Translator at Code for Africa (CfA)

About this role

The successful candidate will join the PesaCheck team which is responsible for helping the public separate fact from fiction, using a range of journalistic techniques and digital verification tools across languages and cultures. 

The successful candidate will work closely with the PesaCheck team, but particularly the chief copy editor to translate news content. You will also, from time to time, conduct internal training to upskill staff both at PesaCheck and across CfA’s other programmes. Training and mentorship take place online and in-person and consist of both group and individual sessions. 

The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience as a translator in a professional working environment, able to translate material from English to French, and vice-versa with precision, and a deep knowledge of the media landscape in their country and/or region. 

We operate in a fast-paced environment, so you will need to quickly understand and learn new things. You will also need to possess a keen attention to detail. You should be comfortable handling multiple tasks with multiple ongoing deadlines and should have previous experience working on digital collaboration tools that CfA uses, such as Slack, Google Drive, and Trello. 

Responsibilities: Your daily responsibilities will include

• Translate/transcribe/ localise/adapt documentation from English to French and vice versa
• Provide translation and or facilitating services during training and workshops
• Ensure the translated/localised/adapted work is to the highest standard
• Assist in supporting, mentoring and motivating journalists and fellows in the various CfA projects to help them with the timely completion of their training aims and story production
• Perform other duties as requested by the line manager

Required: minimum requirements include

• Bachelor’s degree in linguistics, language, literature, or a related field.
• At least three years of experience as a translator/interpreter.
• French native speaker and a demonstrable fluency in both written and spoken English.
• Fluency in using CAT tools and translation memory software.
• Demonstrable experience in specialised translation/MTPE/Transcription (En</>Fr)
• Up-to-date knowledge and understanding of news and current affairs affecting Francophone Africa.
• Able to translate complex details into easily understandable and accurate target language.
• Able to multitask, prioritise, and manage time efficiently.
• Able to work creatively and accurately under pressure with excellent attention to detail.
• Organised and able to create, manage and oversee multiple timelines and schedules.
• Proficiency in collaborative work solutions such as Google Workplace (Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, etc.), Slack (or equivalents such as Teams), and project management tools like Trello (or equivalents such as Asana).

Preferred: candidates who are able to demonstrate the following will have an advantage

• 3+ years of experience as a translator, interpreter, or related position.
• Certification in translation and/or interpretation.
• Previous experience working in the media sector.
• Sensitivity to cross-cultural dynamics.
• Good knowledge of contemporary political, economic, social and scientific issues in Africa and across the globe.
• Experience working with international partners and team members.

Language and Location Requirements:

• Location: The role can be performed remotely, therefore applicants across Africa will be considered.
• Languages: French and English