Requests for Proposals: English Language Program for the Legal Sector (Tajikistan)

The aim of this one-year project should focus on the English language proficiency of Supreme Court Judges, Supreme Court staff, and the officers of the MIA tailored to their distinct professional contexts, and to equip participants with the necessary linguistic tools.

Project Goal(s) and Objectives

• Goal: To provide a sustainable English language program that will increase the English proficiency of Judges and staff of the Supreme Court and MIA officers.
• Strategic Objective 1: Develop and implement a sustainable, customized English language program. The modules of the program shall be focused on legal and law enforcement vocabulary that incorporate audiovisual materials, ensuring ongoing language proficiency among the participants of the program and providing them with opportunities for continuous improvement in spoken and written English.
• Strategic Objective 2: Develop a comprehensive and proficient English language skills for 50 Judges (at least 20 women Judges) and core staff of the Supreme Court and 90 (at least 20 women) MIA officers taking gender diversity into consideration.
• Strategic Objective 3: Establish and sustain a continuous assessment mechanism to track progress, address individual learning needs, and ensure long-term effectiveness of language proficiency.

Funding Information

• Total available funding: $100,000
• Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $70,000 to a maximum of $100,000.
• Length of performance period: 12 months
• Anticipated program start date: April, 2024
• Number of awards anticipated: One award (dependent on amounts)

Project Activities and Deliverables

• Beginning with a baseline language assessment, this project will utilize customized modules, including video and audiovisual content, alongside the INL developed English to Russian phrasebook emphasizing legal and law enforcement terminology. Continuous assessments will be incorporated to monitor progress. The key activities and deliverables will include:
  • Baseline language proficiency assessment for at least 50 Judges and core personnel of the Supreme Court and 90 MIA officers;
  • Development of tailored interactive modules;
  • Provision of handouts and supplementary materials from different sources to be taught along with the main course materials;
  • Conducting a the “placement test” prior to the course to divide participants into groups by the appropriate level;
  • Final proficiency assessment and development of comparative reports showing progress from the baseline assessment.

The eligible applicant should:

• Develop and implement a sustainable, customized English language program. The modules of the program shall be focused on legal and law enforcement vocabulary that incorporate audiovisual materials, providing participants with opportunities for continuous improvement in spoken and written English.
• Develop a comprehensive and proficient English language skills for 50 Judges (at least 20 women Judges) and core staff of the Supreme Court and 90 (at least 20 women) MIA officers, taking gender diversity into consideration.
• Establish and sustain a continuous assessment mechanism to track progress, address individual learning needs, and ensure long-term effectiveness of language proficiency.

Participants and Audiences

• The primary audiences for this project are the Supreme Court Judges, selected core personnel of the Court, and MIA officers.
• The core personnel of the Supreme Court should include assistants, secretaries, trainees, and personnel, managing routine incoming and outgoing correspondence and involve in international relations (e.g. protocol, international department).
• The MIA will include officers from different departments as the Department of the MIA of Dushanbe (30), the MIA on transport (30) and the Department for Organized Crime of the MIA (30).
• The interested personnel will apply for participation in the English program and based on the level of involvement into the international relations of the Supreme Court and the MIA, the heads of relevant departments will be able to make a selection. Recognizing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and levels of English proficiency within the group (s), the project aims to create a tailored and inclusive learning environment to meet the specific needs of participants with varying levels of English proficiency, ensuring inclusivity for both those seeking to enhance existing skills and those learning English for the first time.
• Experienced language instructors proficient in legal and law enforcement English vocabulary will be tasked to deliver tailored language modules in an interactive way.

Priority Region/Countries: Tajikistan

Eligibility Criteria

• The following organizations are eligible to apply:
  • Foreign-based non-profits/non-governmental organizations (NGOs);
  • Foreign-based educational institutions
• Applicants must also meet the following requirements to be eligible to apply to this NOFO:
  • Demonstrate valid business registration in Tajikistan.
  • Valid educational license
  • Ability to provide experienced English language instructors
  • Ability to provide with the legal Certificate of Achievement
  • Ability to develop tailored interactive modules.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan.