Linguistics Coordinator at SIL International

Job Description

• Responsible for managing the SIL Nigeria Linguistics Department, and monitoring and coordinating linguistic-related activities within language development and Bible translation programmes in Nigerian languages, including training, consultant development, quality control, and proper use of equipment, and finances.

Job Responsibilities: 

Takes primary responsibility for managing the Linguistics Department, including:

• Oversight of supervisory staff, training in linguistics, linguistics consultant development, quality control, equipment, and finances○ managing the work and supervising the personnel, considering both external requirements and internal priorities ○ anticipating, planning, assigning tasks ○ ensuring standard operating procedures are in place as needed and appropriate follow-up and accountability occur
• Develops the domain budget and monitors its implementation
• Anticipates and identifies needs for staff recruitment and training and makes plans to meet them
• Assesses and puts processes in place to meet the unique needs of remote staff
• Builds a team culture where team members help each other grow in competency and character
• Proactively and intentionally connects and collaborates with the leaders of other domains within SIL Nigeria to ensure compliance with best practices in language programs
• Stays abreast of developments in the fields of linguistics and Bible translation
• Ensures relationships with linguists in other Nigerian organisations and other SIL Community Organisations are maintained, providing connection between them and the SIL Nigeria Linguistics Department
• Ensures linguistics findings are appropriately documented and archived
• Effectively communicates management expectations to staff and communicates staff perspectives, concerns, and ideas to management
• Advocates for the importance of good linguistics foundations for language development and Bible translation work.

work skills, Knowledge, and Attitudes::

• Teachable spirit
• Listening skills
• Good problem-solving and organizational skills
• Adaptability
• Dependence on God
• Team player
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Competent in word processing, spreadsheets, and email
• Ability to collaborate on a cross-cultural team​

Education & Experience:

• At least a first four year degree from a college or university, preferably in linguistics, a science, or a management field
• Experience working on cross-cultural teams preferred
• Experience in team management, preferably at least two years
• Experience in field linguistics in Nigerian languages preferred Advanced degree in applied linguistics preferred, but those with degrees in management will be considered