Background:

Despite legal framework clearly defining the commitment of governmental institutions to the use of official languages at both the governmental and municipal level, significant challenges and institutional shortcoming persist in implementing and respecting  these obligations. This includes the establishment of Albanian and Serbian as the two official languages and the recognition of community languages at the municipal level. Such shortcomings not only undermine the respect for language rights but also exacerbate divisions among communities and hinder inter-community interaction and dialogue. To address these issues, the Mission supports institutions at both the governmental and municipal levels in complying with the legal framework, promotion language rights, enhancing the development and capacity of translators/interpreters, and providing opportunities for community members to learn each other’s languages.

The activity aims to address key challenges that public officials dealing with translation face in their daily work. Moreover, it will address the lack of specialized training reported by municipal translators in the framework of the Mission’s regular monitoring. By providing technical support and professional development opportunities, the Mission will work to expand translation and interpretation capacities at the municipal-level institutions. The activity will be implemented in close co-ordination with municipal translators and interpreters and OSCE field teams.

The purpose of the consultancy is to support the municipal translators and interpreters (civil servants) employed at the administrations working on translation and interpretation in order to enhance their practices in translation and interpretations techniques. Participants will be identified through contact and targeted outreach to municipalities, with the support of OSCE Regional Centres.

Objective of Assignment: 

The consultant will deliver four days training on translation and interpretation techniques, use of digital platforms and advanced exercises on simultaneous and consecutive techniques of translations, with the ultimate goal of enhancing translation quality and efficiency in providing services for the institutions and communities.

Performance Indicator: 

• 100% of training program are submitted to the Activity Manager on or before the deadline. At least 90% of submitted training programs meet or exceed the quality standards set by the Activity Manager
• At least 70 percent of participating students identify their common topics of learning.
• Classes are held regularly and according to the agreed schedule
• The consultant submits 100% of training session reports and attendance lists to the Activity Manager by the end of each session, and receives at least 90% positive feedback on communication effectiveness.
• The report is submitted timely and summarizes the training delivery process, highlights key achievements, and identifies any challenges encountered.

Duration of Assignment:

The duration of the consultancy is ten (10) days

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the general supervision of the National Programme Officer, Communities Policy and in coordination with the Communities Section within the Department of Human Rights and Communities in the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, will be responsible for:

1. Develop a training program for municipal translators in coordination with the Communities Section- within the OSCE Mission in Kosovo
2. Conduct a pre-assessment with the translators to identify the desirability of topics and interests and select the most interesting areas of learning
3. Deliver at least 8 classes split within the duration of two weeks language course (if needed, divided into different groups, depending on participants’ level of proficiency).
4. Keep online records of participants’ attendance and report periodically to the OSCE Activity Manager.
5. Submit a final report to the Activity Manager including expert advice on identified challenges and recommendations for improvement.

Deliverables:

• By 2 July 2024, the Consultant submits a comprehensive course outline to the Activity Manager.
• By 4 July 2024, the Consultant conducts an online pre-assessment with the participants to identify the topics with the participants based on the pre-gathered forms filled in advance by the participants.
• By 20 July 2024, the Consultant conducts 8 classes (120 minutes each).
• By the end of each training session, the Consultant will submit a brief progress report of the training, noting also suggestions for improvement of the upcoming sessions to the Activity Manager. 
• By 30 July 2024, the Consultant submits the final report to the OSCE Activity Manager. 

Necessary Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in the field of linguistics, pedagogy/education or similar;
• Minimum 10 years of demonstrable professional experience in lecturing and delivering training on translation and interpretation techniques in Albanian and Serbian language;
• Experience in teaching Albanian to Serbian speakers and experience in teaching Serbian to Albanian speakers in Kosovo;
• Fluency in Albanian and Serbian languages. An advanced level of English language is desirable.

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will depend on the qualifications and experience of individual experts as well as the detailed work plan to
be agreed upon and will be based on the current OSCE consultancy rates.

In order to apply for this position you must complete the OSCE’s online application form, found under https://jobs.osce.org/. Applicants are encouraged to use the online recruitment and only fully completed OSCE applications will be accepted. However, if you have technical difficulties with the system you may use the offline application form found under https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/offline-application-form and forward the completed form quoting the vacancy number by e-mail to: consultancy.omik@osce.org. In line with your qualifications please indicate preference to one or more field of expertise listed above (while using the online application the field of expertise preference can be indicated in the cover letter part). Kindly note that applications received after the deadline, submitted in different formats than the OSCE Application Form or inother languages than the English language would not be considered. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply. The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.