Local Consultancy for Disability Survey Translation

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on ensuring that every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, with a mission to promote reproductive health and rights, and to support the implementation of the Programme of Action from the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, particularly in areas related to family planning, maternal health, gender-based violence, and demographic change. UNFPA emphasizes the importance of ethical standards and principled staff who can navigate complex global challenges while delivering impactful results.

Job Overview:
This consultancy position is specifically designed to support the development of a data collection tool for a Disability Survey in Papua New Guinea. The primary focus is on translating technical survey questionnaires from English into Motu, ensuring that the translations are accurate and comprehensible for both interviewers and respondents. This role is crucial in addressing the significant gap in reliable, disaggregated data that is essential for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and informing effective policy-making in the country. The consultant will work closely with the Chief Technical Adviser and project staff to ensure that the translations maintain the integrity and context of the original content, thereby enhancing the overall quality and inclusiveness of national disability data.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for translating survey questionnaires from English to the Motu language, ensuring that the translations accurately reflect the meaning, context, and technical details of the original documents. Key responsibilities include reviewing and proofreading translated materials for grammatical accuracy and clarity, maintaining confidentiality of all documents and information accessed during the assignment, and coordinating with project staff and technical teams to clarify terminology and context as needed. The consultant must submit translated documents within agreed timelines and incorporate feedback and revisions as requested by the supervisor or relevant stakeholders. This role requires a high level of attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality translations that meet the project's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Linguistics, Languages, Education, Social Sciences, Communication, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in translation and/or interpretation between English and Motu is required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, is essential. Previous experience in translating survey questionnaires, research instruments, public health documents, or government-related materials is highly desirable. Familiarity with disability concepts, human rights, and inclusive development is considered an asset, as is an understanding of survey data collection processes and interviewer-administered questionnaires.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Diploma or Bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as Linguistics, Languages, Education, Social Sciences, or Communication. This educational foundation is critical for ensuring that the consultant has the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively translate complex materials and understand the nuances of language and context involved in the survey process.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least 3-5 years of relevant experience in translation and/or interpretation, specifically between English and Motu. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the consultant can handle the complexities of translating technical survey materials while maintaining accuracy and clarity. Experience in related fields such as public health, disability, or development is highly advantageous and will contribute to the consultant's ability to understand the context and significance of the materials being translated.

Languages:
Candidates must have native or near-native fluency in Motu and an excellent command of English, with strong written communication skills in both languages. This bilingual proficiency is essential for accurately translating survey questionnaires and ensuring that the intended meaning is preserved in both languages. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented communities. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. The organization emphasizes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection, regardless of personal characteristics. Selection and appointment may be subject to background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements.