Request for Bids: Translation Services

Viamo in Rwanda

At Viamo, we believe that information is power. We envision a world where all people have access to the information they need to make decisions for healthy, prosperous lives, and have meaningful relationships with governments, civil society, and businesses. We work to overcome information gaps and solve implementation challenges on large scale, high impact projects with a focus on the devices people have, the languages they understand, and the digital channels best suited to their needs

We have close to 10 years' experience in social behavior change communication, mobile-to-mobile surveys and direct interaction with beneficiaries through the simple phones they have in their pockets, mostly via interactive audio services, Interactive Voice Response (IVR), that reach even a low literate population and those without smartphones and internet.

Viamo has been operating in Rwanda since 2017 and has implemented more than 45 projects. As of September 2020, mobile phone penetration is reported to be between 75% and 80% by Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA). With Viamo’s use of audio based engagements, we are uniquely positioned to work in Rwanda given the high penetration of basic and feature phones yet low penetration of smartphones. In 2020, we reached nearly 1.5 million unique listeners who listened to more than 20 million messages across our channels, demonstrating how even basic mobile phones can be effectively used to transform lives.

Translation Services: Scope of Work

Viamo is looking for an experienced, reliable and accurate individual or firm to provide translation services from English to Kinyarwanda. We are looking for a fully tax/EBM compliant Translator/translation company to interpret written pieces, making sure to maintain the original meaning, format and tone.

Responsibilities include reading and thoroughly understanding the context of given material, using specialized dictionaries and translation tools as required, and proofreading finished pieces of work. We require a person / firm with a keen eye for detail and fluency in English and Kinyarwanda at minimum. You will provide ready-to-use translated content that meets our internal standards and helps us reach our intended audience.

The translator / translation company will be required to:

Read given material and maintain a good working knowledge of specific terminology (health, education, economic development, gender, etc.)
• Convert text from one language to one or more others
• Ensure translated content conveys original meaning and tone
• Prepare subtitles for videos and online presentations
• Cross-reference specialized dictionaries and translation tools to check quality of translation
• Proofread translated texts for grammar, spelling and punctuation accuracy
• Follow up with internal team members and clients to ensure translation meets their needs
• Edit content while maintaining its original format (e.g. font and structure) wherever possible.

Requirements
• Proven work experience as a Translator, Interpreter or similar role
• Fluency in at least two languages (English, Kinyarwanda)
• Fluency in Swahili, French, Kirundi highly desirable
• Excellent proofreading skills with the ability to identify grammar, spelling and punctuation errors
• Good knowledge of content editing tools
• Familiarity with translation software
• Time-management skills
• Relevant academic qualifications
• Registered as a business and tax/EBM compliant in Rwanda.

How to apply

To apply please send a narrative proposal outlining services offered, including the average timing required for translations, languages offered, any specialist services. Please include a curriculum vitae for personnel, a company profile (and proof of registration) and two professional / company references along with a budget proposal (per page / word of translation) to anna.fraenzel@viamo.io

The deadline:20th August 2021