Call for Applications: Translation Editor (Lingua Project)

OlongoAfrica is seeking a Remote Freelance Editor to lead our flagship translation initiative, the Lingua Project (lingua.olongoafrica.com). 

The Mission

Every year, on International Mother Language Day (February 21st), the Lingua Project publishes a curated collection of original stories translated into indigenous African languages—from Yorùbá and Igbo to Bambara and Swahili—accompanied by professional audio narrations. The original intention is to continue to publish translations into African languages throughout the year.

We are looking for an editor who understands that mission and is interested in helping us re-centre translation in the African literary conversation.

The Role

This is a remote, year-round position.

• Reporting: You will report directly to the Publisher and collaborate closely with the Managing Editor to align with the magazine’s broader editorial calendar.
• Focus: You will serve as the project manager and editorial lead for the annual Lingua anthology. While the publication date is in February, the work of curation, commissioning, and production happens throughout the year. 

Key Responsibilities

1. Curation & Editorial

• Identify and select 10+ high-quality original stories (fiction or non-fiction) annually.
• Secure necessary permissions from authors and the Publisher.
• Write the annual Editorial introduction for the issue, framing the collection for our readers.

2. Translation Management

• Scout and commission translators for various African languages.
• Manage contracts, workflow, and ensure timely payments for all contributors.
• Oversee the quality of translations to ensure they capture the nuance of the original work.

3. Audio & Visual Production

• Recruit voiceover talent for each language and supervise the recording process.
• Quality Control: rigorous oversight of the final output. You must be able to identify audio issues (background noise, pacing) and ensure high-quality production.
• Collaborate with the project Illustrator to ensure the visual art complements the stories.

4. Publishing & Advocacy

• Web Production: Liaise directly with the Webmaster to ensure all text and audio files are uploaded, formatted, and published correctly on the site.

Who We Are Looking For

• A Lover of Languages: You have a deep passion for African literature and literatures-in-translation. You understand the nuances of moving a story from English to an indigenous tongue.
• A Project Manager: You are organized and comfortable using remote collaboration tools (Google Workspace, WhatsApp) to keep multiple stakeholders (authors, translators, actors) on track.
• Audio Savvy: Familiarity with audio editing software (e.g., Audacity) is highly desirable. You don’t need to be a sound engineer, but you must have the ear to judge audio quality and the skills to make basic cuts if necessary.
• Collaborative Spirit: You can work seamlessly with a remote team, including the Publisher, Managing Editor, and Webmaster.

Timeline & Commitment

• Year-Round Role: Work is ongoing throughout the year.
• Peak Season: Please note that the workload peaks significantly between November and January as we prepare for the February launch. Candidates must be available for intensive work during this window.

Compensation & Terms

• Honorarium: $500 USD per annum (subject to review with more funding).
• Conflict of Interest: To maintain editorial integrity, the Translation Editor may not publish their own creative work in the specific Lingua anthology issue they are managing.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a 1-page cover letter detailing your experience with editing, translation, and/or project management to publisher@olongoafrica.com 

In your cover letter, please tell us: Why does publishing in African languages matter to you?

Deadline: February 28, 2026