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 safeguarding the UK. This position involves analyzing language materials, providing insights, and utilizing your cultural expertise. Training and development are integral, with opportunities for career growth in a supportive environment.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Performance recognition schemes

Development budgets

Flexible working arrangements

Excellent pension schemes

Cycle-to-work schemes

Paid parental leave

Qualifications

• Proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in Somali.
• Passionate about Somali culture, history, and politics.
• Ability to analyze language materials and provide insights.

Responsibilities

• Analyze Somali language materials and provide insights to teams.
• Work independently and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Support high-value activities that keep the country safe.

Skills

Somali

English

Analytical

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, when 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. You’ll contribute to vital missions impacting national security within a supportive and inclusive environment.

The Role

If you are passionate about 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 seeking 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 analyzing Somali language materials, providing insights to analysts, investigators, and operational teams. You’ll work independently, prioritizing tasks, and communicating with stakeholders. Your cultural and linguistic expertise will help identify nuances and extract key information from spoken and written sources. Support for language technology tools and AI may be involved, with full training provided. Interpretation tasks may also be required. Working under pressure is expected at times, but full support from managers and colleagues will be available. Your contributions as a subject matter expert are highly valued. Collaboration across teams and organizations is essential, utilizing language technology to piece together intelligence and support decisions.

The role includes a mix of individual and group projects, with opportunities for mentoring, skill development, and knowledge sharing. Training and development are integral to the role, with comprehensive induction and ongoing learning opportunities.

Please note, all MI5 contracts include a mobility clause, which may require serving 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 proficient skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in Somali, along with excellent English skills 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 and effectively.
• Use the language in social, academic, or professional contexts.
• Create detailed, well-structured texts on complex topics.

Proficiency can be gained through growing up in a multilingual environment, military language training, or academic study. You should be inquisitive, curious, analytical, and confident in communication. During the interview, you will need to pass a language proficiency test involving translation and interpretation of various media. Results will be considered alongside role requirements. Travel expenses are not reimbursed.

Training and Development

Upon joining, you will receive thorough training on tools, methods, and procedures, with ongoing opportunities for language maintenance, immersion sessions, and further qualifications, including funding for exams like CertTrans and DipTrans.

Whether at MI5 or GCHQ, you will have support to develop your skills and explore career opportunities.

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 successful 6-month probation. Benefits include:

• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years, plus 10.5 public holidays.
• Performance recognition schemes.
• Development budgets (MI5).
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Interest-free season ticket loans (GCHQ).
• Excellent pension schemes, cycle-to-work schemes, onsite facilities, and paid parental leave.

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and inclusion, seeking applicants from varied backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups. 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 Confident

We are a Leader within the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme, committed to fair recruitment and development of disabled candidates. To be considered, demonstrate motivation for the role and pass the Somali language test.

What to Expect

The recruitment process includes:

• Application and eligibility sift.
• In-person language tests in London.
• Interviews and assessment centers in London or Cheltenham.

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

Before You Apply

You must be a UK citizen or dual citizen. Eligibility details are 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. More info is available on our vetting process pages. Applicants should consider security, travel, and relocation implications before applying. Only apply from within the UK unless visiting. Do not discuss your application publicly. The MI5 roles are based in London; GCHQ roles are in Cheltenham. Consider logistical and financial factors before applying. Relocation support is available for MI5.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient applications are received. Please apply promptly.