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, where your expertise in the Somali language and culture will play a crucial role in national security. You'll analyze materials, support intelligence operations, and collaborate with diverse teams. This position offers extensive training, development opportunities, and a supportive work environment. Embrace a rewarding career in intelligence, where your skills will be valued and utilized to protect the UK.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Excellent pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Paid parental and adoption leave

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Passionate about the Somali language and culture.
• Proficient in writing, speaking, reading, and listening in Somali.

Responsibilities

• Analyze material in Somali and provide insights.
• Support analysts and operational teams with language expertise.
• Mentor other linguists and enhance analytical skills.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

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 various threats at home, overseas, and online, including cyber-attacks, espionage, terrorism, and organised crime. Working across our vital missions, you’ll deliver impact at the heart of national security, all within a supportive and inclusive environment that allows everyone to thrive.

The Role

If you have a passion for languages, working as a language specialist for the UK intelligence agencies presents a truly unique opportunity. You’ll be working at the heart of our mission, supporting high-value activities that will keep the country safe. We’re looking for Somali linguists for a role that goes well beyond translation and transcription - this role is about more than words. Your knowledge of the Somali language, as well as your in-depth understanding of Somali culture, ideology, and politics, will be a significant asset in helping to safeguard the UK.

As a linguist specialising in Somali, the role involves analysing material in this language, providing insights to support analysts, investigators, and operational teams. You’ll work autonomously, prioritising tasks and communicating with key stakeholders. With an adept knowledge of the Somali language and surrounding culture, you’ll identify nuances and seek out key information from spoken and written materials, contextualise it, and make the information accessible and understandable to others. There may be a requirement to support language technology tools and AI in the given language. Interpretation might also be necessary, with full training provided. At times, working under pressure will be required, but full support from managers and other linguists will be available to help you succeed. As the subject matter expert, your contributions will be highly valued. Collaboration within mission and language teams across different organisations is essential, using language technology to piece together intelligence and support informed decisions. Identifying relevant material and fitting it into the intelligence narrative are key aspects of this role, all within a supportive environment.

You’ll engage in a mix of individual work and group projects, with plenty of cross-team collaboration. You may mentor other linguists, form working groups, or enhance your analytical, reporting, or technical skills. This role offers significant opportunities for learning, development, and knowledge-sharing.

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

About You

You don’t need experience or qualifications to be a Somali Language Specialist with us. However, you must have writing, speaking, reading, and listening language skills, excellent written English, and a good knowledge of Somali culture, history, religion, and politics. Essentially, you’ll be passionate about the language and a proficient user (at a C1 level on the CEFR framework or equivalent) of Somali.

At C1 level or higher, you’re able to:

• Understand a wide range of longer and more demanding texts or conversations.
• Express ideas without too much searching.
• Effectively use the language for social, academic, or professional situations.
• Create well-structured and detailed texts on complex topics.

At GCHQ, we evaluate passive language skills to the equivalent of a C1 level in reading and listening. MI5 requires a C1 or equivalent level across all four skills. You can access the CEFR self-assessment grid for more information on our requirements.

Your proficiency could come from growing up in a multilingual family, undergoing language training in the military, or studying Somali at a high academic level. Whatever your route into the language, you’ll be inquisitive, curious, and a keen problem-solver. You won’t take things at face value: you’ll ask questions and think analytically to find solutions. Working with others will be enjoyable for you; you’re a confident communicator both verbally and in writing, and you’ll take pride in the insights you can bring.

During the interview process, you’ll need to pass a language proficiency test by reading and translating newspaper articles and broadcasts, as well as listening to and interpreting audio materials. The results will be considered alongside the role requirements on a case-by-case basis. We regret that we’re unable to reimburse travel expenses.

Training and Development

When you join, you’ll receive a thorough induction on our tools, methods, and ways of working. We understand that starting a new role can be challenging, so we don’t expect you to be fully prepared from day one. We’ll provide comprehensive training to ensure you have all the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your role. Initial training will be provided on tools, the job, the context, and everything you need to know beyond the language.

At MI5, you’ll have access to maintenance language classes to keep your language skills and knowledge up to date. You can also attend immersion sessions led by Language Specialists from the UK’s Intelligence Services. Additionally, we provide various internal training courses, support in acquiring, and funding for language-related qualifications.

At GCHQ, alongside the maintenance training, we’ll provide support and help you keep your language skills up to date. You’ll be encouraged to pursue areas of interest, whether management, enhancing deep language skills, or improving analytical and reporting capabilities. We’ll work with you to support your goals. Qualifications, including CertTrans and DipTrans exams, are available with GCHQ funding.

Whether at MI5 or GCHQ, you’ll have support to explore new opportunities, further your knowledge, and build a rewarding career.

Rewards and Benefits

At MI5, starting salary is £39,152, with the opportunity for additional language allowances. At GCHQ, starting salary is £36,408, with an extra £3,120 per annum after a 6-month probationary period, in recognition of your language skills.

Additional benefits include:

• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years, plus 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays.
• Opportunities for recognition through our employee performance scheme.
• Dedicated Development Budget (MI5 only).
• Flexible working arrangements, subject to business needs.
• Interest-free season ticket loan (GCHQ only).
• Excellent pension scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Facilities such as gym, restaurant, and on-site coffee bars.
• Paid parental and adoption leave.

Equal Opportunities

MI5 and GCHQ value diversity and inclusion. We seek a workforce that reflects society, including different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking, disabilities, and neurodivergent conditions. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups, such as women, ethnic minorities, disabled individuals, and those from low socio-economic backgrounds.

More about our culture and diversity can be found at:

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 for disabled candidates. To qualify for an interview, you must demonstrate motivation for UK intelligence work and pass the Somali language test.

What to Expect

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

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

Travel expenses are not reimbursed. You must pass each stage to proceed, and the process may take 9-12 months including vetting. Continue current employment until final offer.

Before You Apply

You must be a British citizen 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 info at:

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

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

Consider setting up a separate, anonymous email for your application. MI5 is based in London; GCHQ in Cheltenham. Living nearby is advisable. Only apply from within the UK, especially if overseas.

Application closing dates may be brought forward as needed. Apply early to avoid missing out.