Assistant Director: Terminology Coordination – Pretoria – Department Of Basic Education

Assistant Director: Terminology Coordination at the Department of Basic Education in Pretoria offers a vital government job in South Africa

Published 20 September 2026
Closing Date 5 October 2026
Location
Type
Opportunity

About the Role

The Department of Basic Education is seeking a dedicated Assistant Director for Terminology Coordination based in Pretoria. This pivotal role focuses on delivering a multilingual technical terminology service that enhances communication and understanding across language communities in South Africa. By engaging in tasks such as source text development, project management, and stakeholder collaboration, you will contribute significantly to the public service and support the department’s mission of promoting quality education for every child.

In this role, you will not only manage the National Terminology Register and oversee the Terminology Management System but also lead the implementation of national terminology policy. Your efforts will directly impact the quality of educational resources, ensuring they are accessible and meaningful for all South Africans. Your work will foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of language diversity while supporting the crucial objective of effective education delivery within the community.

About the Department

The Department of Basic Education is committed to ensuring quality education for all learners in South Africa. With a mandate to create equitable and quality education systems, the department plays a vital role in shaping the future of the nation. Working in this department provides a unique opportunity to contribute to transformative educational policies and practices that benefit both learners and educators, making a lasting impact on society.

What You’ll Do

  • Develop source and target texts to ensure accurate multilingual terminology.
  • Compile front and back matter for educational publications.
  • Manage projects related to terminology services and engage with stakeholders.
  • Implement and disseminate national terminology policy and lists.
  • Conduct terminology research and manage the National Terminology Register and Term Bank.
  • Supervise and train staff on terminology management principles.
  • Liaise continuously with language communities and relevant institutions to promote effective communication.

What You’ll Need

  • Senior Certificate/Matric Certificate or equivalent.
  • A minimum of a three-year National Diploma (NQF level 6) or Degree (NQF level 7) in Language Practice, Linguistics, or a related field.
  • 2-3 years of relevant experience, with at least 2 years as a Language Practitioner in a terminological or lexicographical environment.
  • Knowledge of Public Service Regulations and terminological principles.
  • Strong editing, proofreading, and writing skills.
  • Proficiency in at least two official languages, including English.
  • Advanced computer skills, project management skills, and problem-solving abilities.

How to Apply

Please refer to the application instructions below.

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Requirements

Senior Certificate/Matric Certificate /Grade 12 Certificate or equivalent qualification; A minimum three-year National Diploma (NQF level 6)/ Degree (NQF level 7) as recognised by SAQA in Language Practice/ Linguistics/ Translation and Interpreting Studies/ BA /BEd with a major in isiXhosa; 2-3 years relevant experience with at least 2 years as a Language Practitioner in a terminological or lexicographical environment; Knowledge of Public Service Regulations; Knowledge of terminological and lexicographical principles; Knowledge of relevant prescripts and Regulations; Knowledge and understanding of Language policies and procedures; Knowledge of Terminology Management System; Strong editing, proofreading, and writing skills; Excellent command of at least two official languages (including English); 100 Project Management skills; advanced computer skills; Problem solving and Analysis; Presentation skills; Good Communication and interpersonal relations

Job Duties

The purpose of the position is to ensure that a multilingual technical terminology service is rendered in the department through source text development; target text development; compilation of front and back matter; project management; stakeholder collaboration; development of national terminology policy and implementation; publication and dissemination of terminology lists; recording of minutes; translation-oriented terminography; conducting terminology research; management of the Terminology Management System (TMS); management of the National Terminology Register and the National Term Bank; conducting training on principles of terminology management and people management.

Collaboration with other language stakeholders and continuous liaison with institutions and members of language communities; Supervise subordinates.

Salary

R605 742 per annum (Level 10)

How to Apply

Submitted via post to: Private Bag X895, Pretoria, 0001 or hand-deliver to: The Department of Basic Education, 222 Struben Street, Pretoria or you can email your application to [email protected]/[email protected]/[email protected]./Sko [email protected] Please visit the Department of Education’s website at www.education.gov.za For Enquiries: Dr H Machaba Tel No: (012) 441 3251