Specialist: Language Services at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

About the Job

Job Summary

• To provide a professional language service to the Absa Group by delivering content and communication with clear, direct and accessible messaging to mitigate possible reputational risk and financial loss to the Group.

Job Description

Key Accountabilities:

Editing and Translation

• Edit, translate, simplify, proof and correct English and Afrikaans banking, financial and insurance documents to meet Absa’s language standard and language guide requirements.
• Ensure that edited, translated, simplified, proofed and corrected texts maintain and convey original messaging, meaning and tone.
• Read and thoroughly understand context of given material, researching industry-specific terminology and using specialised dictionaries and translation tools.
• Network with industry experts and professional bodies to stay current on new editing and/or translation trends, tools and practices.
• Maintain, broaden and improve professional and/or practicing competence through relevant development and training opportunities.

Language Advice, Guidance and Consulting

• Provide language advice, guidance and consulting service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain sound relationships with these stakeholders to ensure compliance with Absa’s standards and convention.
• Monitor and address non-compliance to mitigate risk.
• Assist in implementing and socialising Absa’s language standard and language guide to ensure compliance and adherence throughout the Group.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Language Practice (or equivalent) (English and Afrikaans) (essential)
• Post-graduate qualification in above (preferred)

Skills:

• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines and turnaround times.
• Ability to organise and prioritise urgent work.
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate with various teams and functions.
• Analytical and creative thinking.
• Keen eye for detail.
• Team player.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Specialist knowledge of relevant languages.
• Expert understanding and application of English and Afrikaans language and grammar rules.
• Expert understanding and application of text editing and translation theory in practice.
• Sound understanding and application of plain language principles.
• Fair knowledge of financial services industry and industry-specific terms and terminology.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience as language practitioner (essential).
• Experience in financial services industry (preferred).
• Accredited with or member of South African Translators’ Institute (SATI) (preferred).

Education

• Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Communication Studies and Language (Required)