Professional Translators- Reviewing Water Quality Monitoring, Water Safety Plan, and Water Treatment Guidelines Consultancy

USAID Tanzania Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Adaptation Activity (USAID T-MELA)

Social Impact (SI) is a global development management consulting firm. To advance development effectiveness, we provide monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity-building services. We work across all development sectors including democracy and governance, health and education, environment, and economic growth. Since 1997 we have worked in over 100 countries for clients such as US government agencies, bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, foundations, and nonprofits.

USAID T-MELA Description:

On January 19, 2023, USAID/Tanzania awarded International Business Initiatives (IBI) and SI a four-year contract for the Tanzania Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Adaptation Activity (USAID T-MELA). This activity is to assist the USAID/Tanzania Mission with strategy- and activity-level performance monitoring, evaluation, and learning. This activity will also provide data gathering and verification, data visualization (including Geographic Information Systems), data quality Studies, impact and performance evaluations, Studies, organizational learning, and collaboration among USAID’s implementing partners and DO teams.

Background:

The Ministry of Water developed the National Operation Guidelines on Optimization of Chemical Dosage of Drinking Water in 2020 to standardize water treatment processes across Tanzania. These guidelines were designed to address variations in the types and quantities of chemicals, such as coagulants and disinfectants, used by Community-Based Water Supply Organizations (CBWSOs) and Water Supply and Sanitation Authorities (WSSAs). However, challenges remain in the management and control of water treatment chemicals, leading to inconsistencies that impact water quality. To address these challenges, the Ministry has prioritized the review and finalization of the Guidelines for the Management of Water Treatment Chemicals. This review will ensure that the procurement, usage, and quality of these chemicals are standardized, cost-effective, and sourced from reliable suppliers, safeguarding public health and ensuring efficient use of public funds.

Additionally, significant changes in science and technology, as well as regulatory reforms in the water sector, have occurred since the operationalization of several key guidelines. These changes include updates to the Water Supply and Sanitation Act, the Water Resources Management Act, and the WHO guidelines. As a result, the Ministry will also review and translate into Kiswahili the WATER QUALITY MONITORING, WATER SAFETY PLAN, AND WATER TREATMENT GUIDELINES to ensure they align with the latest standards and best practices. The guidelines targeted are National Guidelines on Drinking Water Quality Monitoring and Reporting (2018), Guidelines for Preparation of Climate Resilient Water Safety Plans for Urban and Rural Water Supply Utilities/Services and National Operation Guidelines on Optimization of Chemical Dosage of Drinking Water (2020).

The review of these guidelines is critical for improving water quality monitoring, water safety planning, and water treatment practices across Tanzania, ensuring that they reflect advancements in technology and align with updated regulatory frameworks.

Rationale and Statement of Purpose:

This assignment aims to review, update and translate into Kiswahili the existing water quality monitoring and assessment guidelines to ensure the provision of clean and safe water to communities across Tanzania, but also to finalize the preparation of Guidelines for Management of Water Treatment Chemicals. The Ministry of Water aims to improve its procedures for water quality monitoring and assessment, ensuring they are cost-effective and supporting the sustainability of water supply services in both rural and urban areas. This review will align the guidelines with current best practices, advances in science and technology, and updated regulatory frameworks to enhance the management of Tanzania’s water resources.

Specific Objectives:

i. Comprehensive Review of National Guidelines on water quality monitoring and assessment based on relevant literatures and stakeholder consultation workshops.

ii. Comprehensive Review of two Guidelines(Rural and Urban) for Preparation of Climate Resilient Water Safety Plan into Swahili version based on relevant literatures and consultation workshops

iii. Review of the National Operation Guidelines on Optimization of Chemical Dosage of Drinking Water (2020)

iv. Translate into Kiswahili the four reviewed guidelines.

v. Finalize Preparation of the Guidelines for Management of Water Treatment Chemicals; and

vi. Dissemination of the reviewed guidelines to ensure long-term sustainability.

