Motu Translator (Individual Consultant)

The Position:

The position is a specialized local consultancy designed to support the development of a data collection tool for a Disability Survey in Papua New Guinea. Under the project "Catalysing the Effective Implementation of Disability Equity and Inclusion in Papua New Guinea," which is funded by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the position focuses on translating technical survey questionnaires from English into Motu. This ensures accurate administration by interviewers and clear understanding by respondents to improve the overall quality, reliability, and inclusiveness of national disability data

You will report to Chief Technical Adviser

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff who embody these international norms and standards and will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact sustained results, ensuring effective external relations, communications, partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

The purpose of this consultancy is to translate the national Disability Survey questionnaire from English into Motu. This process facilitates accurate administration by interviewers and ensures that survey respondents clearly understand the questions, directly addressing the critical gap in reliable, disaggregated data needed to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and shape effective policies in Papua New Guinea.

You would be responsible for:

• Translating survey questionnaires from English to the Motu language.
• Ensuring that translations maintain the meaning, context, and technical accuracy of the original content.
• Reviewing and proofreading translated documents to ensure grammatical accuracy, consistency, and clarity.
• Maintaining confidentiality of all documents and information accessed during the assignment.
• Coordinating with project staff and technical teams to clarify terminology and context where necessary.
• Submitting translated documents within agreed timelines.
• Incorporating comments and revisions as requested by the supervisor or relevant stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Linguistics, Languages, Education, Social Sciences, Communication, or a related field.

Knowledge and Experience:

• At least 3–5 years of experience in translation and/or interpretation between English and Motu.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office (MS Word, Excel, and MS PowerPoint) is required.
• Previous experience translating survey questionnaires, research instruments, training manuals, public health, disability, development, or government-related documents is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of disability concepts and terminology, human rights, and inclusive development is an asset.
• Understanding of survey data collection processes and interviewer-administered questionnaires is desirable.

Languages:

• Native or near-native fluency in Motu and excellent command of English, with strong written communication skills in both languages

Required Competencies:

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity,
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
• Embracing cultural diversity,
• Embracing change

Core Competencies:

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,

Functional Competencies:

• Technical Translation & Linguistic Excellence: Competence in translating complex materials from English to Motu while strictly maintaining contextual meaning, technical accuracy, and grammatical clarity.
• Meticulous Attention to Detail: Demonstrates a meticulous work ethic with a keen eye for details and a commitment to looking for excellence and perfection in all technical matters.
• Stakeholder Coordination & Collaboration: Ability to collaborate with project staff, the National Statistical Office (NSO), and technical teams to clarify specific terminology, participate in translation reviews, and validate materials.
• Discretion and Confidentiality: High professional standards to maintain absolute confidentiality of all project documents and information accessed during the assignment.
• Resilience & Focus Under Pressure: Ability to remain focused under pressure, with a commitment to working hard and meeting tight deadlines across all survey milestones.

Managerial Competencies (if applicable)

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.