Foreign Language Translation Specialist

HM Prison and Probation Service; Jarrow; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in the UK seeks candidates for a translation role, focusing on translating Arabic (Maghrebi) or Urdu content into English. Ideal applicants will have a Level 6 Diploma in Public Service Translating and relevant security clearance. The position offers hybrid working arrangements and is limited to UK nationals. Applicants with expertise in intelligence gathering and language proficiency are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Hybrid working arrangements

Disability Confident employer commitment

Qualifications

• Translate audio and written content from Arabic or Urdu into written English.
• Achieve or pursue a Level 6 Diploma in Public Service Translating.
• Obtain security clearance at SC level before appointment.

Skills

Translation proficiency in Arabic (Maghrebi) or Urdu

Knowledge of digital and artificial intelligence systems

Understanding of covert intelligence capabilities

Proficiency with a range of IT applications

Education

Level 6 Diploma in Public Service Translating

C1 language level certification

Job description

Overview

The Ministry of Justice offers hybrid working arrangements where business needs allow, blending work from a base location, different MoJ sites, or from home. This role is available only within the UK. The successful candidate will be appointed to an MoJ office which may include a local Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office, subject to pre‑employment checks and regular reviews.

Requirements

• Accurately translate audio and written content from Arabic (Maghrebi) or Urdu into written English, with at least one language as a core competence.
• Existing membership or pursuit of membership with the Chartered Institute for Linguists.
• Achievement or pursuit of a Level 6 Diploma in Public Service Translating and an assessed C1 language level certification in the relevant language(s).
• Understanding of intelligence gathering activities and the HMPPS intelligence model and capabilities.
• Proficiency with a range of IT applications.
• Security clearance at SC level before appointment.
• Desirable: Translation experience for a public sector body and a recognised C1 language level certification.

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of digital and artificial intelligence systems.
• Understanding of covert intelligence capabilities under the Investigatory Powers Act (and RIPA) as they pertain to covert surveillance.
• Understanding of the operation of the Security function within a prison.

Eligibility

• UK nationals
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members with settled or pre‑settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals and certain family members who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

We are a Disability Confident employer and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.