Language Practitioner - Cape Town BSSA

The Bible Society of South Africa; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

The Bible Society of South Africa is seeking a detail-oriented language editor to ensure the quality of their publications. This role involves proofreading, language editing, and translation to uphold the Society's mission of providing affordable Bibles in various languages. The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of experience in a publishing environment and possesses exceptional communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with English (and another official language) as major subjects.
• 5+ years’ experience in proofreading, language editing, and translation.
• Ability to translate from Afrikaans to English.

Responsibilities

• Review BSSA publications for language, style, grammar, accuracy, and readability.
• Ensure high standards of quality in all content published.
• Provide specialized language and communication services across various fields.

Skills

Grammar

Spelling

Editing

Translation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in English, Linguistics or Translation & Editing

Tools

MS Office

Outlook

Job description

The Bible Society of South Africa NPC (BSSA) has been translating, publishing and distributing Bibles in South Africa since 1820. The Bible Society of South Africa’s mission is to provide affordable Bibles for everyone, in their own language and in suitable formats, so that all may experience the life-giving message of the Word.

The abovementioned career opportunity is currently available at the BSSA. The ideal candidate is a dynamic, detail-oriented and strong problem solver who can work in a fast-paced environment. This role involves providing specialised language and communication services across a broad spectrum of fields. Responsibilities include reviewing of BSSA publications, translations and content for language, style and grammar errors, accuracy and readability to ensure the highest standards of quality.

Requirements:

• A recognised Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with English (and an additional official language), Linguistics and/or Translation & Editing as major subjects.
• Ability to translate content from Afrikaans into English
• Impeccable grammar and spelling
• Excellent proficiency in English
• At least 5 years’ experience in proofreading, language editing and translation
• Knowledge of standard proofreading, language editing and translation
• Strongly recommended:

-Proficiency in other official languages

• Experience in the publishing industry will be advantageous

Competencies:

• Alignment with the mission and values of the Bible Society of South Africa
• Accuracy and exceptional attention to detail
• Reliable, hardworking and strong team player
• Positive outlook and a clear focus on high quality, service and professionalism
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Proficiency in editing and proofreading text
• Highly organised with the ability to multi-task and manage time effectively
• Ability to work well under pressure in order to meet tight deadlines

Skills:

• Excellent grammar, spelling and editing skills: Ability to identify/fix spelling and grammatical errors, rephrase and improve sentence construction in order to ensure an error-free text that meets the BSSA’s quality standards
• Excellent language skills – English and Afrikaans proofreading skills
• Proven computer literacy (MS Office and Outlook)
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)

Applications close on 23 June 2025

If you do not hear from us by 11 July 2025, please consider your application unsuccessful.