Motu Translator (Individual Consultant)

Organizational Context

This specialized local consultancy supports a Disability Survey in Papua New Guinea, funded by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The role focuses on translating technical survey questionnaires from English into Motu to ensure accurate administration and respondent understanding. UNFPA, the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, seeks principled staff to uphold international norms and standards.

Job Purpose

The primary purpose of this consultancy is to translate the national Disability Survey questionnaire from English into the Motu language. This critical task ensures that interviewers can accurately administer the survey and that respondents clearly understand the questions. By facilitating precise communication, this role directly addresses the significant gap in reliable, disaggregated data necessary for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and for shaping effective, inclusive policies within Papua New Guinea. The accurate translation is fundamental to the survey's overall quality and reliability.

Responsibilities

The Motu Translator will be responsible for translating survey questionnaires from English to the Motu language, ensuring that the meaning, context, and technical accuracy of the original content are meticulously maintained. This includes reviewing and proofreading all translated documents for grammatical accuracy, consistency, and clarity. The translator will coordinate with project staff and technical teams to clarify terminology and context as needed, and must maintain the confidentiality of all accessed information. Submissions of translated documents must adhere to agreed timelines, and revisions requested by the supervisor or stakeholders must be incorporated.

Work Experience

Requires at least 3-5 years of experience in translation and/or interpretation between English and Motu. High proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is mandatory. Desirable experience includes translating survey questionnaires, research instruments, or documents related to public health, disability, development, or government. Knowledge of disability concepts and inclusive development is an asset.

Skills

Key skills include technical translation and linguistic excellence, maintaining contextual meaning and technical accuracy. Meticulous attention to detail is crucial for ensuring quality. The role requires stakeholder coordination and collaboration abilities, discretion and confidentiality, and resilience to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Proficiency in Motu and English, with strong written communication skills in both, is essential.

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