Somali Language Specialist Ref. 3484

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
If you want to know about the requirements for this role, read on for all the relevant information.
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 organized crime. Working across our vital missions, 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 that help keep the country safe. We’re looking for Somali linguists for a role that goes beyond translation and transcription—this role involves analysis and insight. Your knowledge of Somali language, culture, ideology, and politics will be a significant asset in safeguarding the UK.

As a Somali linguist, the role involves analyzing material in this language, providing insights to analysts, investigators, and operational teams. You’ll work autonomously, prioritize tasks, and communicate with stakeholders. Your cultural knowledge will help identify nuances and extract key information from spoken and written materials, contextualizing it for others. There may also be a need to support language technology tools and AI, with full training provided. Interpretation may be required, with training provided. Working under pressure is sometimes necessary, but full support will be available. Your contributions as a subject matter expert will be highly valued. Collaboration within and across teams and organizations, using language technology to piece together intelligence, is essential. Identifying relevant material and integrating it into the intelligence narrative are key aspects of this role. You’ll engage in individual and group projects, with opportunities for mentoring, learning, and development.

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 duty or training.

About You
You don’t need experience or formal qualifications to be a Somali Language Specialist. However, you must have proficient writing, speaking, reading, and listening skills, excellent written 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) in Somali.

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

GCHQ evaluates passive language skills to the C1 level 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 might come from growing up in a multilingual family, military language training, or high-level academic study. You should be inquisitive, curious, and a problem-solver. You won’t take things at face value; you’ll ask questions and analyze to find solutions. You should enjoy working with others, be confident in verbal and written communication, and take pride in your insights.

During the interview, you’ll need to pass a language proficiency test, including translating newspaper articles, broadcasts, and interpreting audio materials. Results will be considered alongside role requirements. Travel expenses are not reimbursed.

Training and Development
Upon joining, you’ll receive an induction on tools, methods, and ways of working. We understand starting a new role can be challenging, so comprehensive training will be provided. Initial training covers tools, the role, context, and beyond-language skills.

At MI5, you’ll have access to language classes, immersion sessions, and internal courses, with support and funding for language qualifications. At GCHQ, you’ll also receive support to maintain your skills and pursue areas of interest, including qualifications like CertTrans and DipTrans, funded by GCHQ.

Both agencies support your growth, helping you explore new opportunities and build a rewarding career.

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 a 6-month probation. Benefits include:
• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years, plus public holidays.
• Performance recognition schemes.
• Development budgets (MI5).
• Flexible working options.
• Travel loans (GCHQ).
• Pension scheme.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• On-site facilities.
• Parental and adoption leave.

Equal Opportunities
Diversity and inclusion are vital to our mission. We seek a workforce reflecting society, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including women, minorities, and disabled individuals.

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

We’re Disability Confident
MI5 and GCHQ are proud to be Disability Confident Leaders. We aim to offer fair interview opportunities to disabled candidates who meet role criteria, through our 'Offer of Interview' (OOI). To qualify, candidates must:
• Demonstrate motivation and commitment to UK intelligence work.
• Pass the Somali language test.

What to Expect
Our recruitment process is fair and merit-based, comprising:

• Application and eligibility sift.
• In-person language tests in London.
• In-person interview and assessment centre (London or Cheltenham).
Travel expenses are not reimbursed. You must pass each stage to proceed. The process may take 9-12 months, including vetting, so continue current employment until final offers are made.

Before You Apply
Applicants must be British citizens or hold dual British nationality. Full eligibility info is available at:

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

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

This role requires Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. Find out more 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 email for your application to protect your privacy. Only apply from within the UK, and ensure your residence is within a commutable distance to London or Cheltenham. Relocation costs are not covered. Applications from outside the UK should wait until visiting the UK. Discuss your application only with close contacts. The application deadline may be brought forward once enough applications are received, so apply early.

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