disability inclusion and the needs of youth advocates in Ethiopia.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to maintain the tone, meaning, and context of the original document while ensuring accuracy and accessibility.
• NGO or Development Experience: Experience working with NGOs or development projects is preferred.
• Communication Skills: Strong communication skills and the ability to meet deadlines while working independently.

FEAPD highly encourages qualified and experienced persons with disabilities to apply for this consultancy.

Payment and Financial Terms

• Payment Terms: Payments will be made upon the successful completion of the consultancy, following the submission and approval of the final deliverables.

Payment Schedule:

• 25% upon submission of the first draft.
• 75% upon submission and approval of the final deliverables.

Evaluation Criteria

Consultants will be selected based on the following criteria:

• Relevant Experience (30 points): Proven experience in translation and work in the disability sector or related advocacy work.
• Quality of Previous Translation Samples (15 points): Evaluation of past translation work, especially related to disability rights and advocacy.
• Understanding of Disability Sector (10 points): Demonstrated understanding of disability rights, advocacy, and the needs of youth advocates in Ethiopia.
• Cost-Effectiveness (45 points): The competitiveness of the financial proposal, including the total cost and rate per page (estimated 125 pages).

Submission Instructions

Interested consultants should submit the following documents within 7 working days of the advertisement:

• A technical proposal outlining their experience, approach to the translation, and proposed timeline.
• A sample of previous translation work, preferably related to disability and advocacy.
• A financial proposal, including the total cost for translation services and the rate per page, expressed in ETB. The proposal should be based on the estimated length of the original document (125 pages) for CRPD and 26 pages for ADP
• A CV detailing relevant experience in translation and disability-related work.
• A Tax Identification Number (TIN) for the consultant or their organization.
• A renewed license for the year 2024/2025.