Consultant - Translation and Interpretation Services as a Supporting Service for COTS Implementation In Serbia

The procurement of a new software solution (COTS) with an American supplier is in its final phase. The COTS implementation will last at least three (3) years and involves cooperation with all relevant sectors and their employees. To avoid language barriers, given that the vendor is an American firm, it will be necessary to engage interpreters daily.

The main objective is to hire two dedicated, full-time interpreters to provide high-quality, professional translation and interpretation services for the COTS implementation project. They will be responsible for translating documents from Serbian to English and vice versa, as well as providing both simultaneous and consecutive interpretation during meetings and conferences organized by the STA on the implementation of COTS. 

The project's demands, including the need for simultaneous interpretation and handling document translations, require a team approach. A single interpreter would be overworked and unable to provide continuous, high-quality support due to the concurrent nature of meetings and the mental fatigue associated with simultaneous interpretation. The two interpreters will work collaboratively to provide continuous support. Having two people ensures that one can handle live meetings while the other translates documents or takes a break, ensuring consistent quality and availability.

The COTS implementation requires two full-time interpreters due to:

Continuous and Concurrent Workload: The project involves multiple working groups and consultants, often holding meetings simultaneously. A single interpreter cannot be in two places at once.

Specialized and Mentally Demanding Tasks: The interpretation and translation work involves complex, technical topics related to tax administration, law, economics, and ICT. Both consecutive and simultaneous interpretation are required. Simultaneous interpretation is mentally taxing, and having two interpreters allows them to share the workload, take breaks, and maintain a high level of accuracy and quality.

Dual Responsibilities: In addition to live interpretation, the interpreters are responsible for the timely translation of a large volume of written materials, including project documents, reports, and communication materials. One interpreter can focus on live interpretation while the other manages urgent document translation, preventing delays.

The scope of work includes, but is not limited to, the following:

I. Interpretation Services: Providing accurate and timely simultaneous and consecutive interpretation for COTS meetings between working groups’ members and COTS implementation consultants and other events related to the implementation of the COTS solution, as required.

II. Document Translation: Preparing high-quality translations of written materials from Serbian to English and vice versa, related to the COTS implementation. This includes, but is not limited to, project documents, reports, and communication materials in fields such as tax administration policy, law, economics, ICT, and procurement under World Bank guidelines.

 III. Quality Assurance: Proofreading and editing documents related to the COTS implementation to ensure the translated text is technically, linguistically, and grammatically correct;

The duration of this full-time assignment is from the date of contract signing until the end of the COTS Implementation, April 30, 2028, with a mandatory 3 months of probation.

The Consultant must possess the following:

• University degree in English language and literature, Master's or Doctoral degree will be considered as an advantage;
• Relevant professional experience of at least three (3) years in translation.
• Demonstrated experience in translating texts in the field of tax administration policy, law, economics, and ICT will be considered as an advantage.
• Previous experience with the World Bank-financed projects and familiarity with World Bank terminology will be considered as an advantage.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Reference: tBduxn0womiqiBV-_TKiTeLzfs1R1cYuN5bjF1jUnNG9Fb6Sg5QarlA1uwmLPVbU

Based on the qualification requirements presented in the original REoI, the Client will prepare a shortlist of up to ten candidates who have obtained the highest scores.

The shortlisted candidates will then be further assessed as follows:

1. Translation test:

The shortlisted candidates will be provided with a short sample translation (1–2 pages), which they will be required to translate.
The translations will be evaluated based on the following:

• accuracy and terminology,
• style and naturalness of the language,
• precision in technical terms.

2. Oral Language Proficiency Assessment:

a) Short conversation in the English language
An informal conversation (10–15 minutes) in the English language will be organized.
The candidates will be assessed for:

• fluency and clarity of expression,
• pronunciation and ability to understand different accents,
• responsiveness and rephrasing skills,
• knowledge of relevant professional terminology.

b) Simulation of a real situation
A short meeting scenario will be prepared, and the candidate will be asked to interpret it either simultaneously or consecutively.

The Client will observe how accurately the meaning and tone of the speaker are conveyed.

The top two candidates will be invited for contract negotiations.

Expressions of interest in the English language must be delivered electronically by 08.11.2025. 12:00 Noon, local time.

When submitting Expressions of interest, please indicate the assignment and reference number for which you are applying.

To:  Ms. Zorica Petrovic, Procurement Specialist, Ministry of Finance, Central Fiduciary Unit 
Address: Balkanska 53, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Tel: Pozovite poslodavca

The detailed Terms of Reference for the above-referenced consulting services is posted on the official website of the Serbian Tax Administration www.purs.gov.rs/en.html.