Consultancy for Live Interpretation (Somali ↔ English)

SCOPE OF WORK

Consultancy: Live Interpretation (Somali ↔ English)

Background 

Equal Access International (EAI) is an international non-governmental organization (NGO), working in the area of communication for development (www.equalaccess.org) and headquartered in Washington DC, with country offices and programs in different countries of Asia and Africa.

EAI creates customized communications strategies and outreach solutions to support communities around the world to drive sustainable and transformative changes in critical areas including governance, peace building, preventing extremism, youth, and gender. EAI is seeking a consultant to support our work in Somalia, focused on the normative change components of our security and justice work in the country.

Project Overview: Nabadeynta Soomaaliya (also known as ‘Nabadeynta’) works with both security and justice providers, and the people they serve, to help create a safer, stronger Somalia. The programme recognizes the critical role that improved safety, security and access to justice has in establishing the foundations to lasting peace and political settlements in Somalia.  The period of performance of the project is from July 1, 2023, to March 31, 2026. Nabadeynta will support Somalis to identify and articulate the challenges they face in accessing security and justice services and to develop joint solutions that lead to visible, practical change in their experience and trust in the security and justice systems.  Through approaches that enable informed and inclusive dialogue and negotiation, the programme seeks to transform how individuals, communities and institutions in Somalia can work together to create fairer, more efficient, and more accountable systems for security and justice.

Purpose of the Assignment: The purpose of this consultancy is to provide high-quality live interpretation services (Somali ↔ English) for technical trainings, workshops, and community dialogues under the Nabadeynta program. These services are required to ensure seamless communication between Somali-speaking participants and English-speaking facilitators, allowing for full participation, accurate understanding, and effective delivery of program objectives.

Consultant’s Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for:

1. Live Interpretation

·       Providing simultaneous and consecutive interpretation between Somali and English during training sessions, plenary discussions, breakout groups, and community dialogues.

·       Accurately conveying technical concepts, policy discussions, and culturally nuanced terms related to security, governance, and community policing.

·       Ensuring confidentiality and neutrality during sensitive discussions.

1. Preparation and Familiarization

·       Reviewing training materials, agendas, and handouts provided in advance.

·       Preparing terminology lists for specialized vocabulary (e.g., community policing, security, justice, governance).

·       Participating in pre-training briefings with EAI staff and facilitators to align on context and expectations.

1. Travel and On-Site Availability

·       Traveling to designated training locations (e.g., Mogadishu, Baidoa, Hudur, Kismayo, Dollow or other regions in Somalia) and being present for the full duration of the assignment.

·       Supporting both preparatory meetings and wrap-up sessions as required.

1. Quality Assurance

·       Ensuring clarity, consistency, and professionalism in interpretation at all times.

·       Maintaining cultural sensitivity and adapting interpretation style to both formal and community-level dialogue.

·       Providing feedback to EAI if materials or terminology require clarification.

Level of Effort

The maximum level of effort will be up to 30 days, with the actual number of days determined by specific Task Orders issued under an Indefinite Quantity Contract (IQC). Task Orders will outline the scope, deliverables, and duration of each assignment, as required by the donor.

EAI Responsibilities

• Provide access to training agendas and materials in advance.
• Facilitate travel logistics, accommodation, and per diem where required.
• Provide security guidance and coordination support during field assignments.
• Ensure the consultant is briefed on program content and expectations.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Proven professional experience in live interpretation (Somali ↔ English), with preference for work in the fields of governance, peacebuilding, community policing, or development.
• Demonstrated ability to handle technical and policy-related vocabulary.
• Previous experience providing services to international organizations, NGOs, or UN agencies.
• Excellent listening, concentration, and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain neutrality, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity.
• Flexibility to travel and work in challenging environments across Somalia.

Interested consultants should submit their CV, daily rate in USD, and availability to perform the 30 days on the period October 20th to February 28th,  to [email protected] on or before Tuesday 13th October 2025 at 2 pm EAT, with the subject line “Consultancy – Live Interpretation Services”

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to demonstrate their interpretation skills. A contract is expected to be issued by October 20th 2025