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 help protect the UK. This role involves analyzing Somali materials, providing insights, and collaborating with teams while receiving comprehensive training and development opportunities. No prior experience is required, just a passion for the language and culture.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Performance recognition schemes

Development budget

Flexible working options

Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Paid parental and adoption leave

Qualifications

• Proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in Somali.
• Pass a language proficiency test during the interview.

Responsibilities

• Analyze material in Somali and provide insights to teams.
• Support high-value activities to safeguard the UK.

Skills

Somali

English

Analytical Skills

Communication

Education

C1 Level Proficiency 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. Working across our vital missions, you’ll deliver impact at the heart of national security in 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 help keep the country safe. We’re looking for Somali linguists for roles that go beyond translation and transcription. Your knowledge of Somali language and culture will be crucial in safeguarding the UK.

The role involves analyzing material in Somali, providing insights to analysts, investigators, and operational teams. You’ll work independently, prioritize tasks, and communicate with stakeholders. Your cultural understanding 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. Working under pressure may be required, but support from managers and colleagues will be available. Collaboration within teams and across organizations, using language technology to piece together intelligence, is essential.

This role involves individual and group work, mentorship, and opportunities to develop analytical, reporting, and technical skills. Significant learning and development opportunities are available.

All MI5 contracts include a mobility clause, which may require serving away from your usual place of work 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 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, you can:

• Understand demanding texts and conversations
• Express ideas fluently
• Use the language effectively in social, academic, or professional contexts
• Produce 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, analytical, and a confident communicator. During the interview, you’ll need to pass a language proficiency test involving reading, translation, 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 and training on tools, methods, and ways of working. Ongoing training includes language maintenance classes, immersion sessions, and internal courses. Funding is available for language qualifications like CertTrans and DipTrans.

Rewards and Benefits

At MI5, starting salary is £39,152, with potential language allowances. At GCHQ, starting salary is £36,408, with an additional £3,120 after probation.

Benefits include:

• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years, plus holidays
• Performance recognition schemes
• Development budget (MI5)
• Flexible working options
• Interest-free season ticket loan (GCHQ)
• Pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• On-site facilities
• Paid parental and adoption leave

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and inclusion to reflect society. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled, neurodivergent, and socio-economically disadvantaged individuals. More info is available on our websites.

We are Disability Confident Leaders, committed to fair recruitment of disabled candidates who meet role criteria.

What to Expect

The recruitment process includes:

• Application and eligibility screening
• In-person language tests in London
• Interviews and assessment centres in London or Cheltenham

Travel expenses are not reimbursed. Successful candidates must pass all stages, with a process duration of approximately 9-12 months, including vetting. Continue current employment until final offer.

Before You Apply

You must be a British citizen or dual national. Full eligibility criteria are on our websites. The role requires Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance, with more info provided online.

Applicants should consider the location and practicalities, including potential relocation support or costs. Applications from outside the UK should be made when in the UK, as applications from abroad may not be processed.

Only contact us through a separate, non-identifiable email account. The MI5 roles are based in London; GCHQ roles in Cheltenham. Both require living within commuting distance. Consider financial and practical implications before applying.

We reserve the right to close the application early if enough applications are received. Please apply promptly to avoid missing out.