Consultancy to Translate The Small Claims Court Act, Regulations, And Service Delivery Charter Into Swahili
Overview & Responsibilities
BACKGROUND
The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) is the only intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to promoting the rule of law to advance peace and sustainable development. IDLO works to enable governments and empower people to reform laws and strengthen institutions to promote peace, justice, sustainable development, and economic opportunity.
The Small Claims Court, (SCC), is established by the Small Claims Act 2016. The Court has monetary jurisdiction over matters not exceeding Kshs1 million. The court is intended to support the reduction of case backlog by having disputes resolved through simple, inexpensive, and expeditious procedures, thus enhancing access to justice. The nature of claims addressed by the court includes (i) a contract for the sale and supply of goods or services, (ii) a contract relating to money held and received, and (iii) compensation for personal injuries. The court is currently operational in 12 court stations with plans to roll out the court countrywide. The SCC has continued to conduct public sensitization engagements that seek to enhance the uptake of the court.
However, the understanding of the court, its processes, and procedures is hampered by the inadequate understanding of the SCC Act, Regulations, and Service Delivery Charter which have been provided in English. Additionally, the SCC Act provides that the proceedings and records of the court can be recorded in English, Kiswahili, and any other appropriate language, including indigenous languages, Kenya sign language, and Braille. Since the majority of SCC clients are from the informal business sector and small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) its imperative to translate the regulatory frameworks from English to Swahili for enhanced public information which would also enhance court uptake and improved access to justice.
THE ASSIGNMENT
The SCC Secretariat, in partnership with IDLO, seeks to engage a consultant to translate the Small Claims Court Act, Regulations, and Service Delivery Charter from English to Swahili. The translated documents will be used to enhance public information on the SCC processes and procedures.
The Consultant’s duties and responsibilities will include:
- Carry out an inception meeting with the SCC Secretariat to discuss the TORs and the scope of the assignment, methodology, and expectations, and develop an inception report.
- Translate the SCC Act, Regulations, and Service Delivery Charter from English to Kiswahili.
- Proofread the translated documents for factual, grammatical, and contextual accuracy.
- Present the Draft Kiswahili versions of the SCC Act, Regulations, and Service Delivery Charter to stakeholders during validation meetings organized by IDLO and the SCC Secretariat.
- Consider the feedback from stakeholders’ workshops to improve the Draft Kiswahili versions of the SCC Act, Regulations, and Service Delivery Charter, and present refined versions of documents in publication formats.
DELIVERABLES
- An Inception Report detailing the understanding of the assignment, methodology, timelines, work plan, potential risks, and mitigation measures.
- Draft Swahili version of the SCC Act, Regulations, and Service Delivery Charter.
- Final validated Kiswahili version of the SCC Act, Regulations, and Service Delivery Charter, presented in a publication format.
DURATION
The consultancy will run for three months from July to September 2023.
Job Requirements
The consultant should have the following skills, qualifications, and experiences.
Education
- A bachelor’s degree in law, social sciences, linguistics, or related discipline from a reputable and recognized university.
Experience
- Demonstrated skills and experience translating documents from English to Kiswahili, including proof of at least one translated publication.
- Demonstrated understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks in Kenya.
Technical competencies
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Excellent work ethic founded on the principles of integrity, impartiality, and confidentiality.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs and other relevant computer applications
- Fluent oral and writing skills in English and Kiswahili.
REPORTING AND SUPERVISION
The consultant shall report directly to the Registrar of the Small Claims Courts and the IDLO Programme Manager respectively.
Terms & Conditions
Applications will be screened on regular basis; a qualified applicant might be recruited before the deadline. In the interest of making most effective use of resources, only the short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.
Applications will be screened on regular basis; a qualified applicant might be recruited before the deadline. In the interest of making most effective use of resources, only the short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.
IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome applications of qualified and diverse candidates.
IDLO is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance at all levels within its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies.
IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature, or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process.
The application deadline is 4 July 2023.
DISCLAIMER
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and
level of the work being performed by the employee assigned to this work.
This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. All
applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality and in
compliance with IDLO’s policy on personal data protection. The
Director-General of IDLO reserves the right to amend and change
responsibilities or even to cancel the recruitment to meet business and
organizational needs as necessary