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 to support national security efforts. Utilize your language skills to analyze materials and provide insights, working within a diverse and inclusive environment. Enjoy comprehensive training and development opportunities in a role that values your cultural knowledge and language proficiency.

Benefits

25 days’ annual leave

Employee recognition schemes

Development budgets

Flexible working options

Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

On-site facilities

Parental and adoption leave

Qualifications

• Proficient in Somali language skills (reading, writing, speaking).
• Excellent written English required.
• Good understanding of Somali culture, history, religion, and politics.

Responsibilities

• Analyze material in Somali and provide insights to teams.
• Work autonomously and communicate with stakeholders.
• Use language technology tools for intelligence gathering.

Skills

Somali

English

Cultural Knowledge

Education

C1 Level Proficiency

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 organised crime. Working across our vital 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 a significant asset in safeguarding the UK.

The role involves analysing material in Somali, providing insights to analysts, investigators, and operational teams. You’ll work autonomously, prioritising tasks, and communicating 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. Collaboration within teams and across organisations is essential, using language technology to piece together intelligence.

This role involves individual and group work, mentoring, and skill development. Opportunities for learning, development, and knowledge-sharing are significant.

Please note, all MI5 contracts include a mobility clause, which may require serving away from your usual workplace for periods of duty or training.

About You

No experience or qualifications are required to become a Somali Language Specialist. However, you must have proficient skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening 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 (see below).

At C1 level, you can:
• Understand demanding texts or conversations.
• Express ideas fluently.
• Use the language effectively in social, academic, or professional contexts.
• Create detailed texts on complex topics.

Proficiency can come from growing up in a multilingual family, military language training, or academic study. You should be inquisitive, curious, a problem-solver, and a confident communicator. During the interview, you’ll need to pass a language proficiency test involving translation and interpretation of various materials. Results will be considered alongside role requirements. Travel expenses are not reimbursed.

Training and Development

Upon joining, you’ll receive an induction on tools, methods, and ways of working. Comprehensive training will be provided on all aspects of the role beyond language skills. MI5 offers language classes, immersion sessions, and support for language qualifications. GCHQ provides ongoing language maintenance and development opportunities, including funding for certifications like CertTrans and DipTrans.

Rewards and Benefits

MI5 offers a starting salary of £39,152 with potential language allowances. GCHQ offers a starting salary of £36,408, with an additional £3,120 after a 6-month probation. Benefits include:
• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years, plus holidays.
• Employee recognition schemes.
• Development budgets (MI5).
• Flexible working options.
• Travel loans (GCHQ).
• Pension scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• On-site facilities.
• Parental and adoption leave.

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and inclusion, reflecting society we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups such as women, ethnic minorities, disabled persons, and neurodivergent individuals. More information is 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 hiring practices. To be considered for an interview, you must demonstrate motivation to work for UK intelligence and pass the Somali language test.

What to Expect

The recruitment process is merit-based and transparent, including:

• Application and eligibility sift
• Language tests in London
• Interview and assessment centre in London or Cheltenham

Travel expenses are not reimbursed. Successful candidates will need to pass all stages, and the process may take 9-12 months, including vetting. Continue current employment until final offers are received.

Before You Apply

Applicants must be British citizens or hold dual British nationality. Full eligibility criteria are available here:

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. More information is available here:

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

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

Consider practicalities such as location, relocation, and application from within the UK. Do not discuss your application publicly. The MI5 roles are based in London; GCHQ roles are in Cheltenham. Relocation costs are not covered, but MI5 offers an interest-free loan for relocation within the UK.