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

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is looking for a dedicated and skilled IsiZulu Language Specialist to join its Multilingual Language Services Office within the Faculty of Humanities. This is a permanent, full-time position located at the vibrant Auckland Park Kingsway Campus.

UJ is a leading South African institution, guided by its UJ Strategy 2035, focusing on Societal Impact, Sustainability, Global Footprint, and Technology for the Future. Our mission is to transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collaborative pursuit of knowledge, aiming to be an international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future.

About the Role

As an IsiZulu Language Specialist, you will play a crucial role in maintaining the high professional and academic standards of the University’s written content. You will ensure all UJ official publications in IsiZulu are error-free, clear, accurate, and consistent with our brand guidelines. This role requires exceptional attention to detail, strong proficiency in IsiZulu grammar, punctuation, and style, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.

If you have a passion for language, enjoy refining written content, and thrive in a collaborative environment, this opportunity allows you to significantly impact UJ’s communication excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Edit and proofread a wide range of IsiZulu written content, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and adherence to UJ style guidelines.
• Translate various documents from English into IsiZulu.
• Collaborate effectively with writers to enhance content quality and provide constructive feedback.
• Rigorously check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors, implementing necessary corrections.
• Ensure consistency in formatting across all documents.
• Improve the flow, coherence, and overall readability of documents, suggesting improvements where needed.
• Ensure content aligns with UJ’s academic brand and messaging strategy.
• Manage multiple editing and translation projects simultaneously, prioritising tasks to meet strict deadlines.
• Stay updated with industry best practices in copy editing and translation, integrating new techniques.
• Maintain and update the IsiZulu house style guide and ensure its consistent implementation throughout the University.
• Assist with the organisation of departmental events.
• Implement UJ’s Language Policy and Language Implementation Plan.
• Apply UJ policies and regulations when editing and translating documents.

Minimum Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree (NQF Level 7) in IsiZulu, Applied Linguistics, Communications, Journalism, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of proven experience in copy-editing, translating, language planning, or a similar language-related role.
• A strong portfolio of edited work demonstrating proficiency in IsiZulu copy editing.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Required Competencies & Behavioural Attributes

• Excellent knowledge of the IsiZulu language, including grammar, spelling, syntax, punctuation, and style guidelines.
• Strong attention to detail, capable of identifying errors and inconsistencies in content and formatting.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for liaising with team members and writers.
• Exceptional organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and tight deadlines.
• Good time-management skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Track Changes, Adobe Acrobat, and OneDrive.

Advantageous (Recommendations)

• Membership with a professional body such as the Professional Editors’ Guild (PEG), South African Translators’ Institute (SATI), or Southern African Linguistics and Applied Linguistics Society (SALALS).
• Understanding of university policies and practices related to language and linguistics.
• 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.

Application Process

To apply, please upload your detailed Curriculum Vitae along with the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees. Also attach a copy of your highest academic qualification, and proof of registration with any professional bodies you belong to. If applying for an academic position, include a list of accredited research output or a portfolio of creative output.

Apply by: 31 October 2025

The University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities, especially for persons with disabilities and individuals from historically disadvantaged groups, in conjunction with merit based on qualifications, experience, and proven achievements. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment to advertised positions.

Please note that the University is legally required to assess all prospective employees against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO) as per the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021). The outcome of this assessment may affect your employment with the University.

If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Enquiries

• Job Content Enquiries: Prof Rockie Sibanda at Tel: (011) 559 2387
• Remuneration & Benefits Enquiries: Ms Lungisa Zihlangu (HCM Business Partner) at Tel: (011) 559 2956
• Technical Support (e-recruitment website): PNET on 0861 227337 / 010 140 3099 or email [email protected]