French Translator at Code for Africa (CfA)

Required: minimum requirements include

• Bachelor’s degree in translation, linguistics, 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

• 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

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 translator and 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

• Accurately translate, review and adapt content from English to French and vice versa. Content includes, but is not limited to, short form articles, long form articles, blog posts, and social media content
• As part of the translation process, provide input on localising and adapting content to suit local language and cultural contexts
• Translate, revise, and review written content including with accuracy and precision.
• Maintaining style and tone of translated content while adhering to editorial guidelines and brand standards
• Adhere and contribute to PesaCheck’s translation style guide to ensure language quality standards and house style are adhered to.
• Manage multiple translation tasks simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of translated content.
• Proactively keep relevant stakeholders informed of the status of translation tasks, seeking clarity and feedback as needed. 
• Manage multiple translation projects simultaneously, prioritise tasks and ensure timely delivery of translated content.
• Conduct terminology research to stay updated on the industry language.
• 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.
• From time to time, you may provide translation, interpretation or facilitation support during trainings and workshops.
• Support in translating/customising CfA’s courseware to local languages/contexts and other content as may be assigned from time-to-time.