International Tender for Bidders: Translators

ICCROM invites competitive bids from eligible bidders to identify a single entity with consolidated experience and adequate capacity to provide professional written translations and simultaneous interpretation as needed:

• from English to French and vice versa;
• from English to Italian and vice versa; and
• from English to Spanish and vice versa.

Overview of the service

ICCROM seeks an entity to provide high-quality translations and interpretation in the languages specified above in a timely manner and at a competitive rate.

The service provider will work closely with the Partnership and Communication Unit and will be responsible for the following:

• Providing simultaneous interpretation in the above-specified languages for governance meetings, webinars, et cetera on an as-needed basis;
• Producing high-quality (in content and details) translation of texts in the above-specified languages;
• Ensuring English, French, Italian and Spanish language excellence and proofreading, including vocabulary, syntax, expression and grammar, as well as all gender terminology;
• Ensuring quality control of translations, ensuring there are no typographical errors;
• Ensuring that hyperlinks are updated to the link in the appropriate language;
• Ensuring confidentiality of the original texts and translated materials. The translation submitted to ICCROM under the given Terms of Reference is the property of ICCROM and cannot be submitted, distributed to or used by any other party, unless otherwise arranged;

• The service provider is obligated to work within the required deadlines and be available for comments and corrections. The standard timeframe for the translation delivery shall be as follows (from the date of submission by ICCROM).

Translation volume

• Up to 2 000 words: 2 days (if urgent, 1 day)
• 2 000 – 10 000 words: 4 days (if urgent, 2 days)
• 10 000 – 20 000 words: 8 days (if urgent, 4 days)
• More than 20 000 words: upon agreement

Competencies

• Proven knowledge in translations in the field of cultural heritage;
• Knowledge of key UN concepts and cultural heritage issues (understanding of vocabulary and
• terminology) and language style (based on the findings of test translation); and
• Advanced ability to use office software and experience with web-based management systems.

Required Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in translating concepts related to cultural heritage and its preservation (as exemplified by ICCROM’s programme directions of risk management, materials technology, World Heritage, community-based heritage approaches and regional collaboration).
• Familiarity with themes encompassed by intergovernmental organizations’ reporting documents, results-based management and other general management of intergovernmental organizations.
• Experience working with international organizations, research institutions and/or UN agencies.

Duration of contract

The service object of the contract must be provided starting from 1 April 2023. The contract duration will be until 1 April 2024. At the end of this contract, ICCROM reserves the right to proceed to a negotiation for the direct annual extension (without publishing a new International Tender to Bid) of the contract, with the successful bidder.

Estimation of value contract

• The service provider must guarantee the best possible conditions, which ICCROM reserves the right to verify. The proposed rates must be the most convenient among those expressed by the market.
• In your Economic Proposal, please indicate both ordinary translation rates and urgent translation rates for the different languages.

Preliminary examination

All short-listed applicants will be contacted to undertake a preliminary examination in which they translate a short (2-page) sample document. This sample translation will be evaluated by the ICCROM Evaluation Committee for accuracy and language style.

Additional requirements

Details of the nomination, evaluation and selection process are illustrated in full announcement. 

Further information to assist in preparing a proposal may be found on the ICCROM website. If you are unable to access the ICCROM website, some relevant documents may be obtained by contacting Ms Isabelle de Brisis.
ICCROM requests that proposals, prepared in accordance with the attached guidelines, be submitted no later than 17:00 CEST, 2 March 2023.

The shortlisted candidates will be communicated within ten working days of the deadline.

In anticipation that our tender is of interest to you, we look forward to receiving your proposal.

Receipt of Proposals

Paper Format – Hard Copy

Hard copy proposals should be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked, "Translator proposal – ICCROM," and should be addressed to:

Electronic Format – Email

Electronic proposals should be submitted through email with the subject "Translation proposal – ICCROM" and should be addressed to: tender@iccrom.org

The Organization regrets that it is not possible to provide information by telephone regarding the selection and appointment procedure. Requests for clarification regarding any of the points above should be directed in writing only via email to Ms Isabelle de Brisis.