Senior Language Practitioner

Our Client in the Government Sector has a vacancy for the role of Senior Language Practitioner. This role is part of the Stakeholder Management and Communication Services section and reports to the manager.

Primary responsibilities include (_but are not limited to_):

- Supervising the operations of the Language Unit
- Ensuring compliance with language policies and standard operating procedures
- Translating, editing, proofreading and revising official documents
- Organising periodic external assessment of language services
- Developing and maintaining knowledge databases, including terminology lists of all three official languages of the province
- Providing language advice, including the development and maintenance of style guides for all three official languages of the province.

**Essential requirements for the role**

Applicants wanting to be considered for the role must have:

- A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification
- A minimum of five years’ experience in language practice
- Technically proficient and fluent in Afrikaans, English and Xhosa, but at least Afrikaans and English
- Translation, editing, proofreading and revision skills
- Knowledge of relevant policies and legislation
- Written and numerical skills
- Supervision and leadership skills
- Computer skills (MS Word, MS Outlook, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint)

Our client is a fast-paced but compliance-driven organisation. Individuals who thrive in this environment:

- Display resilience and the ability to cope with pressure
- Display integrity, reliability and well-developed interpersonal skills to interact with individuals across all levels in the business environment
- Demonstrate proactive management
- Demonstrate problem-analysis and solution-formulation skills
- Display service orientation
- Demonstrate excellent attention to detail
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
- Ability to work independently, yet open to guidance

**Summary of duties and responsibilities**

**Supervision and administration**
- Supervision of language practitioners, including division of duties, assignment of tasks, guiding and mentoring, leave administration, learning and development and performance management
- Facilitation of annual quality assessment of language services by external service providers
- Compilation and submission of monthly operational statistics, operational plans and procurement plans
- Maintenance of meticulous records in line with prescribed conventions

**Language services**
- Implementation and monitoring of the Province’s and the WCPP’s language policies
- Liaison with relevant stakeholders on language matters (forums, committees, professional language bodies)
- Coordination and execution of language services, including translation, editing, proofreading and revision, and the provision of guidance for improving written texts where and when required
- Attendance of public hearings on language matters and representation of the WCPP at various forums dealing with language matters
- Initiating language projects geared towards language development within the organisation

**Development and recording of language-related databases**
- Development and maintenance of relevant knowledge databases related to the organisation, including provincial and national legislation
- Providing guidance and assistance to external service providers in respect of specifications when facilitating projects

**Provision of language-related guidance and services**
- Development, implementation and continuous improvement of style guides for all three official languages of the province
- Provision of sound and evidence-based language advice to clients
- Remaining abreast of all relevant developments in the field of language that could positively contribute to the organisation
- Ensuring continuous professional development (CPD) in relation to language development and improvement