Individual Consultancy: Translation of UNICEF publications and reports (LTA) UNICEF East Jerusalem

Children in the State of Palestine suffer wide-ranging and often severe deprivations of their basic human rights. Within the context of the protracted protection crisis, they face frequent exposure to political violence and stringent restrictions on movement. Education, healthcare and other essential services are planned and delivered against a backdrop of uncertainty and obstruction. Severe shortages of clean drinking water, which affect almost the entire population, lead to high rates of diarrhea and other communicable diseases among children. Generalized violence in family, school and community life, in forms such as corporal punishment and gender-based violence, are reinforced by the stresses of and gradual desensitization to the violence and oppression of the overarching political context. As children transition into adulthood, they face limited opportunities in the labour force and the very real prospect of long-term unemployment particularly females, who are expected to shoulder the majority of domestic responsibilities.

Within this context, not only must children's basic needs for health, education and protection be met, but there is also a strong necessity for life skills and psychosocial support to build their resilience, self-determination and entrepreneurship in the face of an uncertain future. This requires robust, cross-sectorial programming that is sensitive to the multi-faceted nature of poverty and deprivation, and that identifies clear entry points to reach children with appropriate support and protection across the span of their childhood.

To help UNICEF fulfill the rights of these children who suffer severe deprivations, and amplify their voices, there is a need for quality studies and publications to assist UNICEF in its programming for children, as well as evidence based advocacy.  To safeguard UNICEF image and brand quality, some of these publications / reports require translation services on long term basis to meet the demands of such tasks.

How can you make a difference?  For every child, a Future:

The contractor needs to provide highly quality translation services that is in line with UN/UNICEF terminology, with less than 1 per cent error.  This includes the following:

1. Written translation services:

1. Translate from English to Arabic, or vice versa, or from Hebrew to English or vice versa UNICEF publications and / or reports.
2. Undertake translation of this specialized document with specialized language, such as legal, medical and general documents.
3. Ensure that the translated text is linguistically and grammatically correct and error free, and that it meets the standards of completely edited and revised high quality language that does not require further editing or proofreading.
4. Ensure that the translated text uses UNICEF standard terminology wherever applicable (using Glossary provided by UNICEF State of Palestine), and that the language and styles are consistent.
5. Incorporate all amendments made by UNICEF to the translated text.
6. Quality control of the end product is a mandatory requirement of this agreement. For each translated page, the margin of error should not exceed 1%.
7. Maintain confidentiality of materials translated and will only share the materials with the UNICEF contract supervisor.
8. Return to UNICEF all original documentation, where applicable

2. Consecutive or simultaneous translation:  In addition to the above tasks, the contractor should have the:

1. Ability to carry out quality simultaneous and / or consecutive translation services
2. For simultaneous / consecutive translation, the margin of error is less than 1%.

Performance indicators for evaluation of results (e.g., timeliness, value of services rendered in relation to their costs, etc.): Quality of translation, attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines, flexibility, accuracy and efficiency

Duty station:  Consultant may work onsite or offsite, depending on the requirements of the assignment

Travel (if any during length of assignment): N/A

To qualify as a Champion for every Child, you will have: 

At least 5 years of general translation from English and to Arabic

At least 5 years of experience in one technical language (health or legal issues)

Ability to translate from and to other languages would be an asset

Ability to carry out simultaneous translations

Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines

Familiarity with UNICEF terminology and language used.

Knowledge of UNICEF programmes and its goals a plus.
Previous working experience with the United Nations and/or an international organization is desirable.

Language:  Fluency in English and Arabic. 

For every Child, you demonstrate: 

Our core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious and ethnic backgrounds, apply to become a part of our organization. Candidates will be treated equally regardless of gender, sexual orientation, special needs, social and HIV/aids status. UNICEF is a smoke-free environment.

Female photographers are encouraged to apply