About the Role
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is seeking a dedicated Principal Court Interpreter to join their team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. This pivotal role involves rendering interpreting services in high-profile matters, ensuring that justice is accessible to all members of the community. As a Principal Court Interpreter, you will be at the forefront of facilitating communication in complex legal cases, including criminal, civil, and Labour Court proceedings. Your work will not only support the judiciary but also uphold the rights of individuals seeking justice, making a significant impact on the community.
In this role, you will manage and develop a team of interpreters, providing coaching and quality control to ensure high standards are maintained. Your expertise in interpreting will be key in cases heard in the Small Claims Court and beyond, where your ability to accurately convey messages across language barriers will contribute to fair and just outcomes for all parties involved. Working in Pietermaritzburg, you will play an essential part in the public service, helping to ensure that the legal system operates smoothly and effectively.
About the Department
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development aims to ensure that all citizens have access to justice and that their rights are upheld. With a commitment to promoting equality and fairness, the department plays a crucial role in the South African legal system. As a member of this department, you will work alongside passionate professionals who are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of citizens by providing quality legal services and support.
What You’ll Do
- Provide interpreting services in high-profile court cases, including criminal and civil matters.
- Control and attend to personnel administrative aspects of court interpreters.
- Mentor and coach junior interpreters to enhance their skills and performance.
- Manage performance agreements and draw up replacement schedules for interpreters.
- Translate legal documents and exhibits, ensuring accuracy and clarity.
- Conduct research and consult on source documents for effective interpretation.
- Oversee the procurement of foreign language interpreters in line with relevant policies.
- Report statistics and authorise payments for interpreters as required.
- Develop and maintain a glossary register of legal terminology and their meanings.
- Supervise and allocate duties to staff, ensuring quality control of work delivered.
What You’ll Need
- A National Diploma in Legal Interpreting or an equivalent qualification at NQF level six (6) with 360 credits as recognised by SAQA.
- A minimum of two (2) years’ practical experience in court interpreting, with at least one (1) year in a supervisory role.
- A valid driver’s license is an added advantage.
- Strong knowledge of Batho Pele principles and court proceedings.
- Full command of the languages required for interpretation, with excellent communication skills.
- Competency in computer literacy and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage confidential information effectively.
How to Apply
Applications can be sent via email to the provided address below.
Requirements
Applicants should be in possession of a National Diploma in Legal Interpreting or equivalent qualification at NQF level six (6) with 360 credits as recognised by SAQA.A minimum of two (2) years’ practical experience in Court Interpreting of which one (1) year should be at supervisory level.
A valid driver’s license will serve as an added advantage.
Knowledge and skills: Knowledge of Batho Pele and the OCJ Principles, Court proceedings, 59 Cultural diversity, Knowledge of Policies, Prescripts, and Legislation and Full command of the language.
Skilled in communication, computer literacy, listening, interpersonal, customer service orientation, planning and organising, problem solving and confidentiality.
Along with the following attributes: Ability to work under pressure and art of interpreting.
Job Duties
Render interpreting services in high profile matters, interpret in complex cases, interpret in criminal, civil, and Labour Court.Interpret in Small claims Court, control and attend to personnel administrative aspects of Interpreters, provide and coaching to junior Interpreters, manage performance agreement contracts, draw a schedule for replacement of Court Interpreters, translate Legal documents and exhibits, study and analyse the source documents, conduct necessary research and consult, Check, edit and revise the translated documents, procure foreign language interpreters and casuals in line with PFMA and the relevant policy.
Report statistics to be generated and escalated to the cluster manager for consolidation, authorise payments of foreign and casual language interpreters, develop terminology, harvest of terminology and database development, provide terms and their respective meanings in the glossary register, supervise and develop staff and allocate duties and perform quality control on the work delivered by officials.
