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PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
LANGUAGE SERVICES SECTION
UNIT MANAGER – TRANSLATION (IRC8978)
WHY JOIN PARLIAMENT
Parliament offers a competitive cost-to-company remuneration package, complemented by an attractive range of employee benefits designed to support employees and their families. These benefits include, among others
- Comprehensive group life and disability insurance benefits
- Flexible Hybrid working arrangements within the Western Cape
- Time off-annual leave
- Funeral and burial repatriation cover for employees and qualifying dependents
- Proactive wellbeing support through our Siyaphila Programme
- Continuous learning culture to support your growth
- Education support benefits for qualifying dependents through the Universal Education Protector Programme
JOB SUMMARY
The successful incumbent will lead and manage the Translation Unit within the Languages Services Section, ensuring efficient delivery of high-quality translation, editing, and proofreading services of parliamentary documents, records and publications in support of Parliament's core functions.
The role supports Parliament’s constitutional commitments to multilingualism and enhances inclusivity, accessibility and effective communication in the Parliamentary processes.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES WILL BE:
- Manage Translation Services
- Language Terminology Development and Stakeholder Engagement
- Language Technology Research and Innovation
- Operations Management
- Financial Management
- Human Resources Management
TO QUALIFY, YOU MUST HAVE:
- Grade 12 or NQF Level 4 plus a bachelor's degree in African Languages and/or Linguistics/Language Practice or a relevant qualification at NQF 7.
- 5 years’ specialist experience in language services, of which 3 years should be at managerial or supervisory level within a similar environment, delivering translation, editing, proofreading, interpreting and/or transcription services.
- Affiliation and experience with language boards will be an added advantage
You must also demonstrate:
Knowledge and Technical Skills
- Understanding of the Constitution of South Africa, particularly Chapter 4 and sections 6, 9, 29, 30 and 31, with reference to the mandate of Parliament and language matters.
- Knowledge of Parliamentary Service practices and processes.
- Understanding of participatory democracy and political dynamics.
- Knowledge and understanding of the National Language policy framework, Use of Official Languages Act, South African Language Practitioners' Council Act, and relevant and applicable legislation, regulations and policies.
- Expert knowledge, experience and skills in translation, editing and proofreading processes.
- High level proficiency in English and other official languages.
- Expert knowledge of terminology development policies, guidelines and processes.
- Advanced knowledge of the latest human language technologies, machine translation (MT), computer-assisted translation applications/tools (CAT), artificial intelligence (AI) and best practices.
- Advanced experience and familiarity with document management platforms.
- Excellent leadership, organisational and stakeholder management skills.
- Proven experience in strategic and operational planning and implementation thereof.
- Experience in Project Management Processes and practices
- Proficient with Microsoft 365 Suite and related software(s).
- Ability to develop and implement policy.
- Experience in managing, leading and implementing organisational change within a team.
- Good written and verbal communication.
- Knowledge of the FMPPLA and Labour laws and HR policies and procedures.
- Exceptional conflict resolution and influencing skills.
- Strong tact and diplomacy skills.
- Strong leadership and management skills.
- Demonstrated exemplary interpersonal and intrapersonal communication skills.
Behavioural Competencies
- Exceptional people management and leadership ability.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Resilient and easily adapts to changes.
- Digital literacy and acumen.
- Proven track record in delivering and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Innovative and creative thinker.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to set clear objectives and lead cross-functional, multi-skilled teams.
- High energy with a sense of urgency.
- Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information.
- Focused on delivering results and meeting expectations.
- Judgement and decision-making ability.
- Personal resilience and emotional maturity.
- Ability to work under pressure
- High level of integrity and ethics
About Us
Working at the Parliament of South Africa is a unique opportunity like no other. No matter where you are placed in this premier institution, you will be part of a truly remarkable and exceptional team that serves the people of our great country and shapes the course of our nation's history every day. If promoting the public good is what drives you, if you are passionate about shaping a brighter future for the citizens of South Africa, and you are ready to be part of something extraordinary where you can shine and make a real impact on the people of our country, then Parliament is the place to be. If you are also a dynamic individual who values professionalism, openness, integrity, teamwork, accountability, responsiveness and shows mutual respect, we would like to hear from you. Our doors are open, and we are inviting you to become a part of this incredible journey.
To Apply, Please Select the Appropriate Button Below:
Person that has never been employed by Parliament
Person that was previously employed by Parliament including previously employed Interns and existing Interns
CLOSING DATE: 25 NOVEMBER 2026
“Parliamentary Services Administration promotes and applies the principles of Affirmative Action and equal opportunities”.
PLEASE NOTE that only applications submitted via the i-Recruitment platform will be accepted. All required supporting documentation and information must be provided; incomplete applications will not be processed. Security clearance and qualification verification are mandatory for all appointments. Should you not hear from us within two months (2) from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. Successful candidates will be required to sign a performance agreement. Parliament reserves the right not to make an appointment.
