TERMS OF REFERENCE
Project Management and Quality Assurance of Translation of Key Documents
September 2015
BACKGROUND:
War Child UK is a London based INGO, which specialises in supporting and protecting children in
countries devastated by conflict, including the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic
of the Congo, Jordan, Iraq and Afghanistan. We are providing life-changing aid in three core areas
of protection, education and economic livelihoods to children and their families. War Child UK
works with extremely vulnerable, conflict affected children, marginalised by poverty and social
exclusion, such as children in conflict with law, street working children, unaccompanied minors
and separated children and internally displaced children, and survivors of SGBV.
War Child UK aspires to build the capacity of local partners and predominantly hires national
staff, to manage and work in our projects. This means that most speak English only as their
second or third language. While the head office is based in London, the Regional teams work in
English, French and Arabic in the day to day operations. In order to build the capacity on
fundamental issues, key documents require a professional translation to be referred to as core
guidelines across all country offices of War Child UK.
The project key objectives are as follows:
1. To ensure that key documents, manuals and guidelines are available to all staff in selected
languages; French, Arabic and Dari
2. To achieve a high professional level of translations including the use of industry specific
vocabulary.
3. Scoping of translators to produce a list of approved and quality assured translators who can
be contacted for future adjustments of said documents.
Expected Outcomes:
Currently, translations are done by volunteers in-house or managed through United Nations
Online Volunteers. This is sufficient for quick turnover but produces mixed quality results.
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Recently WCUK translated a key document into three languages (French, Arabic, Dari) but the
process was time consuming to be incorporated into existing, busy structures.
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The project manager is expected to establish a new streamlined translation process,
deliver translations of about 10 high volume key documents plus supporting attachments,
and incorporate this process to be used in the future by WCUK staff. Translation services
should be explored globally, preferably in WCUK programme countries.
All documents identified need to be translated, proof read, and edited in each of the
selected languages (French, Arabic, Persian (Dari) and Kurdish) ready for use. A list of
translators for each of the languages should be produced, including an indication of cost
estimates. All translations need to be translated by professional translators, and proof
read/edited by native speakers familiar with humanitarian vocabulary. All translations
need final sign off by native speakers from WCUK staff from country teams or head office.
The consultant will also be expected to prepare the financial administration for the
translation-services. The payment for the translations will actioned directly between
WCUK and translation services by invoice.
The project needs to be delivered by the end of 2015 and within budget. A duration of 20
work days are estimated for the project manager for the completion of these tasks and
the consultant should propose either a flat fee or daily rate for this piece of work.
Time Frame: October-December 2015
Conditions
The consultant will use her/his own office/resources/materials and computer in the execution of
this assignment. War Child UK will provide desk space at the London office when required. No
travel to country offices is required for this role.
Supervision and Reporting: The consultant will be responsible to keep War Child abreast of
progress through brief monthly reports. S/he will be supervised by the Regional Programme
Officer Asia/Middle East, who is based in London.
Funding and Payment: The consultant will be paid by War Child UK as follows:
- 10% on successful submission of list of quality approved translators for each of the selected
languages.
- 40% after successful submission of all translated documents (before proof reading / editing).
- 50% on successful submission and sign off of all translated documents.
Qualifications of Consultant:
 Bachelor’s Degree in relevant modern languages or related discipline coupled with skills
and knowledge in Project Management
 At least 3 years’ experience in project management and/or quality assurance, ideally in
translation industry
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Knowledge and understanding of the humanitarian and development sector
Excellent project management skills
Highly driven, dependable and results oriented, with a keen eye for detail
Excellent verbal and written skills in English are essential
Knowledge of Dari, Arabic and/or French would be an additional advantage.
Note: All Consultants will be required to abide by War Child UK’s organizational policies, namely
Child Protection Policy with Code of Conduct, Evaluation Policy and Ethics Policy and will be
required to sign a statement of commitment to these and other organisational policies. The
consultant(s) will also be willing to complete three references and DBS/police checks in advance
of appointment.
War Child UK invites interested individuals, agencies, organisations and other bodies to submit
their proposal, including their proposed consultancy fee, on or before 13th October 2015 to
claasb@warchild.org.uk
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