iHeartArabi is seeking an
Arabic Localization Project Lead to oversee the end-to-end execution and quality control of our English-to-Arabic podcast translation and voice duplication workflow.
This role is not a translation position. The selected candidate will not translate episodes directly. Instead, they will manage vendors, enforce editorial standards, safeguard linguistic integrity, and ensure that every delivered episode meets iHeartMedia's brand, cultural, and audio-first quality expectations before submission to commercial partners.
This role requires strong academic Arabic and fluency in English, a deep understanding of spoken Arabic, and the ability to balance literal accuracy with natural oral delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Vendor Management
- Serve as the primary point of contact between iHeart and selected vendors
- Evaluate vendor workflows, review processes, and QA methodologies to ensure consistent output quality
- Ensure adherence to timelines, review cycles, and delivery standards across all translated content
- Oversee vendor performance against agreed RFP scope, SLAs, and contractual terms
Workflow Management
- Develop and refine the process between all stakeholders for efficient workflow
- Track translation, voice duplication, review, revisions, and final export stages
- Ensure timestamps, documentation, and revision logs are properly maintained
- Monitor turnaround times and flag delays or quality risks
- Provide structured, actionable feedback to vendors
Editorial Quality Assurance
- Conduct final linguistic and editorial review of translated episodes before approval
- Ensure Modern Standard Arabic meets high academic and broadcast-level standards
- Review pacing, tone, pronunciation, and cultural appropriateness
- Ensure voice differentiation between speakers is clear and consistent
- Validate that timing alignment does not compromise meaning
- Flag substantive issues versus stylistic preferences
Cultural and Regional Sensitivity Oversight
- Ensure content aligns with Qatari and broader GCC cultural sensitivities
- Identify and mitigate potential regulatory or cultural red flags
- Provide guidance on adapting idiomatic English references for Arab audiences
- Balance authenticity with brand safety
Stakeholder Management
- Distinguish required corrections from optional recommendations
- Communicate clearly with internal leadership and U.S.-based teams
- Maintain documentation of review notes and approval records
- Approve final voice-duplicated Arabic audio
- Approve final Arabic script reflecting spoken version
- Ensure silence adjustments and timing corrections are properly implemented
- Confirm metadata translations meet standards
Preferred Candidate Qualifications
- Strong project management and documentation skills
- 3-6 years experience in Arabic media localization, editorial review, or broadcast content
- Strong academic-level command of Modern Standard Arabic
- Deep understanding of spoken Arabic delivery in media contexts
- Ability to assess dialect nuances and colloquial adaptation
- Strong English fluency with sensitivity to tone, idioms, and subtext
- Experience reviewing long-form audio content preferred
- Comfortable managing workload and communications globally (US based iHeart teams, global vendors, etc.)
- Based in Qatar
Additional Beneficial Qualifications
- Background in linguistics, journalism, translation studies, or media
- Experience in podcasting, broadcast, or dubbing workflows
- Familiarity with AI-assisted translation and TTS systems
- Understanding of regulatory and cultural frameworks in GCC media
