Call for Expressions of Interest: Roster of Maritime/Ocean Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for E-Learning Quality Assurance and Translation Review

Contract Type: Short-term Consultant (Roster/Pool)

Location: Home-based (Remote)

Duration: On-call basis / Task-based assignments

1. INTRODUCTION

The World Maritime University (WMU) was founded in 1983 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN). WMU offers unique postgraduate educational programmes, undertakes wide-ranging research in maritime and ocean-related studies, and conducts maritime capacity building in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (for more information, visit www.wmu.se). Currently, WMU is expanding its educational offerings with new e-learning delivery approaches. In recent years, several new postgraduate diplomas, professional development programmes, and courses have been developed. WMU’s e-learning development is based on an internal curriculum design and project management approach, utilizing a mix of internal and external specialists to develop learning activities and resources in close collaboration with topic experts.

2. OBJECTIVES

As part of the ongoing commitment to maritime capacity building, WMU, in collaboration with the IMO, is expanding its strategic e-learning initiatives. To ensure the highest standards of educational quality and technical accuracy, WMU is establishing a robust Quality Assurance (QA) framework for the e-learning materials.

To support this initiative, WMU is seeking to identify and establish a roster of pre-qualified Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). This pool of experts will be called upon on a needs basis to conduct quality assurance reviews of e-learning content and to verify the technical accuracy of translated maritime training materials.

3. SCOPE OF WORK

Experts assigned to specific e-learning modules will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Technical Quality Assurance: Review e-learning course content, storyboards, and multimedia assets to ensure technical accuracy, relevance, and alignment with current IMO instruments, industry standards, and best practices.

• Translation Review: Cross-reference translated e-learning materials (e.g., from English into UN languages) to ensure that highly technical maritime terminology is translated accurately and appropriately for the target audience.

• Pedagogical Alignment: Evaluate the content to ensure it meets the relevant learning outcomes and aligns with WMU/IMO’s e-learning frameworks and target audience needs.

• Feedback and Reporting: Provide clear, actionable feedback and corrections to instructional designers and translators using the provided review templates.

The e-learning course topics scheduled for review over the next two years include Marine Casualty Investigation, MARPOL Annex V, Ballast Water Management and Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement, the IMO Member State Audit Scheme, Marine Biofouling Management, Maritime Single Window Implementation, and Counter Wildlife Trafficking in Maritime Supply Chains. Additional topics relevant to maritime and ocean matters may be added as and when necessary.

4. EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

For each assigned task, the SME will deliver:

• Completed QA review matrices or annotated documents detailing necessary technical corrections.

• Validated translated text files or storyboards, confirming linguistic and technical accuracy.

• A summary report upon the conclusion of each review cycle.

5. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Maritime Affairs, Marine Engineering, Marine Environment, Maritime Safety and Security, Maritime Law, Maritime Education and Training, Maritime Supply Chain and Logistics, or a related field.

• Minimum of 5 years of proven professional experience in the maritime industry, maritime administration, or maritime education.

• Language skills:

  • Native or bilingual proficiency in the target translation language(s).

  • Excellent command of written and spoken English.

• Technical skills related to the specific module content.

• Additional skills:

  • Familiarity with IMO instruments, conventions, and maritime terminology in both English and the target UN language(s).

  • Previous experience in reviewing training materials, e-learning modules, or academic publications is highly desirable.

6. REMUNERATION AND CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENTS

Inclusion in the SME roster does not guarantee a contract. When a specific need arises, experts from the roster will be contacted to confirm their availability. Remuneration will then be determined based on the scope and complexity of the specific assignment and in accordance with WMU consultancy rates and as captured in contractual agreements

7. APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit their Expression of Interest including:

1. A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing relevant maritime and/or translation experience.

2. A brief cover letter indicating their specific areas of maritime expertise and language pairs they are qualified to review.

3. [Optional: Examples of previous similar work or references].