Linguist and Language Education Specialist

Welcome to IBN Corporation and thank you for your interest in joining our team.

IBN Corporation is proud to serve as the Trustee for the Mining Area C (MAC) Agreement between BHP Billiton Pty Ltd and the IBN Claim Group – representing the Yinhawangka, Banyjima, and Nyiyaparli peoples of the Pilbara region.

Established in 2001, IBN is a charitable organisation committed to advancing the social, economic, and cultural wellbeing of our Members. We deliver a broad range of programs and services across key areas such as health, education, housing, culture, enterprise development, and employment.

Our offices are located in South Hedland, Perth, Tom Price, and Karratha, enabling us to stay closely connected, remain accessible and responsive to the IBN membership.

We look forward to the possibility of working together in shaping a stronger, more vibrant future, making a lasting impact to the IBN Membership and wider community.

The Opportunity

This role sits at the heart of a project with lasting significance, the revitalisation of the Yinhawangka, Banyjima and Nyiyaparli languages for current and future generations.

As IBNs Linguist and Language Education Specialist, you’ll work directly with Elders, knowledge holders, the Language Governance Group and community members to document, teach and celebrate IBN languages in ways that are accurate, respectful and genuinely engaging.  

You will also work with our Digital Content Producer to turn your linguistic expertise into engaging resources such as online lessons, filmed content, school materials and community learning tools that are as culturally grounded as they are creative.

This position is an opportunity to apply specialist linguistic skills to work of real and enduring value.

The Role

• Provide specialist linguistic advice to support the delivery of the Language Revitalisation Project and achievement of project outcomes.
• Conduct linguistic analysis of IBN languages including seeking guidance from academic specialists where required.
• Work collaboratively with the community, knowledge holders and members to document language in culturally appropriate ways.
• Develop and deliver face-to-face and online language learning programs in collaboration with speakers and community members.
• Provide expert advice on spelling, pronunciation and language across all IBN language products and resources.
• Support the Language Governance Group by preparing linguistic notes, word lists, example sentences and pronunciation guidance.
• Develop curriculum - aligned language learning materials in print, digital and multimedia.
• Collaborate with education, design and digital specialists to develop engaging language learning resources.
• Ensure all materials are pedagogically sound, culturally respectful and linguistically accurate.
• Maintain secure and ethical management of IBN owned language data.
• Provide expert linguistic review and validation for the IBN language Portal, including dictionaries, flashcards, and practice tests.
• Assist with the development of audio recordings, example sentences and interactive learning content.
• Work collaboratively with technical staff to ensure linguistic accuracy across digital applications.
• Provide specialist advice and mentoring to strengthen local language teaching capability.

The Requirements

• Tertiary Qualification in linguistics or equivalent
• Experience in working with Aboriginal language programs and Elders and knowledge holders and demonstrated cultural understanding of the dynamics of language work.
• Demonstrated expertise in phonetic transcription, grammar analysis and language data management.
• Experience developing language learning resources and/or working with education specialists to design language education programs.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills include the ability to work respectfully with Elders and community members and projects partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise professional judgement and provide specialist advice with a collaborative community-led environment.
• Ability to travel to Pilbara communities as required

The Perks

• Attractive salary commensurate with experience
• Role based in modern Perth CBD in offices
• Staff benefits including discounted health insurance, health and wellness allowance, study support and uniforms
• Not for profit Salary packaging up to $18,550 (tax free) per annum
• Additional annual leave
• Flexible working arrangements negotiable for the right candidate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Vibrant and collaborative team culture working together to advance self-determination for First Nations people.

For a confidential enquiry and discussion please call Linda Sperring 0400 099 683 or email work@ibngroup.com.au using the subject line: Linguist and Language Education Specialist enquiry via EthicalJobs for further information. 

Please apply directly through the "Apply Now" button with a CV and brief cover letter outlining why you are interested in the role and how your experience meets the requirements. Shortlisting will commence immediately and will include initial phone screening.

Note

IBN may commence appointment proceedings immediately, appoint by invitation or make no appointment at all. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This opportunity is only open to candidates with unrestricted rights to work in Australia.

IBN Members, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of the community are encouraged to apply.

IBN does not accept unsolicited résumés, fees, or associated costs from recruitment agencies, search firms, or third parties.