Plain Language Specialist

Liberty, a prominent financial services provider in South Africa, is seeking a skilled Plain Language Specialist to join their team in Roodepoort, Gauteng. This role is crucial for ensuring that all communications, from customer-facing materials to internal executive memos, are clear, accessible, and adhere to plain language principles.

The organisation, a significant player in the African financial landscape, is dedicated to creating growth and delivering meaningful value to its diverse client base, which ranges from individuals to large multinational corporations. They recognise the importance of effective communication in building trust and fostering understanding, especially within the complex insurance and financial sectors.

About the role

The Plain Language Specialist will be instrumental in shaping and overseeing the delivery of comprehensive plain language services to two key entities within the Liberty group: Standard Bank Insurance Brokers (SBIB) and Standard Insurance Limited (SIL). This involves championing a consistent approach to message, style, tone, and plain language principles across all forms of communication.

The primary objective of this position is to enhance customer understanding and facilitate effective communication. By ensuring that all written content is easily digestible by clients and employees alike, the role directly contributes to regulatory compliance and strengthens the overall clarity of the organisation's messaging. This position is vital for maintaining brand integrity and customer satisfaction in a highly regulated industry.

The responsibilities of the Plain Language Specialist are varied and demand a keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of communication best practices. Key duties include:

• Developing and implementing strategies to ensure the consistent application of plain language principles across various communication channels.
• Reviewing and editing a wide range of documents, including customer correspondence, marketing materials, policy documents, and internal communications, to ensure they are clear, concise, and easily understood.
• Collaborating with stakeholders across SBIB and SIL to identify communication challenges and provide solutions that promote clarity and accessibility.
• Providing guidance and training to internal teams on plain language best practices and the importance of clear communication.
• Staying abreast of regulatory requirements and industry standards related to financial services communication.
• Managing and maintaining a repository of plain language guidelines and resources.
• Contributing to the development and refinement of corporate communication strategies.

What they're looking for

Candidates for this role should possess a strong educational background in language or a related field, coupled with substantial practical experience in plain language application. The ideal profile includes:

• A relevant tertiary qualification, such as a BA in English Language or Linguistics, a Diploma in Language Practice, or an Occupational Certificate/National Certificate in Text Editing. Further qualifications, such as a postgraduate degree or a certificate in Plain Language from recognised institutions (e.g., Plain Language Institute South Africa, Plain Language Academy), would be advantageous.
• A minimum of three to five years of proven experience in plain language review, editing, corporate communications, or content development.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex insurance, legal, or business terminology into accessible, customer-friendly language.
• Experience working within a regulated industry, understanding the specific communication demands and compliance requirements.
• Exceptional English language proficiency, including advanced grammar, editing, and document review skills.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Word features such as track changes, document formatting, and version control.
• A solid understanding of behavioural competencies such as adopting practical approaches, articulating information clearly, developing expertise, and upholding standards.
• Technical skills in areas like client relationship management, collaboration, compliance, quality control, and risk management are highly beneficial.

This role offers an exciting opportunity for a communication professional to make a significant impact within a leading financial institution. A successful candidate will be adept at simplifying complex information, advocating for clear communication, and contributing to a more accessible and understandable experience for Liberty's customers and employees. In South Africa, roles focused on plain language and technical writing within financial services often command competitive salaries, reflecting the specialised skills required. This position provides a clear career path for individuals passionate about making information accessible and contributing to a customer-centric organisation.

Type of Qualification: First Degree
Field of Study: BA English language or Lingustics, Diploma in Language Practice, Occupational Certificate: Text Editor (NQF Level 6) or National Certificate:Text Editing and Document Design (NQF Level 7)                      
Post Graduate Degree Local or International Certificate in Plain Language                                       
Professional certification or formal training in Plain Language Plain Language Institute South Africa, Plain Language Academy 

Experience Required           

3-5 years                                                                                                            

Proven experience in plain language review, editing, corporate communications, content development or related fields.
Experience translating complex insurance, legal or business terminology into customer-friendly language.
Experience working in a regulated environment.
Strong English language, grammar, editing and document review and skills.
Advanced Microsoft Word skills, including track changes, document formatting and version control.
Formal training in Plain Language.                                                                                                                                 

Behavioural Competencies:

• Adopting Practical Approaches
• Articulating Information
• Checking Things
• Developing Expertise
• Directing People
• Documenting Facts
• Empowering Individuals
• Establishing Rapport
• Examining Information
• Impressing People
• Making Decisions
• Meeting Timescales
• Producing Output
• Showing Composure
• Taking Action
• Upholding Standards

Technical Competencies:

• Client Relationship Management
• Collaboration
• Compliance
• Continuous Improvement
• Creative Problem Solving
• Information Management
• Knowledge Management
• Project Management (Project Mgmt)
• Quality Control
• Quality Management
• Risk Awareness
• Risk Identification
• Risk Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Strategic Alignment & Execution