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Posted today, 10 Jun
Job ref: 1bf1cb07560d4fef996f26afa9a7d721
Full Job Description
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. This means you could be liable to serve away from your usual place of work for periods of detached duty or training.
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, see explanation below) of the Somali language. 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 an equivalent level across all four skills. You can also 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 level academically. 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., To work at MI5 or GCHQ, you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. You can read our full eligibility criteria here
- 25 days' annual leave, automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, and an additional 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays.
- Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme.
- Dedicated Development Budget (MI5 only).
- Opportunities to work flexibly, subject to business needs.
- Interest-free season ticket loan (travel and parking GCHQ only)
- Excellent pension scheme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Facilities such as a gym and restaurant, and on-site coffee bars.
- Paid parental and adoption leave. Equal Opportunities At MI5 and GCHQ, diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking, and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are underrepresented in our workforce, such as women, those from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Find out more about our culture, working environment, and commitment to diversity on our websites
Your knowledge of Somali could unlock a career in intelligence. By joining MI5 or GCHQ, you can play your part in protecting the UK., 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 MI5 roles are based in London, so you'll need to live within a commutable distance. Please consider any financial implications and practicalities before submitting an application. An interest-free loan via our benevolent fund is available at MI5 with relocating into privately rented accommodation to take up the offer of employment. The GCHQ roles are based in Cheltenham, so you'll need to live within a commutable distance. Please consider any financial implications and practicalities before submitting an application, as we do not offer relocation costs. Please note, you should only launch your application from within the UK, if you are based overseas, you should wait until you visit the UK to launch an application. Applying from outside the UK will impact our ability to progress your application. You should not discuss your application, other than with your partner or a close family member.
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 to you, whether it's management, enhancing your deep language skills, or improving your analytical and reporting capabilities. We'll work with you to support your goals. Qualifications, including CertTrans and DipTrans exams, are available with GCHQ funding. So, whether you're at MI5 or GCHQ, you'll have all the support you need to explore new opportunities, further your knowledge and build a rewarding career. Rewards and Benefits At MI5, you'll receive a starting salary of £39,152, with the opportunity to qualify for additional language allowances once in role. At GCHQ, you'll receive a starting salary of £36,408, with an additional £3,120 per annum after a successful 6-month probationary period, and in recognition of your language skills. Plus, other benefits include:
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