Volunteer Linguistic Data Collector

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network of the United Nations, established in 196

• It aims to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people to address development challenges and promote human development. The organization focuses on various areas including democratic governance, poverty reduction, crisis prevention and recovery, and environmental sustainability.

Job Overview:
The position of Volunteer Linguistic Data Collector is crucial in the context of the ELIKYA project, which aims to develop a linguistic corpus in Lingala to support the creation of artificial intelligence models that can understand and process the language. The role involves engaging with local communities to collect, structure, and validate linguistic data, thereby contributing to the advancement of inclusive technology in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Volunteers will play a significant part in bridging the gap caused by the lack of structured linguistic data in local languages, which is essential for the development of AI solutions tailored to local realities. This initiative not only aims to enhance technological inclusivity but also to empower local communities by involving them directly in the data collection process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the recruited volunteers include:

• Participating in the collection of linguistic data in Lingala, which encompasses texts, expressions, dialogues, and audio recordings.
• Contributing to the transcription and translation of content into Lingala.
• Verifying the linguistic quality of the collected data to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Engaging in activities related to the annotation and structuring of the data to facilitate its use in AI models.
• Collaborating with technical teams to enhance the quality of the linguistic corpus being developed.
• Raising awareness among local communities about the importance of the ELIKYA project and its objectives.
• Documenting the activities carried out and producing regular reports on progress and challenges faced.
• Participating in training sessions focused on digital tools and data collection techniques to improve skills and efficiency.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess a strong understanding of the Lingala language, both written and spoken. They should demonstrate a commitment to community engagement and possess good communication skills. Familiarity with data collection methods and digital tools is advantageous. Volunteers should be adaptable, willing to learn, and able to work collaboratively in a team environment. A passion for language and technology, as well as an interest in contributing to the development of AI solutions, is essential.

Educational Background:
While formal educational qualifications are not explicitly required, a background in linguistics, social sciences, or related fields would be beneficial. Candidates should have a good command of the Lingala language and an understanding of the cultural context in which they will be working. Previous experience in community work or data collection is a plus.

Experience:
No specific prior experience is required for this volunteer position, but any experience related to language work, community engagement, or data collection will be considered an asset. Volunteers should be open to learning and willing to engage with local communities effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in Lingala is mandatory for this position, as the primary focus is on collecting and processing data in this language. Knowledge of French or English would be advantageous but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This is a volunteer position, and the duration of the contract is not specified. The role is part-time and involves working in the cities of Kinshasa and Mbandaka. Volunteers will receive training and support throughout the project. The position is open to both national and international candidates, and there may be opportunities for further involvement in related projects depending on performance and project needs.