Subject Matter Expert (SME): Working with Interpreters

The Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (AAISA) is seeking a subject matter expert (SME) and an experienced curriculum development professional(s) to revise a certification training module that will then be adapted into an online, self-paced workshop and will be targeted to staff of settlement agencies throughout Alberta.

ABOUT AAISA

The Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (AAISA) is a non-profit umbrella organization that has represented, supported, and advocated for Alberta’s settlement and integration sector since 1980. Collectively, AAISA member agencies offer services to newcomers in over 40 municipalities across the province. AAISA’s mandate is to build sector capacity to serve newcomers by providing access to relevant and meaningful professional development opportunities, engaging the sector on issue-based initiatives, and by undertaking research to build understanding of context and emerging needs.

More info about AAISA: www.aaisa.ca 

Course Summary

This module is intended as a practical introduction to the concepts and strategies useful in understanding how to work with interpreters. Participants will be introduced to the concepts of interpreting theory, modes of delivery (simultaneous and consecutive), overview of the key issues relating to interpretation, ethical practices and codes of conduct and strategies for assessing the qualifications of interpreters. The workshop will be highly interactive and incorporate activities that will provide participants the opportunity to apply the concepts and theories presented in the workshop.

The objectives of this course must include, but is not limited to, the following: 

• Describe the dynamics of communicating in contexts that require an interpreter, and to be able to distinguish between the modes of interpretation (consecutive/simultaneous).
• Contrast the limitations and benefits of the differing modes of interpretation.
• Identify the steps required to ensure interpreters are well-prepared for class and utilized appropriately during instruction.
• Explore the demands placed on interpreters and identify the professional scope of practice that an interpreter should perform in, as well as use acceptable guidelines in order to determine if an interpreter is qualified to work in the settlement matter.
• Identify common dilemmas that may surface during interpretation and give possible solutions in differentiating between translating the words and interpreting cultural meanings
• Examine strategies they can use to assess the information that they receive via a mediated interview where communication is conducted using an interpreter.
• Apply appropriate problem solving and communication strategies in responding to typical challenges which arise in providing interpreting services.

Course Structure

Courses are developed according to AAISA’s settlement practitioner competency framework, representing best practices and describing a continuum of functions and activities within the settlement sector.

AAISA courses comprise 5-7 modules which include guiding materials for up to 15 hours of training time. Each course is designed to be highly interactive, incorporate participant experience, and provide a balance of theoretical knowledge and skill development. Other AAISA courses can be provided to the selected SME(s) as a guiding resource.

DELIVERY TIMEFRAME

The development of the course should start in July 2023. It is expected that the course would be completed by the SME starting September 2023 including submission of all project deliverables.

scope of work

The scope of work of the project is as follows:

• Design, and development of professional development modules including: the course assessment (course quizzes, case studies and assignments), main content and additional resources, discussion questions and announcements for the LMS 
• Creation of an Evaluation of Learning effectiveness for the workshop sessions and self-paced online course modules
• A development report that provides a summary of workshop and course description, learning objectives and outcomes, learning activities, and course structure A final report that will assist AAISA in shaping the future direction of its professional development work with settlement practitioners in Alberta’s settlement and integration sector, including reflection by the facilitator(s) on the proceedings of the workshops and activities and possible areas of improvement, and other relevant information.

INTELLECTURAL PROPERTY

Proprietary right to all data, materials, documentation and products originated by and prepared pursuant to the contract shall belong exclusively to AAISA. The contractor will acknowledge and agree that any Product and/or Deliverable created shall be considered a “work made for hire” and all rights to said Product and/or Deliverable shall belong exclusively to AAISA. The contractor will be prohibited from disseminating products and information developed.

PROPOSAL

We require a detailed proposal with a cost estimate and projected timelines for the project that includes the above deliverables. PLEASE NOTE that the proposal should not exceed $3,000.

The proposal should include:

• Project design: proposed activities, cost estimates, and timeline for the various components (approach to learning/facilitation, learning goals and outcomes, proposed modules, etc.) of the project
• Resume of the Project Leader responsible for the development and coordination of the project
• List of courses/workshops developed/delivered previously
• Two references of people whom you have developed/delivered course or workshops previously and their contact information

SELECTION CRITERIA & PROCESS

The following are the criteria we will use in the selection process:

• In-depth knowledge and experience working with interpreters or as an interpreter.
• Knowledge or experience within the settlement and integration sector will be an asset.
• Experience in facilitating learning and development workshops with adult learners.
• Ability to generate and work to a strict project timeline to design, develop, and deliver the project outcomes
• Familiarity with online learning environments preferred (e.g Moodle, etc)
• Familiarity with online webinar platforms preferred (e.g. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.)
• Familiarity with processes and practices of online course development, assessment and evaluation. The AAISA Learning and Professional Development team will guide you at every step to assist you in developing pertinent training resources
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal; fluency in French would be considered an asset

The proposal will be reviewed in detail according to the above criteria. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide portfolios of their work or examples of previously designed and developed courses and/or workshops, as well as to participate in an interview.Both individual and collaborative proposals will be considered.

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

Please send an electronic submission including the following: letter of intent, resume, plan, examples of past work, and proposed fees to . Please ensure that your name or your organization’s name appears in the file name.

Your electronic submission should be sent by Friday, June 30, 2023 @ 5PM MDT to with the email title: “RFP Submission: Working with Interpreters.”

Qualified applicants will be added to AAISA’s network for notification of future opportunities.

If you have any questions, please contact .

AAISA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we work to sustain anti-discrimination and anti- racism practices in our workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression, age, physical or mental health, religion or beliefs, or any other status protected by law. Harassment or discrimination is not tolerated at AAISA. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

PLEASE NOTE: AAISA is not obligated to accept the lowest cost proposal. In addition, AAISA need not accept any of the proposals. All decisions of AAISA shall be final and binding.