Professional English-Hausa Translator Retainer

Terms of Reference: Call for Application: Professional English-Hausa Translator (Retainer)

Introduction and Background
Search for Common Ground (Search) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to transforming conflict by shifting individuals, groups, and governments from adversarial approaches toward cooperative solutions. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., and Brussels, Belgium, Search operates in over 30 countries globally. In Nigeria, Search implements multifaceted, culturally appropriate, and conflict-sensitive programs using media and training to promote dialogue and effect positive behavioral change.

The Project
Search Nigeria has multiple projects in various states, ranging from conflict-sensitive programs to events and activities. One of them is "The Hustle" - a youth-focused reality TV show, funded by the European Union, designed to empower young people in Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto (KZS) states. The show aims to develop entrepreneurial skills and foster peace by showcasing youth innovation and cooperative leadership.
Effective communication in Hausa is critical to ensuring complex messages on conflict sensitivity, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment are conveyed accurately and resonate with the primary local audience.

Geographic Locations and Project Activities
Location: The role is primarily Virtual but requires proven expertise in the cultural and linguistic context of the KZS states to ensure high-quality localization.
Coordination: The Consultant must be available for regular virtual check-ins with the Communications and Marketing Coordinator (CMC) based in Abuja during standard Nigerian working hours.

Key Responsibilities
Social Media and Ad Translation: Translate all English ad copy, captions, calls-to-action (CTAs), and video subtitles for the daily and weekly paid ad campaigns across all platforms (Meta, TikTok, X, etc.).
Visibility Translation: Provide final, high-quality Hausa translations for all project visibility assets, including slogans for banners, promotional flyers, T-shirts, and official documents.
Content Specificity: Translate captions for social media posts and in-text graphics for a wide range of short-form content related to:
Teasers and promotional fliers.
Call for application videos/announcements.
Key activity summaries and announcements.
Captions and hashtags for posting each 1-minute episodic summary video (13 episodes).
In-show task videos intended for audience participation and money-winning.
Short clips on evicted contestants and major achievements/endorsements/journeys.
Ads and posts for countdowns, the grand finale, and post-show winner announcements.

Deliverables and Milestones

Deliverable

Milestone

Frequency/Timeline

Hausa Posts, Ad Copy & CTAs

Translation and localization of all content for posts and paid ad campaigns.

Daily/Weekly (Responsive)

Episodic Video Summary Captions & hashtags

Hausa captions and hashtags for posting all 1-minute episode summary videos (13 episodes).

Weekly (Following episode editing)

Key Event Announcements

Translation of formal press releases, national/state launch announcements, and official project endorsements.

As Needed (High Priority)

Final Visibility Assets

Hausa translation of all text for non-digital visibility materials (e.g., banners, T-shirt slogans).

One-off (Project Start-up/Initial Procurement Phase)

Audience Engagement Content

Translation of tasks, money-winning contest details, and evicted contestant farewell clips.

Weekly (Responsive to show schedule)

Qualifications and Experience
Fluency: Native-level fluency in both Hausa and English is mandatory.
Experience: A minimum of 3 years of professional translation experience, with proven specialization in media, social marketing, content creation, or development.
Cultural Knowledge: Deep contextual and cultural understanding of the North West Nigerian states (KZS) is required to ensure translations are highly accurate and conflict-sensitive.
Technical Skills: Proven ability to translate and adapt short-form, high-impact ad copy and familiarity with transcription/subtitling tools.

Skills
Linguistic Precision: Strong grasp of grammar, idiomatic expressions, and specialized terminology (peacebuilding/entrepreneurship) in both languages.
Time Management: Exceptional ability to deliver high-volume, quality work under strict, media-driven deadlines.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to cross-checking facts, figures, and maintaining brand consistency across translated materials.

To Apply

Interested individuals or agencies must submit the following:

Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Company Profile: Highlighting relevant experience, particularly in media and development work.

Price Proposal (Financial Bid): A clear breakdown of your professional rates

Work Samples: Provide at least two samples of past English-to-Hausa translations of public announcements, marketing material, or media content.

Highlighting relevant experience, particularly in media and development work.
Price Proposal (Financial Bid): A clear breakdown of your professional rates
Work Samples: Provide at least two samples of past English-to-Hausa translations of public announcements, marketing material, or media content.