Kyrgyz Language Translation and Local Contextualization of the Digital Сommunity Stewards Manual

Information

Common information

Background and Rationale

Search is looking for a Consultant to translate and contextualize the Digital Community Stewards (DCS) Manual for Kyrgyzstan.

The DCS Manual is designed by Search for Common Ground (SFCG) to provide comprehensive guidelines for recognizing, understanding, addressing, and combating Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) in online spaces. The manual contains eight (8) modules such as: 1) Understanding TFGBV, 2) Understanding Digital Rights, 3) Boosting Member Engagement, 4) Building Safe Online Communities, 5) Combating False Information in Online Communities, 6) Digital Leadership, 7) Practicing Non-Violent Communication, and 8) SHE LEADS and Digital Community Stewardship. This Manual is used by the community of digital stewards and civil society organizations in order to provide different strategies and approaches for ensuring digital safety, digital security, and protection and safety of online users. Given the linguistic diversity, cultural, social, and technological contexts in Kyrgyzstan, it is essential to translate and develop localized version of the manual that reflects the specific needs and realities of Kyrgyzstani civil society representatives, activists, and online community monitors.

Objectives

1.       Translate the Digital Community Stewards Manual into Kyrgyz, incorporating culturally and contextually appropriate language.

2.       Ensure that the translation accurately conveys the issues related to TFGBV and provides practical, culturally sensitive guidance for digital community stewards.

3.       Facilitate effective training for civil society representatives and online monitors by providing a manual in a language that aligns with local practices and challenges.

Please note that the DCS manual is already complete and available. The Consultant will be responsible for translating and contextualizing only (as elaborated in the scope of work below).

Scope of Work

The scope of work includes but is not limited to:

1.       Translate and localize the existing Digital Community Stewards (DCS) Manual and training materials into Kyrgyz language, ensuring linguistic accuracy and cultural sensitivity

2.       Provide information about prevalence of TFGBV in Kyrgyzstan based on Empirica’s report

3.       Speaks about recommendations for combating TFGBV in Kyrgyzstan (Empirica report)

4.       Adapt content to reflect local dialect, norms, and legal frameworks within Kyrgyzstan

5.       Provide glossary of terms for TFGBV with translations and explanations complying with Kyrgyzstan’s contextual understanding

6.       Incorporate case studies, examples, and scenarios that reflect the experiences and challenges of online communities in Kyrgyzstan and translate them into Kyrgyz language

7.       Translate detailed instructions on how to report TFGBV on popular local platforms and social media sites, maintaining accuracy and relevance. (included in DCS Curriculum)

8.       Ensure the manual includes guidance on handling cases sensitively, with appropriate referrals to local support services

Methodology

The development of the contextualized DCS manual will follow these steps:

1.       Content Review and Preparation

●        Review the existing manual and related materials to understand the context and nuances.

●        Use Landscape and Analysis report by Search for Common Ground (SFCS) as a guiding source for localizing the content and include relevant examples.

●        Identify specific cultural and contextual elements that need careful translation.

2.       Translation and Localization

●        Translate the core curriculum content into Kyrgyz language, ensuring cultural and contextual accuracy.

●        Adapt terminology and language to resonate with local norms and practices, incorporating local legal and social considerations.

3.       Review and Feedback

●        Share draft versions of the manual with relevant parties and SFCG for review and feedback. Incorporate feedback and make necessary revisions to finalize the manual.

4.         Finalization

●        Prepare the final version of the manual and presentations, ensuring it is accessible and user-friendly.

Qualification requirements

Expertise:

1.     5 years of background experience in translating content and understanding of Gender-based Violence (GBV) in Kyrgyzstan’s context.

2.       Fluency in English, Kyrgyz and Russian languages, with proven skills to adapt the content accurately while respecting cultural nuances.

3.       Experience in translating technical materials, ensuring cultural and contextual relevance.

4.       Deep understanding of Kyrgyzstan’s cultural, social, and technological contexts, particularly the local dynamics affecting online behavior and gender issues.

5.       Familiarity with Kyrgyzstan’s laws and regulations related to online safety, privacy, and gender-based violence.

6.       Strong organizational and project management skills to oversee the development process, ensure timelines are met, and coordinate various aspects of the project.

7.       Familiarity with digital tools and platforms commonly used in Kyrgyzstan for communication and reporting.

Duties

1.  Methodology

The development of the contextualized DCS manual will follow these steps:

1.       Content Review and Preparation

●        Review the existing manual and related materials to understand the context and nuances.

●        Use Landscape and Analysis report by Search for Common Ground (SFCS) as a guiding source for localizing the content and include relevant examples.

●        Identify specific cultural and contextual elements that need careful translation.

2.       Translation and Localization

●        Translate the core curriculum content into Kyrgyz language, ensuring cultural and contextual accuracy.

●        Adapt terminology and language to resonate with local norms and practices, incorporating local legal and social considerations.

3.       Review and Feedback

●        Share draft versions of the manual with relevant parties and SFCG for review and feedback. Incorporate feedback and make necessary revisions to finalize the manual.

4.         Finalization

●        Prepare the final version of the manual and presentations, ensuring it is accessible and user-friendly.

Monitoring and Evaluation Progress Reports:

●        Regular updates on the development process and milestones achieved via meetings and online communication (WhatsApp/emails)

●        Evaluation: Assess the effectiveness of the manual in meeting the needs of the target audience through feedback and review.

Conditions

Interested consultant can submit the following through https://jobs.lever.co/sfcg/392b3e3f-81b7-4f71-acf7-8f4c145eb87e :

1)       CV, outlining experiences related to technical translation and contextualization of training materials

2)       Cover Letter, explaining the following: 1) interest in applying (why are you interested in doing this assignment); 2) capacity in meeting the requirements of this consultancy (elaborate on your skills); and

3)  plans in ensuring that the deliverables mentioned above will be met.

3) Samples of translated materials

Applicants will be selected based on the following criteria:

1.       Demonstrated expertise in translation of training materials - 30%

2.       Demonstrated capacity in understanding issues related to gender-based violence - 30%

3.       Demonstrated capacity and willingness to meet the deliverables on time and with good quality - 20%

4.       Demonstrated capacity and willingness to receive feedback and improve work - 20%

Once selected, the Consultant will meet with the project team to receive the DCS manual for translation and contextualization and clearly outline the plans for meeting the deliverables.

Deadline for submission is on October 31, 2024. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview. Consultancy is expected to begin on November 5, 2024.