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NSA's Linguists, known as Multidisciplined Language Analysts (MDLAs), are expected to take an inclusive approach to problem solving and mission accomplishment by frequently engaging with partners, enablers, and customers across the Intelligence Community.

Based on skill level and experience, NSA MDLAs are considered for either the Language Analysis Development Program (LADP) or direct hire into positions supporting an analytic mission office.

LADP:

The LADP, which lasts up to three years, is designed to provide an intensive, accelerated opportunity to acquire the unique technical skills and experience needed to successfully apply knowledge and analytic ability to the SIGINT mission and help MDLAs achieve core analytic competencies in accordance with the Cryptologic Training System Training Standard and the MDLA competencies framework. The program includes 4-5 operational tours in a variety of offices, interspersed with formal classroom and computer-based training. These on-the-job operational tours are primarily focused on analyzing foreign language materials within the framework of the two main SIGINT disciplines of intelligence analysis - SIGINT reporting and SIGINT development.

MDLAs are at the forefront of carrying out NSA's SIGINT mission, and they do so in a variety of ways: - Offer U.S. policymakers and military leaders a window into the foreign language world by analyzing, transcribing, and translating key information
- Research and understand other cultures, how they operate, and how they fit in the larger geo-political context
- Apply new techniques and develop creative solutions to address analytic problems such as synthesizing large volumes of data and disparate sources of information
- Demonstrate a firm understanding of communications and technology trends
- Craft written and oral assessments that provide unique insights unavailable from other intelligence disciplines
- Work independently and collaborate effectively (both within NSA and with other analysts in the Intelligence Community) in research, analysis, and reporting

Conditions of employment

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.

Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: performing professional work in the language (for example, translation, transcription), military, teaching, and analysis; OR non-language work in a field such as intelligence analysis, international relations, security studies, intelligence studies, journalism, law, STEM fields (for example, computer science, chemistry, space or weapons systems, or cyber), and other topics relevant to NSA mission.

Applicant must have a minimum language proficiency of Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) level 2/2 in reading and listening in the target language for which the applicant is being considered,

ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL

Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 4 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree with no experience. A degree in any field is acceptable.

FULL PERFORMANCE

Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 7 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience. A degree in any field is acceptable.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, has a desire for continual learning, and is:

- Proficient (reading and listening) in Arabic, or Somali, or Hausa w/Kanuri.
- Well organized and able to handle multiple assignments
- A strong written and oral communicator
- Able to synthesize information to solve complex problems
- Able to provide timely and accurate customer service

Coursework, knowledge, and experience in one or more of the following is desired:
- Target development
- Social network analysis
- Metadata analysis
- Research methodology
- Topical or Regional studies relevant to national security
- Quantitative/Statistical analysis
- Data modeling, mining, or science
- Cyber security
- Computer science or networking
- Telecommunications

Relevant Internships, extracurricular activities, and/or foreign study are also considered.

Prior military without a degree but with language analysis cryptologic experience will be considered.

In most cases, Experienced Level Language Analysts at NSA will have substantial experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Performing language quality control;
- Serving as an established Subject Matter Expert (SME);
- Authoring and releasing reports;
- Mentoring, coaching, and leading other Language Analysts;
- Ensuring the technical health of the mission;
- Mastering and coaching others on the use of a variety of internal tools;
- Testing at Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) 3/3 levels for one or more mission languages; and
- Displaying a broad knowledge of the Intelligence Community and how various elements work together to prosecute mission.

NOTE: If you are selected to process further, you will be required to complete an online interview and take the Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) which measures language proficiency and/or the Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB) which measures potential for learning a foreign language. Invitations and instructions for the online interview and scheduling for the language test will be emailed to you - you must complete these steps before your application can be considered for further processing. Please check your Spam folder just in case these emails landed there instead of your Inbox. You will be required to test within one month of receiving the language test email as this information will be used as part of the selection decision.