Local Consultancy for Disability Survey Data Collection Tool

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, employing thousands of staff dedicated to advancing reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and population issues. The organization aims to address complex global challenges through its Strategic Plan for 2026-2029, which outlines its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 203

• UNFPA's mission is pursued through four interconnected outcomes: ending unmet needs for family planning, preventing maternal deaths, eliminating gender-based violence, and adapting to demographic changes through evidence-based policies. UNFPA seeks principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards, ensuring effective communication, partnership-building, and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development landscape.

Job Overview:
The consultancy role is focused on translating a comprehensive Disability Survey questionnaire from English into Pidgin, ensuring that the translations are linguistically accurate, culturally appropriate, and easily understood by both field interviewers and survey respondents. This position is critical for the collection of reliable, disaggregated data that will inform national policies on disability equity and human rights in Papua New Guinea. The consultant will work closely with the Chief Technical Adviser and project staff to ensure that the translations maintain the original meaning and technical context, thereby supporting the overarching goals of the UNFPA in promoting human rights and improving access to vital services for individuals with disabilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for translating survey questionnaires from English to Pidgin, ensuring that all translations maintain the original meaning, context, and technical accuracy. Responsibilities include reviewing and proofreading all translated documents for grammatical accuracy and clarity, maintaining confidentiality regarding all documents and information accessed during the assignment, coordinating with project staff and the National Statistical Office (NSO) to clarify terminology and context, and submitting completed translated documents within agreed timelines while incorporating feedback and revisions as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Linguistics, Languages, Education, Social Sciences, Communication, or a related field. They should have at least 3-5 years of experience in translation and/or interpretation between English and Pidgin, with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Previous experience translating survey questionnaires, public health documents, or government-related materials is highly desirable. A proven understanding of disability concepts, human rights, and inclusive development is an asset, as is familiarity with survey data collection processes.

Educational Background:
A Diploma or Bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as Linguistics, Languages, Education, Social Sciences, or Communication is required for this position. This educational background ensures that the candidate has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform high-quality translations that are culturally and contextually appropriate.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience in translation and/or interpretation, specifically between English and Pidgin. This experience should include translating complex documents such as survey questionnaires, research instruments, and public health materials, demonstrating a high level of proficiency in both languages and an understanding of the nuances involved in translation.

Languages:
Native or near-native fluency in Pidgin is mandatory, along with an excellent command of English. Strong written communication skills in both languages are essential for ensuring that translations are accurate and culturally relevant.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position offers a competitive remuneration package, including a net salary and health insurance benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, encouraging applications from women and underrepresented groups. 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, and compensation, regardless of personal characteristics.