Mother Tongue Engagement Director at SIL International

SIL is a global faith-based nonprofit that helps local language communities overcome the barriers that prevent them from flourishing with their languages. SIL’s six core areas of work include Bible Translation, training & workshops, products & technology, research, materials & publications, and advocacy.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Mother Tongue Engagement Director

Job Requisition ID: R14536
Location: Jos, Plateau
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Description

• Responsible for overseeing six mother tongue engagement teams within SIL Nigeria: i) Language Assessment & Survey, ii) Scripture Use, iii) Literacy & Education, iv) Language Technology and Typesetting, and Vernacular Media Services.
• Coordinates the services of these teams with language program management and translation services for language development and Bible translation programs in Nigerian languages.
• Ensures effective supervision, training, consultant development, quality control, and the proper use of equipment and finances within these domains.

Position Responsibilities

• Takes primary responsibility for leading five of the eight SIL Nigeria language service teams: i) Language Assessment & Survey, ii) Scripture Use, iii) Literacy & Education, iv) Language Technology and Typesetting, v) Vernacular Media Services, and vi) EthnoArts
• Collaborates with the Translation Director who leads Translation, Linguistics, and Oral Bible Storying teams to ensure that all the teams work together to provide symbiotic services for projects
• Manages the work and supervises the coordinators considering both external requirements and internal priorities; anticipates, plans, assigns tasks, ensures standard operating procedures are in place as needed, and appropriate follow-up and accountability occur
• Supervises budget managers as they develop budgets and monitors implementation
• Anticipates and identifies needs for staff recruitment and training and makes plans to meet them
• Builds a team culture where team members help each other grow in competency and character
• Maintains relationships with leaders in other Nigerian organisations and other SIL Community Organisations
• Ensures teams document and archive their work
• Effectively communicates management expectations to staff and communicates staff perspectives, concerns, and ideas to management

Education and Experience

• At least a First four year Degree from a college or University in Administration, a Language or Development related field, or a science
• Experience in team management including supervision of supervisors The ideal candidate will have at least three years of experience in leadership and some experience in fieldwork in Bible translation or language development in Nigerian languages and an MA in a language or development-related or administrative field

Skills, Knowledge, and Attitudes:

• Teachable spirit
• Listening skills
• Good problem solving and organisational skills
• Adaptability
• Spiritual maturity and integrity
• Team player
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Competent in word processing, spreadsheets, and email
• Conflict resolution skills
• Ability to collaborate on a cross-cultural team.

Application Closing Date
12th June, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online