Senior Language Practitioner

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

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