IFES Libya

 Sign Language Interpreter Scope of Work

Title:   Sign Language Interpreter

 Start Date:  29^th of November 2015

 Period: 29 – 30 November  2015

 Billable Days:  2 days contract

 Duty Station: Tripoli,Libya                       

Introduction/Background

Four years after the revolution that brought the fall of Moammar Ghaddafi’s regime, different minority groups in Libya continue the struggle in attempt to find their rights and to participate in the political process as well as have a voice in the building of Libya’s future. The most basic of these rights is the accessibility to the ballot box on Election day. Elections are a new practice in Libya and they are part of the democratic political process which all Libyan desire to be a part of. One of the major minority groups in Libya are persons with disabilities. They desire and have the right to join in the political process by making the ballot boxes more accessible. Accessibility includes assisting several groups among people with disabilities such as Braille for the blind when sending information about the election procedures and names of candidates, ramps outside polling stations to give accessibility for those in wheelchairs and sign language for those hard of hearing. IFES, as part of its program in Libya, has worked during the past elections in assisting the The Higher Election Commission “HNEC” in making polling stations accessible to persons with disabilities on Election day during the past elections that took place in Libya and continues to work with the HNEC and DPOs in this important matter.

As part of the IFES Libya program, IFES has worked with several persons with disabilities in an attempt to gather concerns and provide help to those groups that work in the disabilities field. This all came together with the creation of the “Zaikum Zaina” disabilities group. The group meet initially to give suggestions to the HNEC regarding accessibility of polling stations on Election day. As part of the agreement between IFES and HNEC and with the suggestions of Zaikum Zaina and other DPOs, a campaign was launched to put the plan into action and to provide the tools necessary for persons with disabilities to be able to participate in Libyan Elections and have their voices heard.

A round table took place in Djerba, Tunisia from July 27^th to July 30^th to put an action plan that will guarantee equal opportunities for people with disabilities to contribute to the electoral process. After preparing the first draft and having several meetings, and in partnership with the HNEC, IFES/CEPPS will organize a two-day seminar in Tripoli to validate the action plan and to discuss the electoral law.

Objectives:

IFES/CEPPS intends on promoting the access to the electoral process for DPO’s by adding the following new activities and objectives:

•  Validation of the work plan and dissemination of work plan to all other organizations invited (45-50 throughout Libya)
• Present recommendation on the electoral law article related to people with disabilities rights as voters and candidates.
• Set up a mechanism for coordination on the action plan including creating a steering committee and a  focal point for each region

The seminar is organized by IFES Libya in Tripoli in partnership with the High National Electoral Commission., and will take place between the 29 and 30 of November 2015.

In this context, IFES Libya will recruit two sign language interpreters  that will work for a period of 2 days.

Tasks and Responsibilities of the consultant:

Under the supervision of the Chief of Party, the interpreters will support the delivery of results in the following areas and carry out/achieve the following duties:

• Assist and translate to deaf audience the material presented and the discussions taking place in the seminar

Deliverables

• Simultaneous sign language interpretation

Working Period

The assignment performance period will implemented in November 2015; the contract is for 2 working days, beginning on November 29^th, 2015.

 Qualifications & requirements

• Certification in sign language interpretation.