Long-Term Agreement (LTA) for the Engagement of Individual Consultants - Translators (Home-Based, 36 Months, On-Need Basis)

Organizational Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. UNICEF Zambia promotes and protects the rights and wellbeing of children and communities across the country, requiring accessible information in diverse local languages.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this assignment is to establish a Long-Term Agreement (LTA) with qualified individual consultant translators to provide professional translation services between English and Zambia’s seven official local languages. This LTA will enable UNICEF Zambia to efficiently access translation services on an as-needed basis throughout the contract period. The consultants will support the translation of communication, programme, advocacy, and operational materials to ensure accessibility, inclusion, and cultural relevance, thereby facilitating effective communication and community engagement across the country.

Responsibilities

The consultant will provide high-quality, accurate, and culturally appropriate translation, editing, proofreading, and localization services to support UNICEF Zambia’s communication, advocacy, and programme priorities. Key tasks include translating materials from English into one or more official Zambian languages (Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga, Lozi, Kaonde, Lunda, and Luvale), and vice versa. This involves translating a wide range of UNICEF materials such as reports, publications, social media content, video subtitles, radio scripts, surveys, questionnaires, presentations, and safeguarding materials. The consultant will also edit and proofread translated content to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency, conduct quality assurance reviews, and localize content to ensure relevance and appropriateness for intended audiences while preserving the original meaning and tone. The role contributes to effective communication and audience engagement by ensuring translations are linguistically accurate, culturally sensitive, and aligned with UNICEF’s communication objectives and standards.

Work Experience

Minimum 3–5 years of professional translation experience, with demonstrated experience translating between English and at least one of Zambia’s official local languages. Experience with development agencies, UN agencies, or media organizations is an asset.

Skills

Translation, Editing, Proofreading, Localization, Linguistic Accuracy, Cultural Adaptation, Attention to Detail, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills, Time Management, Quality Assurance, Terminology Management

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