Writer / Translator (English and Kiswahili) Job in Kenya at Bridge International Academies

Job Position Title: Writer/Translator (English and Kiswahili)

About Bridge International Academies

Bridge International Academies is a for-profit startup company revolutionizing education across Africa with a unique business model. The company runs a large-scale network of low-cost primary schools in Kenya that significantly outperforms other primary schools in the same areas because of our “school in a box” systems.

Our schools profitably deliver this high-quality education for less than $4 per child per month, which enable the schools to cover all their costs and create a profitable central organization at scale. We have launched 37 schools in Kenya, we will double in size in the next 6 months, and plan to rapidly scale the company to serve more than 1 million students across the continent.

About the Position

Language is a thought process which is influenced by culture and surroundings, many words are region specific and their inferred meaning is totally different from the dictionary meaning. We also live in an age which is influenced by slang words and their use in business communication is also gaining popularity.

We are thus looking for a Writer/Translator who will work for the Marketing Department of Bridge International, reporting to the Project Manager, Marketing.

The role entails translating documents and other material from one language to another: Ability to reads material and rewrite material in specified language or languages, following established rules pertaining to factors, such as word meanings, sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, and mechanics.

In addition, observe established corporate terminology and in-house usage and identify new terminology for more effective communication.

Responsibilities

• Provide written communication solutions in both English and Kiswahili to communicate corporate mission, policies, and programs
• Proofread, edit and revise translated materials
• Translate message simultaneously or consecutively into specified language and maintaining message content, context and style as much as possible
• Identify and resolve conflicts related to the meaning of words, concepts, practices or behaviors
• Compile information about the content and context of information to be translated as well as details of the groups for whom translation or interpretation is being performed.
• Be familiar with colloquial expression currently in use within Kenyan Kiswahili, particularly within informal settlements
• Provide consecutive interpretation when required in the field
• Carry out translation duties whilst in the field, where necessary
• Perform other writing and language services as required by the company

About You

Successful candidates must:

• Possess the ability to work as part of a team
• Demonstrate flexibility, initiative and willingness to learn new skills
• Possess knowledge of relevant computer software including word-processing programs
• Be available, at times, on short notice to travel within different towns in Kenya
• Possess knowledge of design software such as Adobe InDesign and familiarity with website content programs such as Wordpress
• Possess a Bachelors Degree in interpretation, translation, linguistics or in any other relevant subject matter; and
• Have two years experience in communications and/or translation on a formal basis, preferably in an organization where communication with residents in informal settlement is a priority.

Knowledge of Languages

• Mother tongue proficiency in one Kenyan language in addition to excellent Kiswahili, familiarity with
• Colloquial Kiswahili and excellent English are required.
• Short-listed candidates will be invited to take a test which consists essentially of an interview and an interpretation and translation test.

You can apply and view detailed job requisitions on the Careers page at www.bridgeinternationalacademies.com