Consultancy Services of INTERPRETER IN SHIFT ASIA LEARNING SESSIONnew

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR CONSULTANCY SERVICES

Interpreter in shift asia learning session

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BACKGROUND

The Supporting Humanitarian Initiatives for Transformation in Asia (SHIFT Asia) Project is a critical regional initiative building upon the success of the first phase of Women’s Local Humanitarian Leadership (WLHL) implemented in 2022–2023. SHIFT Asia now operates across Indonesia, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Myanmar, and is focused on advancing women’s leadership by positioning their organizations at the center of humanitarian decision-making.

The project operates based on the reality that women and girls are disproportionately affected by crises yet remain severely underrepresented in leadership. By applying a feminist and participatory approach that fosters regional networks and solidarity, SHIFT Asia aims to transform humanitarian systems to be more inclusive, representative, and effective in achieving gender-transformative disaster preparedness and response.

Central to this second phase is the SHIFT Asia Learning Agenda (2025–2027). This agenda promotes feminist learning spaces, peer-to-peer exchanges, and collective capacity enhancement in key areas such as program design (Theory of Change - TOC) and robust Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems. Grounded in Oxfam’s Common Approach to MEAL, the Learning Agenda is designed to generate evidence, capture lessons, and drive accountability and social change across local, national, and regional levels.

To ensure effective participation and shared learning among all stakeholders, specifically bridging the language gap between English-speaking facilitators and participants from Indonesia (Bahasa) and Bangladesh (Bengali), we require professional interpretation services for four critical upcoming learning sessions.

PURPOSE

The primary purpose of this assignment is to secure the services of a professional interpreter (or team of interpreters) capable of providing high-quality simultaneous interpretation between English and the primary local languages of Indonesia (Bahasa) and Bangladesh (Bengali/Bangla) for four structured learning sessions. The goal is to facilitate seamless technical understanding and meaningful peer-to-peer exchange across the regional teams.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The selected Interpreter(s) shall be responsible for:

• Interpretation: Providing accurate and simultaneous (preferred) or high-quality consecutive interpretation between English - Indonesian (Bahasa) and English - Bengali (Bangla) for all four virtual learning sessions. These two languages are recommended to delivered by different providers in the each country based.
• Preparation: Reviewing all session materials (agendas, presentations, technical guides) provided at least 48 hours in advance to familiarize themselves with the subject and technical jargon.
• Testing: Participating in a brief technical check prior to each session to ensure optimal audio and virtual platform settings (e.g., Zoom/MS Teams interpretation feature).
• Impartiality: Maintaining strict confidentiality, professionalism, and impartiality throughout the assignment.

EXPECTED RESULTS

It must be noted that the copyright for all the plans and reports and other intellectual property created as a part of this project shall vest exclusively to Oxfam which would be free to use all such material, without restrictions.

The success of the interpretation service will be measured by its contribution to the technical quality and participatory nature of the learning sessions, specifically:

1. High Comprehension of Technical Content: Approximately 95% of all core technical content delivered by the facilitator are accurately conveyed and understood by Indonesian and Bangladeshi participants, minimizing the need for extensive clarification loops.
2. Facilitation Efficiency: The interpretation services do not introduce significant delays; the session concludes within the scheduled 2-hour timeframe, maintaining the flow and pacing set by the facilitator.

DELIVERABLES AND TIMELINE

The Interpreter(s) are expected to deliver interpretation services for the following four virtual sessions:

Deliverable - Description - Estimated Session Date - Estimated Duration (Each)

D1 - Rapid Gender Analysis (RGA) – internal review of RGA methodologies applied and tracked against MTR commitments -19 November 2026 - 2 Hours

D2 - Partnerships, Policy & Advocacy – sharing Year 1 partnership models and policy wins with donors and allies - 21 January 2027- 2 Hours

D3 - Rapid Care Analysis (RCA) – evaluating implementation of the new RCA method addressing unpaid care work - 18 March 2027 - 2 Hours

D4 - Women Local Humanitarian Leadership – evaluating how women’s organizations and leaders improve humanitarian outcomes - 20 May 2027 - 2 Hours

Note: Specific session dates will be confirmed upon contracting.

DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The intended start date is 19 November 2026 and the period of implementation will be for approximately 6 monthsfrom this date.

CONTRACT SUPERVISION

The consultant will work closely with and under day-to day supervision of the of the SHIFT Asia MEAL Coordiantor to fulfil the objectives of this consultancy.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

We need two providers from each country based that have a team of appropriately qualified personnel with a broad range of skill mixes that allow it to deliver the tasks identified above. The consultant’s proposal shall demonstrate the following capabilities:

• Language Proficiency: Near-native or native fluency in English and professional working proficiency in either Indonesian (Bahasa) or Bengali (Bangla).
• Technical Experience: A minimum of 3 years of professional experience providing interpretation (simultaneous or consecutive) for international development or humanitarian organizations.
• Technical Setup: Proven ability to use virtual conferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom, MS Teams) and access reliable high-speed internet and high-quality audio equipment essential for simultaneous interpretation.
• Professionalism: Demonstrated ability to maintain strict accuracy, professionalism, and neutrality during high-stakes internal discussions.

KEY ATTRIBUTES

• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and gender issues, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities.
• Ability to demonstrate an openness and willingness to learn about the application of gender/gender mainstreaming, women’s rights, and diversity for all aspects of development work.
• Commitment to Oxfam’s safeguarding policies to ensure all people who come into contact with Oxfam are as safe as possible.

ORGANISATIONAL VALUES

• Accountability – Our purpose-driven, results-focused approach means we take responsibility for our actions and hold ourselves accountable. We believe that others should also be held accountable for their actions.
• Empowerment – Our approach means that everyone involved with Oxfam, from our staff and supporters to people living in poverty, should feel they can make change happen.
• Inclusiveness – We are open to everyone and embrace diversity. We believe everyone has a contribution to make, regardless of visible and invisible differences.