Job Title

Language Programs Manager

Location

South Africa

Position Type

Member

Job Description

The Language Programs Manager is responsible for supporting the work of the Programs Unit, through leadership strategic planning, project management and staff and partner engagement.

Strategic Planning:

• Guiding the Programs Unit in aligning with and implementing the organization’s strategic plan.
• Supporting strategic planning for language programs in collaboration with local communities, partners and SIL SOA staff.
• Understanding the language development needs in Southern Africa, including current status and remaining development opportunities and priorities.

Project Management:

• Overseeing language program projects, including planning, budgeting, timelines and resource allocation.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with funding partners by preparing proposals, securing funding, managing and monitoring projects, and contributing to national and regional strategy development.
• Ensuring effective communication with stakeholders, managing expectations and reporting on project progress.
• Leading and motivating project teams to achieve objectives.
• Tracking progress, managing scope, timelines, and budgets and reporting results to inform decision-making.
• Identifying and managing project risks, and developing contingency plans.
• Evaluating projects to capture lessons learned and best practices for continuous improvement.

Staff and Partner Engagement:

• Supervising and guiding staff across Southern Africa regional zones, ensuring they are effective and supported in their roles and ministries.
• Forming project teams, assigning responsibilities, and ensuring clarity and alignment with strategic goals.
• Identifying personnel needs, including skills, experience, and qualities and ensure the right team members are in place.
• Motivating and inspiring staff to achieve strategic goals, and promoting ongoing training and development for staff and partners.

Qualifications & Skills

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years in project management, including leading multicultural teams.
• Experience in administration, project, and financial management, with the ability to produce clear and professional reports.
• Knowledge of project management methodologies and best practices.
• Experience in linguistics or Bible translation is advantageous.

Education:

• Undergraduate degree preferred.

Skills:

• Fluent in English (mandatory).
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to manage multiple projects with attention to detail.

Additional Information:

• Full-time (40 hours/week) remote position; ideally based in Cape Town, South Africa.
• Regular national and international travel is required.

How to Apply:

Applications can be sent to HR Manager, Emily Larmour: hr_southernafrica@sil.org

Please include:

• A one-page motivational letter, including your testimony and why you feel called to apply for this position.
• CV (including three contactable references).

Weekly Hours

40