Somali Language Specialist Ref. 3484

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

Job summary

An established industry player in national security is seeking Somali Language Specialists to join their dedicated team. This unique role offers the chance to leverage your language skills to protect the UK from various threats. You will analyze Somali materials, providing critical insights to operational teams while collaborating across departments. The position includes comprehensive training and significant growth potential, making it an exciting opportunity for those passionate about languages and intelligence work. Join a supportive environment that values diversity and offers flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Employee recognition schemes

Development budgets

Flexible working options

Interest-free season ticket loan

Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

On-site gym

Paid parental leave

Paid adoption leave

Qualifications

• Strong writing, speaking, reading, and listening skills in Somali and English.
• Passionate about Somali culture, history, and politics.

Responsibilities

• Analyze materials in Somali and provide insights to teams.
• Support high-value activities in national security.

Skills

Somali language proficiency

English language proficiency

Cultural awareness of Somali

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

C1 level in Somali

Tools

Language technology tools

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 at home, overseas, and online, including cyber-attacks, espionage, terrorism, and organised crime. You’ll deliver impact at the heart of national security 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 offers a unique opportunity. You’ll support high-value activities to keep the country safe. We’re looking for Somali linguists for roles that go beyond translation and transcription — this is about more than words. Your knowledge of Somali language, culture, ideology, and politics will be a significant asset in safeguarding the UK.

The role involves analyzing material in Somali, providing insights to analysts, investigators, and operational teams. You’ll work autonomously, prioritize tasks, and communicate with stakeholders. With an in-depth understanding of Somali culture, you’ll identify nuances, extract key information from spoken and written materials, contextualize it, and make it accessible. Support for language technology tools and interpretation may also be required, with full training provided. Working under pressure will occasionally be necessary, but full support will be available. As a subject matter expert, your contributions will be highly valued. Collaboration across teams and organisations, using language technology to piece together intelligence, is essential.

You’ll engage in individual and group projects, with opportunities for mentoring, learning, and development. This role offers significant growth potential.

Please note, all MI5 contracts include a mobility clause, requiring potential service away from your usual work location for training or duty.

About You

No prior experience or qualifications are required to become a Somali Language Specialist. However, you must have strong writing, speaking, reading, and listening skills, excellent English, and a good knowledge of Somali culture, history, religion, and politics. You should be passionate about the language and proficient (C1 level or equivalent on the CEFR scale).

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

GCHQ evaluates passive skills to the equivalent of C1 in reading and listening, while MI5 requires C1 or equivalent across all four skills. You can consult the CEFR self-assessment grid for more details.

Your proficiency could come from growing up multilingual, military language training, or academic study. You’ll be inquisitive, curious, and a problem-solver, questioning and analyzing to find solutions. You’re confident in verbal and written communication and take pride in your insights.

During the interview, you’ll need to pass a language proficiency test involving reading, translating, listening, and interpreting. Results will be assessed case-by-case. Travel expenses are not reimbursed.

Training and Development

Upon joining, you’ll receive comprehensive induction and training on tools, methods, and procedures. We support ongoing learning through language classes, immersion sessions, internal courses, and funding for language qualifications such as CertTrans and DipTrans.

Whether at MI5 or GCHQ, you’ll have support to develop your skills and explore new 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 6-month probation, recognizing language skills.

Benefits include:
• 25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 after 5 years, plus 10.5 public holidays
• Employee recognition schemes
• Development budgets (MI5)
• Flexible working options
• Interest-free season ticket loan (GCHQ)
• Pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• On-site facilities: gym, restaurant, coffee bars
• Paid parental and adoption leave

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and inclusion, reflecting society we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups such as women, ethnic minorities, disabled people, and neurodivergent individuals. Find more about our culture and diversity efforts 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, offering fair interview opportunities for disabled candidates who meet the role’s essential criteria, including passing the language test.

Application Process

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

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

You may need to undergo a hearing test. Travel expenses are not reimbursed. Passing each stage is mandatory. The process can take 9-12 months, so continue current employment until final offer.

Eligibility and Security Clearance

You must be a British citizen or dual national. 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 is available at:

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

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

Applicants should consider security, drug policies, and practicalities like location and relocation support before applying. Only applications from within the UK are accepted initially. Do not discuss your application publicly.