Foreign Language Translation Specialist (Core Language Competence - Arabic or Urdu) (Ref: 13079)

HM Prison and Probation Service; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector organization is seeking capable linguists with excellent Arabic (Maghrebi) and Urdu language skills for translation roles. Candidates must have a C1 certification and an understanding of intelligence processes. The position offers full-time or part-time hours in a secure environment with a salary of £36,151. Alongside this, the organization contributes towards a meaningful pension scheme, providing a supportive and inclusive working culture.

Benefits

Access to learning and development

Flexible working options

Inclusion and diversity support

Civil pension with employer contribution

Annual leave

Public holidays

Qualifications

• Excellent Arabic (Maghrebi) and Urdu skills with a C1 certification.
• Experience in translation work for a public sector body is desirable.
• Understanding of intelligence operations and HMPPS intelligence model.

Responsibilities

• Translate audio and written content from foreign languages to English.
• Work towards or hold membership of the Chartered Institute for Linguists.
• Understand covert intelligence capabilities as per the Investigatory Powers Act.

Skills

Excellent Arabic (Maghrebi) language skills

Excellent Urdu language skills

IT proficiency across a range of applications

Education

C1 language level certification from a recognised body

Level 6 Diploma in Public Service Translating

Job description

Overview

This is an exciting opportunity for capable linguists to work in a fast paced environment in the security and intelligence sector. We are seeking candidates with excellent Arabic (Maghrebi) and Urdu language skills, at least one of which is a core competence. Additional language skills/multi‑lingual candidates are desirable.

Behaviours & Assessment

We will assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security & Clearance

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before appointment. The level of security needed is a SC level security clearance. See our vetting charter and the baseline personnel security standard checks.

Nationality Requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union 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 of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Key Responsibilities

As the role holder you will:

• Accurately and consistently translate audio and written content from the relevant foreign language into written English.
• Work towards or hold membership of the Chartered Institute for Linguists.
• Work towards or hold a Level 6 Diploma in Public Service Translating and a C1 language level certification in the relevant language(s).
• Understand intelligence and intelligence gathering activities, including covert intelligence capabilities as per the Investigatory Powers Act (and RIPA).
• Understand digital and Artificial Intelligence systems and the HMPPS intelligence model and capabilities.
• Understand the operation of the Security function within a prison.

Qualifications & Experience

• Excellent Arabic (Maghrebi) and Urdu language skills, with a C1 language level certification from a recognised body.
• Experience of translation work for a public sector body is desirable.
• IT proficiency across a range of applications.
• Understanding of intelligence and the HMPPS intelligence model and capabilities.
• Experience of covert intelligence capabilities as per the Investigatory Powers Act (and RIPA).

Working Hours & Location

Roles are available Full‑Time (37 hours) or Part‑Time (18.5 hours). Work is 100% office based.

Salary & Pension

Alongside your salary of £36,151, HM Prison & Probation Service contributes £10,472 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

Benefits

• Access to learning and development
• A working environment that supports flexible working options to enhance work life balance
• A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
• A Civil pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
• Annual Leave
• Public Holidays
• Season Ticket Advance