Somali Language Specialist Ref. 3484

MI5; London; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Join MI5 as a Somali Language Specialist and play a critical role in safeguarding the UK. This position involves analyzing Somali materials, providing insights, and collaborating with teams to enhance national security. No formal qualifications are required, but proficiency in Somali and a passion for languages are essential. Comprehensive training and development opportunities are provided.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Performance recognition

Development budgets

Flexible working

Pension schemes

Qualifications

• Strong writing, speaking, reading, and listening skills in Somali.
• Good understanding of Somali culture, history, religion, and politics.

Responsibilities

• Analyze material in Somali and provide insights to teams.
• Work autonomously and prioritize tasks.
• Support language technology tools and interpretation.

Skills

Somali

English

Analytical Thinking

Education

C1 Level in Somali

Job description

Job description

Flexible Working: Full-time, part-time, and compressed hours are possible. Please note, the MI5 role is office-based only. At GCHQ, home working is available up to one day per week, but beyond that, it is an office-based role. Remote working from another location is not initially available but may be possible after 18-24 months, at which point you may have the opportunity to work from any of our GCHQ offices in Cheltenham, London, or Manchester.

Your knowledge of Somali could unlock a career in intelligence. By joining MI5 or GCHQ, you can play your part in protecting the UK.

About Us
MI5 and GCHQ are part of the UK’s Intelligence Services. We work together to safeguard Britain’s people, interests, and businesses from threats such as cyber-attacks, espionage, terrorism, and organized crime. Working across our missions, you'll deliver impact at the heart of national security within a supportive and inclusive environment.

The Role
If you have a passion for languages, working as a language specialist for the UK intelligence agencies offers a unique opportunity. You’ll support high-value activities that keep the country safe. We’re looking for Somali linguists for roles that go beyond translation and transcription—your knowledge of Somali language, culture, ideology, and politics will be crucial in safeguarding the UK.

As a Somali linguist, your responsibilities include analyzing material in Somali, providing insights to analysts, investigators, and operational teams. You’ll work autonomously, prioritize tasks, and communicate with stakeholders. Your cultural knowledge will help identify nuances and extract key information from spoken and written materials. Support for language technology tools and interpretation will be provided, with full training. The role involves working under pressure at times, but full support from managers and colleagues will be available. Collaboration across teams and organizations, using language technology to piece together intelligence, is essential. You’ll engage in individual and group projects, mentoring others, and developing your skills. Opportunities for learning and knowledge sharing are significant.

All MI5 contracts include a mobility clause, meaning you could be liable to serve away from your usual work location for periods of detached duty or training.

About You
No experience or formal qualifications are required to be a Somali Language Specialist. However, you must have strong writing, speaking, reading, and listening skills in Somali, excellent written English, and a good understanding of Somali culture, history, religion, and politics. You should be passionate about the language and proficient (at a C1 level or equivalent) in Somali.

At C1 level or higher, you can:
• Understand demanding texts and conversations
• Express ideas fluently
• Use the language effectively in social, academic, or professional contexts
• Produce well-structured, detailed texts on complex topics

GCHQ evaluates passive skills in reading and listening to the equivalent of C1, while MI5 requires a C1 or equivalent across all four skills. For more details, see the CEFR self-assessment grid.

Your proficiency could come from growing up in a multilingual family, military language training, or academic study. You should be inquisitive, curious, and a problem-solver. You’ll ask questions, think analytically, and enjoy working with others. You’re confident in verbal and written communication and pride yourself on your insights.

During the interview, you’ll need to pass a language proficiency test involving translation of articles and broadcasts, listening, and interpretation. Results will be considered alongside role requirements. Travel expenses are not reimbursed.

Training and Development
Upon joining, you’ll receive comprehensive induction on tools, methods, and working practices. Training will cover tools, the role, and context. MI5 offers language classes, immersion sessions, and support for language qualifications. GCHQ provides ongoing support to maintain skills and encourages development in areas like management, analytical, and reporting skills, with funding for qualifications such as CertTrans and DipTrans.

Both agencies support career development and further learning.

Rewards and Benefits
MI5 offers a starting salary of £39,152 with potential language allowances. GCHQ’s starting salary is £36,408, with an additional £3,120 after a 6-month probation. Benefits include 25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), public holidays, performance recognition, development budgets, flexible working, interest-free season ticket loans (GCHQ), pension schemes, cycle-to-work schemes, onsite facilities, and parental leave.

Equal Opportunities
Diversity and inclusion are vital. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups such as women, ethnic minorities, disabled, and neurodivergent individuals. Details are available on our websites:

https://www.MI5.gov.uk/careers/working-at-MI5/diversity

https://www.GCHQ-careers.co.uk/life-at-GCHQ/diversity-inclusion.html

Disability Confidence
We are a Leader within the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme, committed to fair recruitment and support for disabled candidates. Our ‘Offer of Interview’ requires demonstrating motivation and passing the Somali language test.

What to Expect
Our process is merit-based and transparent:

• Application and eligibility sift
• In-person language tests in London
• Interview and assessment center in London or Cheltenham

Travel expenses are not reimbursed. Passing all stages is necessary, and the process may take 9-12 months, including vetting. Continue current employment until a final offer is received.

Before You Apply
Applicants must be UK citizens or dual nationals. Full eligibility criteria are available on our websites:

https://www.MI5.gov.uk/careers/applying-for-jobs

https://www.GCHQ-careers.co.uk/how-to-apply.html

The role requires Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance, with more info available online.

Applicants should consider the implications of the strict drugs policy and should set up a secure email account for communication. Roles in London or Cheltenham require living within commuting distance. Relocation assistance is available for MI5 but not for GCHQ. Applications from outside the UK are discouraged.

Note: The closing date may be brought forward if sufficient applications are received. Submit early to avoid missing out.