Terms of Reference (TOR)

Part-time Translator (English-Lao-English)

1. BACKGROUND

The Government of Lao (GoL) has demonstrated its commitment to reduce emissions through its active participation in the global initiative of REDD+ – Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation. The GoL views REDD+ as an opportunity to balance conservation and development through the effective land use planning and sustainable management of its rich forest resources.

The GoL, through the Department of Forestry (DoF) at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), initiated its REDD+ Readiness process with its participation in the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF). Having completed its REDD+ Readiness, the DoF started its first sub-national emission reduction project through the FCPF’s Carbon Fund in 2018.

Titled Governance, Forest Landscapes and Livelihoods – Northern Laos (GFLL), the project focuses on six northern provinces of Lao PDR, namely  Bokeo, Huaphan Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, and Sayaburi. The area constitutes approximately one-third of both the country’s geographical and forest area, with a population of 1.8 million people and where the dominant land use designation is forest. The project is managed by a National Project Management Unit (NPMU) located at the REDD+ Division of the DoF.

GFLL is now in its implementation phase and is planning to recruit a translator for its NPMU.

2. OBJECTIVE OF ASSIGNMENT

The translator will carry out various translation assignment as required under the project (English-Lao-English). He/she will work closely with the other GFLL consultants and assistants, and under guidance of the National Project Coordinator.

3. SCOPE OF WORK AND MAIN TASKS

The Translator duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Translate the project documents from English into Lao and vice versa with high quality standards;
• Do proper editing, spelling, grammar check and formatting of the translated text before submission to relevant project staff;
• Make sure that Lao terminologies of specific names or institutions be properly translated and checked;
• Submit the work within the date specified in the internal agreement;
• Re-check and revise the translated work for possible corrections, in case it was recognized that the quality of the translation is not up to the standard, documents must be re-translated;

4. DELIVERABLES

–    Translation of Community Engagement Process (CEP) guideline, safeguard documents (SESA, ESMF, EGPF, PF RPF), Manuals and Guidelines, training documents and other documents as require.

5. EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

The qualification and experience required of the consultant as follows:

• Relevant degree (Bachelor’s degree or higher) in English linguistics and/or graduated from an international course which English is a mean of the academic course. Advanced degree in Forestry/Environment /Climate Change in English language is a plus;
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in project document translation especially related to forestry, environment and/or climate change;
• Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate development ideas and outputs;
• Experience in programme and/or development translation is highly desirable; solid understanding of related to forestry/environment/climate change issues is essential;
• Good inter-personal and team building skills;
• Excellent spoken and written skills in both Lao and English;
• Flexibility and ability to work and deliver high-quality production time.

6. DUTY STATION AND DURATION

This is part-time assignment; the services of the translator are required from time-to-time base on project needs with time span for the period of 2024. The duty station will be based at the REDD+ Division in DOF in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR, with occasional travel to provinces.