Organization Mission

UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty while protecting the planet. We help countries develop strong policies, skills, partnerships and institutions so they can sustain their progress.

Context

UNDP Lao PDR is implementing the Inclusive Value Chains Programme which has been successfully adopted in 15 countries throughout Latin America and Eastern Europe. (Visit the link: https://www.undp.org/sdgvaluechains for further details) Small businesses owned by locals have been able to see significant growth in their productivity levels, competitiveness, and more through the methodology and tools it provides. The programme aligns with SDG 5, 8, 9, 10, and 12, by empowering small business owners and providing them the means to grow their businesses especially as individuals belonging to marginalized identities such as women and PWD’s.

The programme involves a methodology transfer between local business advisors and small business owners using the tried-and-true processes used in previous iterations. Due to the wide-scale implementation of the methodology, the materials have been drafted in English, but local business owners in the Lao context would benefit greatly from seeing the materials in their native language to better understand the different steps they will take throughout the programme and its potential benefits. The selected UNV would help translate materials describing the methodology as well as those that would be used for reporting purposes throughout the programme.

Key Responsibilities

We are seeking one Online Volunteer to support us by translating project manuals and reporting materials on the Inclusive Value Chains Programme from English to Lao.

To this end the Online Volunteers will be asked to:
– Translate the document, which is 38 pages including both brief reading materials and reporting templates into Lao.
– Ensure the translation is concise, accurate and contextually relevant, in line with our communications guidelines.
– Appropriate technical and business terminology tailored to the target audience should be used.

The selected Online Volunteers will be provided with the document in the original language and will receive guidance on the target audience and our communications guidelines as well as other guidance as needed.

Required Skills and Experience

Candidates should be native Lao and high proficiency in English (C1 or higher). Familiarity with technical terms related to business consulting will be considered an advantage. Previous translation experience is considered an asset.

A one-paragraph translation will be requested as part of the selection process.