External Evaluator to Evaluate the Impact of Language Data and Voice Technology for Speakers of Low-Resource Languages
The growing need for inclusive language technology for marginalized language speakers has driven organizations such as CLEAR Global to enhance language accessibility. With a maximum available budget of USD 15,000 for this evaluation project, CLEAR Global seeks to assess the impact of its initiatives on low-resource language speakers, particularly in Africa. Interested evaluators are encouraged to submit their applications by the 31st of January 2025, accompanied by a daily fee quote and comprehensive technical and financial offer.
Background
Currently, nearly 3.7 billion of the global population do not speak a major language, resulting in significant income disparities and marginalization. Although language technology and models are advancing rapidly, the digital inclusion of over 7,000 global languages remains limited. This disparity has created a service gap, restricting access to essential information for those who do not speak dominant languages. Traditional customer service mechanisms, like helplines and call centers, often lack resources and are not operational outside regular business hours.
Conversational AI and automated messaging systems provide solutions but are largely text-based, requiring literacy, or are ill-suited to the two-way communication needs of non-dominant language speakers. These systems typically support only major languages, further excluding those who are not literate, tech-savvy, or do not speak the languages of the humanitarian responders. Effective voice-powered communication channels require robust Language AI models that unfortunately do not exist for many marginalized languages, due to the absence of essential voice data.
Several organizations have made strides in creating voice datasets through community projects and platforms. However, issues such as high costs, low engagement, and challenges in replicating these efforts have resulted in non-scalable, fragmented outcomes. CLEAR Global has pioneered numerous initiatives to address these obstacles, striving toward sustainable solutions.
The Role of CLEAR Global
To advance its efforts further, CLEAR Global is seeking an external evaluator to scrutinize projects dedicated to language technology advancements for low-resource languages, with a focus on African languages. The main objectives are to gauge project impacts and to persuade other stakeholders to contribute to these initiatives.
The evaluation will commence in early February 2025 and is expected to conclude by the end of April 2025. A mixed-methods approach is advised, employing quantitative and qualitative measures to analyze CLEAR Global’s initiatives thoroughly. Evaluators should outline their preferred methodologies while considering critical components such as:
- Desk Review: Examine relevant project documents, including CLEAR Global’s Theory of Change, strategic plans, and comparative analyses.
- Stakeholder Consultations: Conduct interviews and focus groups with CLEAR Global staff, linguists, humanitarian actors, and language AI researchers to gather diverse perspectives.
- Case Study: Develop an in-depth case study in collaboration with CLEAR Global, focusing on a specific application of their language technology. This study should evaluate pre-implementation conditions and forecast the impact on aspects such as reach, cost, and quality.
- Comparative Analysis: Compare CLEAR Global’s models and processes with similar initiatives to assess cost-effectiveness, scalability, and usability while identifying unaddressed areas by major tech firms.
The evaluator will need to provide their own equipment, such as a laptop, for this assignment.
How to Apply
CLEAR Global is open to receiving proposals from individual consultants and consulting firms. Interested parties should submit:
- A combined technical and financial offer.
- Curriculum vitae highlighting relevant experience, including contact information for at least three professional references.
Applicants should upload the technical and financial offers under the “cover letter” section and present the CV(s) in one document under “CV”.
About CLEAR Global
CLEAR Global is committed to empowering individuals by providing access to essential information in languages they understand. Collaborating with nonprofit partners and a network of over 100,000 language professionals, CLEAR Global builds local language translation capacities and raises awareness about language barriers. The organization translates millions of words annually, providing life-changing information to diverse communities worldwide.
The dedication and responsibility CLEAR Global’s employees and volunteers have toward their mission are unwavering. These values are deeply rooted in the strategic framework that guides the organization. By conducting this evaluation, CLEAR Global aims to progress its mission of bridging communication gaps for economically and socially marginalized language speakers.
