TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR CONSULTANCY TO TRANSLATE TWO COMIC BOOKS ON NATIONAL BUDGET, PLANNING, AND CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN ZAMBIA INTO ZAMBIAN THREE LOCAL LANGUAGES

INTRODUCTION

Oxfam is a global movement of people who are fighting inequality to end poverty and injustice. Across regions, from the local to the global, we work with people to bring change that lasts. Our work is grounded in the commitment to the universality of human rights. Driven by diversity and founding our asks in evidence and experience, we take sides against poverty and injustice everywhere. Feminist approaches guide all.

OXFAM is currently implementing a European Union funded project dubbed “Beyond the numbers: Making the national budget work for the people”. Collaborating with Zambia Council for Social Development (ZCSD) and the Non-Governmental Gender Organization Coordinating Council (NGOCC), this project aims to promote active citizen engagement and the involvement of non-state actors in the national planning and budgeting processes as well as promotion of accountability in the implementation of the national budget by building their capacity and facilitating opportunities for them.

1. BACKGROUND

The national budget is a primary management tool of government, it is a logical place to focus efforts on to improve development outcomes. It is also essential to the sustainability of government programs in any given country. The Budget reflects the choices the government has made to realize the country’s social and economic agenda. It is a fundamental tool in the implementation of public policy and a more telling indicator of the priority accorded to fighting poverty and developing the nation. It also outlines how government revenue will be raised and apportioned among the various ministries and quasigovernment agencies present for their selected priorities. National Budgets have also the potential to reduce barriers that people face and promote socioeconomic equality. The budget is critical in influencing the distribution of income by imposing taxes on the rich and spending more on the welfare of the poor especially in developing and unequal countries.

Empirical evidence, however, indicates that Citizen participation in the national national planning and budgeting process is critical in modern public finance management practice to enhance inclusivity, fiscal transparency and accountability, improve service delivery and fiscal efficiency as well as strengthen democracy and governance. It is, therefore, essential to raise awareness among citizens, particularly youth, about the importance of these processes and the opportunities for their active participation.

OXFAM and its partners, therefore, developed creative and engaging comic books to raise awareness and inspire citizens to engage in the national budget process as well as support the work  of Oxfam and its partners on the beyond the numbers project. Its is against this background that Oxfam seek to engage a consultant translate the two comic books writer in English into three (3) Zambia languages namely Bemba, Nyanja and Tonga to ensure that the comic books are accessible to the wider audience.

2. OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY

The objective of this consultancy is to translate the scripts of the two comic book on national budget, planning, and citizen participation in Zambia into three (3) Zambia languages namely Bemba, Nyanja and Tonga to ensure that the comic books are accessible to the wider audience.

3. SCOPE OF WORK

The consultancy will include, but not be limited to, the following tasks:

• Review the English scripts for the two comic book titles from Oxfam and ZCSD
• Translate the scripts accurately into Bemba, Nyanja, and Tonga, ensuring the translated content maintains the intended meaning and tone.
• Work closely with the Oxfam and ZCSD team to review the translated scripts and incorporate any necessary edits or revisions.
• Submit the final translated scripts in the three local languages to Oxfam and ZCSD in the required format.

4. DELIVERABLES

The consultant(s) will be responsible for delivering the following outputs:

1. Translated scripts of the two comic book titles on national budget, planning, and citizen participation in Zambia in Bemba, Nyanja, and Tonga.
2. A brief report outlining the translation process, any challenges faced, and recommendations for future translation work.

5. DURATION AND TIMELINE

The consultancy is expected to be conducted over a period of 10 working days. The detailed timeline for each task will be agreed upon during the inception phase.

6. CONSULTANT PROFILE

The Consultants should possess the following qualifications and expertise:

1. Proven experience in translating content from English into Bemba, Nyanja, and Tonga.
2. Strong command of the three target languages, as well as excellent writing and editing skills.
3. Knowledge and understanding of Zambian cultural contexts and sensitivities.
4. Ability to work collaboratively with the Oxfam and ZCSD team and meet deadlines.
5. Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

7. REPORTING AND COORDINATION

The consultant(s) will report directly to the Governance Programs Coordinator and Beyond the numbers Project Manager who will serve as the primary point of contact throughout the consultancy period.

8. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

All intellectual property rights, including the final report and any related materials, will be transferred to Oxfam in Southern Africa upon completion of the consultancy.

9. CONFIDENTIALITY

The consultant(s) shall maintain the confidentiality of all data, information, and discussions related to the consultancy and ensure the security of any data collected during the review.

10. ETHICS AND SAFEGUARDING

Oxfam has a zero-tolerance policy towards inaction against sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse.  Oxfam’s ethics for safeguarding will be emphasized and remain mandatory throughout the process of the undertaking of the study. Engagements and support will aim to create and maintain safe, equitable, and inclusive culture where all those who work for and with Oxfam as well as those in the communities where Oxfam operates are treated with dignity and their rights and voices are heard and respected.

Selected consultants will be expected to read, sign, and adhere to the Oxfam Code of Conduct for no Oxfam staff and follow Oxfam’s Ethical Content Guidelines.

11. EVALUATION AND SELECTION

The selection of the consultant(s) will be based on their relevant experience and budget.

12. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• A cover letter outlining their relevant experience and interest in the consultancy.
• Attach up-to-date CVs of the core team and samples of translation of a short text (approximately 500 words) from English into all three of the target languages.
• A proposed budget and timeline for completing the consultancy.
• Contact information for two professional references.

Please submit the application materials to [Organization Contact Name] at [email address] by [Deadline Date].

Proposals should be submitted to the address below in electronic form ONLY and must be clearly indicated “ CONSULTANCY TO TRANSLATE TWO COMIC BOOKS ON NATIONAL BUDGET, PLANNING, AND CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN ZAMBIA INTO ZAMBIAN THREE LOCAL LANGUAGES” by 17:00 hours CAT time on 12^th August, 2024.

All correspondence for the consultancy should be addressed to the HR through the email: Zambialogistics@oxfam.org.uk . Kindly access the two comic books to be translated here for your reference.