Somali Language Specialist Ref. 3484

MI5; London; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Join MI5 as a Somali linguist and play a critical role in national security. This office-based position involves analyzing Somali materials, providing insights, and collaborating with teams. No prior experience required, just a passion for the language and culture. Enjoy comprehensive training and significant career growth opportunities.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Recognition schemes

Development budgets

Flexible working options

Excellent pension schemes

Cycle to work scheme

Paid parental and adoption leave

Qualifications

• Proficient in Somali at C1 level or equivalent.
• Excellent understanding of Somali culture, history, and politics.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Somali

English

Analytical

Problem-Solving

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 at home and abroad. 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 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 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 analyzing material in Somali, providing insights to analysts, investigators, and operational teams. You’ll work autonomously, prioritizing 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. Working under pressure may be required, with full support from managers and colleagues. Collaboration and sharing insights within mission and language teams are essential, utilizing language technology to piece together intelligence.

This role involves a mix of individual and group work, mentoring, and skill development in analytical, reporting, and technical areas. Opportunities for learning and career growth are significant.

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

About You

No prior experience or qualifications are required. However, you must have proficient writing, speaking, reading, and listening skills 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 in Somali.

At C1 level, you can:

• Understand demanding texts and conversations
• Express ideas fluently
• Use Somali effectively in social, academic, and professional contexts
• Produce detailed, well-structured texts on complex topics

GCHQ evaluates passive skills in reading and listening to the equivalent of C1, while MI5 requires C1 or higher across all skills. More details are available on the CEFR self-assessment grid.

Your proficiency could stem from growing up in a multilingual family, military language training, or academic study. You should be inquisitive, curious, analytical, and a keen problem-solver. Confidence in verbal and written communication, pride in insights, and teamwork are important. During the interview, you will need to pass a language proficiency test involving reading, translating, listening, and interpreting materials. Results will be considered alongside role requirements. Travel expenses are not reimbursed.

Training and Development

Upon joining, you’ll receive comprehensive induction on tools, methods, and work practices. Ongoing training will help you excel, including language maintenance classes, immersion sessions, and internal courses. Funding for language qualifications such as CertTrans and DipTrans is available, supporting your professional development.

Rewards and Benefits

MI5 offers a starting salary of £39,152 with potential language allowances. GCHQ’s starting salary is £36,408, with an additional £3,120 after a 6-month probation. Benefits include:

• 25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 after 5 years, plus 10.5 days of public holidays
• Recognition schemes
• Development budgets (MI5)
• Flexible working options
• Interest-free season ticket loans (GCHQ)
• Excellent pension schemes
• Cycle to work scheme
• On-site facilities
• Paid 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 individuals, and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Details are 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 recruitment. To qualify for an interview, candidates must demonstrate motivation and pass the Somali language test.

What to Expect

The recruitment process includes:

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

Travel expenses are not reimbursed. Successful candidates must pass all stages. The process may take 9-12 months, so continue current employment until final offers are received.

Before You Apply

Applicants must be UK citizens or dual nationals, with full eligibility details available online:

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) clearance. More info is available at:

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

Applicants outside the UK should wait until visiting the UK to apply. Only applications from within the UK are accepted. Discussing your application outside the UK is discouraged.

Note: The London-based roles require living within commuting distance; the same applies for Cheltenham roles. Consider relocation implications. MI5 offers an interest-free loan for relocation, GCHQ does not.

Only apply from within the UK. Do not discuss your application with anyone other than close family or partner. The closing date may be brought forward if enough applications are received. Submit early to avoid missing out.