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 crucial role in national security. You'll use your linguistic expertise to analyse Somali materials, provide insights, and support intelligence operations. This position offers training, development opportunities, and a supportive environment. Your contributions will be valued as you collaborate across teams to safeguard the UK.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Performance recognition schemes

Development budgets

Flexible working options

Pension scheme

Cycle-to-work scheme

On-site facilities such as gym and cafes

Parental and adoption leave

Qualifications

• Strong skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in Somali.
• Excellent written English and understanding of Somali culture.

Responsibilities

• Analyse material in Somali and provide insights to teams.
• Support high-value activities to help keep the country safe.

Skills

Somali

English

Communication

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 organised crime, both domestically and internationally. Working across our vital missions, you’ll deliver impact at the heart of national security within a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters growth and development.

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 help keep the country safe. We’re looking for Somali linguists for roles that involve more than translation and transcription — your knowledge of Somali language, culture, ideology, and politics will be crucial 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 key stakeholders. Your cultural and linguistic expertise will help identify nuances, extract key information from spoken and written sources, and contextualise it for others. Support for language technology tools and AI may be required, with full training provided. Interpretation duties may also be part of the role. Working under pressure is sometimes necessary, but full support from managers and colleagues will be available. As the subject matter expert, your contributions will be highly valued. Collaboration across teams and organisations is essential, using language technology to piece together intelligence and support informed decisions. The role involves a mix of individual and group work, with opportunities for mentoring, learning, and skill development.

Please note, all MI5 contracts include a mobility clause, meaning you could be required to serve away from your usual place of work for periods of detached duty or training.

About You

No formal experience or qualifications are required to become a Somali Language Specialist. However, you must have strong 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 on the CEFR framework.

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

GCHQ evaluates passive skills at the C1 level in reading and listening, while MI5 requires C1 or equivalent across all four skills. For more information, consult the CEFR self-assessment grid.

Your proficiency could stem from growing up in a multilingual family, military language training, or academic study of Somali. You should be inquisitive, curious, and a problem-solver who questions and analyses information. Strong communication skills, confidence in verbal and written expression, and pride in your insights are essential.

During the interview, you’ll need to pass a language proficiency test involving reading, translating newspaper articles, and interpreting audio materials. Results will be considered alongside role requirements. We regret that travel expenses cannot be reimbursed.

Training and Development

Upon joining, you’ll receive comprehensive induction and training on tools, methods, and operations. We understand starting a new role can be challenging, so initial training will cover tools, context, and role-specific knowledge. MI5 offers language maintenance classes, immersion sessions, and funding for language qualifications. GCHQ provides ongoing support, opportunities for further training, and funding for certifications like CertTrans and DipTrans. Both agencies aim to support your professional growth and career development.

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, increasing to 30 days after 5 years, plus 10.5 public holidays.
• Performance recognition schemes.
• Development budgets (MI5).
• Flexible working options.
• Travel loans (GCHQ).
• Pension scheme.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• On-site facilities such as gym and cafes.
• Parental and adoption leave.

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and inclusion, reflecting society in our workforce. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups such as women, ethnic minorities, disabled persons, and neurodivergent individuals. Learn more about our commitment to diversity 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 Confident

We are a Leader within the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme, committed to fair recruitment practices. To qualify for an interview, candidates must demonstrate motivation and pass the Somali language test.

Application Process

Our recruitment stages include:

• Application and eligibility sift.
• In-person language tests in London.
• Interview and assessment centre (London or Cheltenham).

Travel expenses are not reimbursed. The process may take 9-12 months, so continue current employment until final offers are made.

Before You Apply

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

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 details are available at:

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

Applicants should only apply from within the UK. Overseas applicants should wait until visiting the UK. Do not discuss your application publicly, except with close family or partner.

Note: The MI5 roles are based in London; GCHQ roles are based in Cheltenham. Consider practicalities and financial implications before applying, including relocation support options. Only apply from within the UK, and be aware that applications from outside the UK may not be processed.