Position Description:

SI is seeking two (2) Professional Translators to support USAID T-MELA in translating revised Water Quality Monitoring, Water Safety Plan, and Water Treatment Guidelines from English to Kiswahili. The Translators will work closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) who will provide oversight and technical review to ensure that the translations are accurate and maintain the integrity of technical terminology. The translators must have significant experience translating government documents, particularly in the water sector. This is a consulting position with an estimated performance period of February 2024 – June 2025. The Professional Translators’ estimated level of effort (LOE) will be 31 LOEs.

Responsibilities:

The Professional Translators shall have the following responsibilities:

• Translate the Water Sector Guidelines: Translate complex technical guidelines, including the Water Quality Monitoring Guidelines, Water Safety Plans, and Water Treatment Guidelines, ensuring that all content is accurately conveyed from English to Kiswahili.
• Collaborate with SMEs and the Team Lead: Work closely with subject matter experts and the Team Lead to ensure that the translations are technically accurate and in line with sector-specific terminology and standards.
• Maintain Consistency in Terminology: Ensure the consistent use of water sector-specific terminology throughout the translated guidelines.
• Respond to Feedback: Incorporate feedback and revisions from Subject Matter Expertise and the Team Lead to refine and improve translations as needed.

Deliverables:

With support from USAID/T-MELA and Team members, Team Lead will be expected to support the production and management of the following deliverables:

• Translated National Guidelines on Drinking Water Quality Monitoring and Reporting (2018) into the Kiswahili
• Translated Guidelines for Preparation of Climate Resilient Water Safety Plan into Kiswahili
  • Guidelines for the Preparation of Water Safety Plans – Resilient to Climate Change for Urban Water Supply Utilities (2015)
  • Guidelines for the Preparation of Water Safety Plans – Resilient to Climate Change for Rural Water Supply Services (2015)
• Translated National Operation Guidelines on Optimization of Chemical Dosage of Drinking Water (2020) and translated into Kiswahili.

Qualifications and Skills:

The Professional Translators must have:

• A minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Translation, Linguistics, or a related field, with formal training in translation services.
• At least 7 years of professional experience in translating government documents, particularly in the water sector.
• Proven track record of translating technical documents related to water quality, water safety plans, and water treatment.
• Fluency in both English and Kiswahili, with exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with government agencies and familiarity with Tanzanian water sector regulations and terminology.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other team members and technical leads to ensure accurate and high-quality translations.
• Attention to detail in maintaining the technical integrity of the translated documents, ensuring that the original documents’ meaning, tone, and structure are preserved.
• Technical expertise in translating complex water sector terms and guidelines.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple translation tasks and meet strict deadlines.
• Proficiency in water sector terminology: A deep understanding of technical language and jargon specific to water quality, water treatment, and water safety planning, ensuring precise and contextually accurate translation.
• Attention to detail: Ability to maintain the technical integrity and nuanced meaning of complex documents, ensuring that the full depth of the content is preserved during translation.
• Cultural and contextual sensitivity: Adapt translations to reflect the local context, ensuring that translated materials are understandable for Tanzanian stakeholders while retaining the technical precision of the source document.
• Advanced research skills: Strong ability to research and verify unfamiliar or highly technical terms, ensuring correct and consistent usage across translations.
• Collaboration and teamwork: Experience working with subject matter experts (SMEs) and technical reviewers, incorporating their feedback to refine translations and ensure technical accuracy.
• Problem-solving skills: Ability to solve translation challenges, especially when dealing with complex or ambiguous terms, by liaising with technical experts and conducting in-depth research.
• Effective communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills in both English and Kiswahili, with the ability to convey complex concepts clearly and accurately.

Expected timeline: November 2024– July 2025

The closing date for application is October 21, 2024 at 05pm EAT. The selection and interview will be performed on a rolling basis, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

To apply, please merge both your CV and a cover letter into two different PDF files and submit it through the online portal.

Come join our energetic and innovative team! We offer you the opportunity to play a leading role in the growth of our company, work as part of a creative and committed team, and make a difference in the well-being of our world.

To learn more about Social Impact, please visit our website: http://www.socialimpact.com

SI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please, no phone calls.