Language Specialist: Isizulu (P8) (Faculty of Humanities: Multilingual Language Services Office)

IntroductionThe University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution, guided by its bold UJ Strategy 2035, which emphasises Societal Impact and Sustainability, Global Footprint and Partnerships, and Technology for the Future. Committed to transformative change, UJ’s mission is “To transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge.” The University is guided by the vision of building “An international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future".Job Description“Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.For more information, please review the following link: Justice/Criminal/NRSOMultilingual Language Services OfficeWe are seeking a meticulous and experienced Language Specialist (IsiZulu) to ensure that the University’s written content is error-free and aligned with the brand's professional and academic environment. A keen eye for detail and strong proficiency in grammar, punctuation, and style guidelines will be essential to elevate the quality of all UJ official publications. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in editing, with a deep understanding of various editing processes and techniques. We expect you to handle multiple projects simultaneously, maintain tight deadlines, have a good turnaround time, work well under pressure, and foster a collaborative atmosphere. If you are passionate about language, enjoy refining written content, and have a keen eye for detail, we invite you to apply for the IsiZulu Language Specialist position, where you can impact our content significantly and contribute to our overarching mission of communication excellence.Responsibilities Edit and proofread a wide range of IsiZulu written content, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and adherence to style guidelines. Translate various documents from English into IsiZulu. Collaborate with writers to improve the overall quality of content and provide constructive feedback. Check content for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors, making necessary corrections. Ensure consistency in formatting. Ensure flow, coherence, and overall readability of documents, suggesting improvements where necessary. Ensure content aligns with the academic brand and messaging strategy, maintaining consistency across platforms. Manage multiple editing projects simultaneously, prioritising tasks to meet tight deadlines without sacrificing quality. Stay updated with industry trends and best practices in copy editing, incorporating new techniques to enhance content quality. Update and manage the IsiZulu house style guide as required and ensure implementation throughout the University. Assist with the organisation of departmental events. Implement UJ Language Policy and Language Implementation Plan.Apply UJ policies and regulations when editing and translating documents.Minimum Requirements Bachelor's degree (NQF 7) in IsiZulu and Applied Linguistics, Communications, Journalism, or a related field. 3 years' of experience in copy-editing, translating, language planning, etc. or similar environment. 3 years' of proven work experience as a language practitioner or in a language-related field. Proven knowledge of IsiZulu copy editing in a similar role, with a strong portfolio of edited work. Knowledge and proficiency in MS Office core applications: Word for word processing, Excel for spreadsheets, PowerPoint for presentations, and Outlook for email and calendar management.Competencies And Behavioural AttributesExcellent knowledge of the IsiZulu language, including grammar, spelling, syntax, punctuation and style guidelinesStrong attention to detail, with the ability to spot errors and inconsistencies in content and formattingEffective communication skills, both written and verbal, to liaise with team members and writersExceptional organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlinesGood time-management skillsAbility to work independently but also in a teamCopy editing, translating, and language planningHighly organised and detail-orientedTime management skillsProficient in Microsoft Office, Track Changes, Adobe Acrobat and OneDriveRecommendationsProfessional body membership (such as Professional Editors’ Guild (PEG), South African Translators’ Institute (SATI), Southern African Linguistics and Applied Linguistics Society (SALALS)) would be an advantage.Understanding university policies and practices concerning the discipline would be an advantage.An Honours or Master's degree in IsiZulu, Applied Linguistics, Communications or a related field.Willingness to offer guest lectures in the Department of African Languages.EnquiriesEnquiries regarding the job content: Prof Rockie Sibanda at Tel: (011) 559 2387Enquiries regarding remuneration & benefits: Ms Lungisa Zihlangu (HCM Business Partner) at Tel: (011) 559 2956