FOREIGN LANGUAGE IN
GOVERNMENT.
Jobs in the Central
Intelligence Agency
There are several jobs within the CIA that are
available to people with skills in foreign
language.
- Open Source Officer (Foreign Media Analysis)
- Foreign Language Instructors
- NCS Officer
The CIA the use of native speakers and technology
to teach up to 16 different languages.
Already knowing a FL gives one a better chance at
obtaining one of the Foreign Language Hiring
bonuses.
Open Source Officer
 Salary: $48,682 - $95,026
 “Foreign media analysis use foreign language
and area knowledge to review and assess
foreign open media sources, including
Internet sites, newspapers, press agencies,
television, radio and specialized publications,
collecting intelligence from these media to
deliver high-impact products to the US
foreign affairs community.” (CIA.gov)
Open Source Officer cont…
 Foreign Media Analyst sometimes translate text,
audio and video information and certain
materials from the media for translation by
independent contract translators.
 CIA looks for people who are creative, have
strong foreign language skills, large interest in
foreign affairs, and strong writing/analytical
skills.
 Many of the people hired have lived in their area
of interest and/or have studied the politics and
history.
Open Source Officer cont…
 Most of the jobs in this area are offered in the
Washington D.C. metropolitan area. They
generally have limited traveling opportunities.
Good job for people who are not looking to
travel much, but still want to use their FL.
 Also get full benefits and a chance to receive an
annual “bonus” pay after passing a proficiency
test that guarantees their knowledge level with a
certain language.
 Also have the opportunity to take classes in new
language and receive full training in it as well.
Open Source Officer cont…
Minimum Job Requirements
Bachelor of Arts in area studies, international
relations, political science, economics,
journalism, sociology, anthropology, counter
proliferation or other liberal arts area.
Advanced foreign language writing and
comprehension skills, excellent English
grammatical skills, strong critical
thinking/analytical skills , and strong internet
searching skills.
Also, a G.P.A. of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale
U.S. citizenship required.
Open Source Officer cont…
 Illegal drug usage is prohibited for twelve
months prior to the submission of the
application.
 It is also very highly suggested that one does
not openly discuss their plans to apply for this
position. They recommend that if you intend
on applying, you keep it to yourself or very
select people.
Foreign Language Instructors
 Salary: $55,512 – $95,026
 “The Central Intelligence Agency is hiring
qualified and experienced Language
Instructors of Arabic, Chinese/Mandarin, Dari,
French, Greek, Pashto, Persian (Farsi) and
Russian to work in the Washington, DC
metropolitan area.” (CIA.gov)
Foreign Language Instructors
 The CIA provides the training to people who
are energetic and creative. CIA Language
Instructors conduct programs that give
students the “foreign language
communications skills and cross-cultural
awareness they need to live and work abroad
effectively, or to perform other languagerelated duties.” (CIA.gov)
Foreign Language Instructors
 The instructors apply the “latest instructional
methodologies to meet highly customized
student needs and conduct language
proficiency testing in reading, speaking and
understanding for skills evaluation. In
addition, they may be asked to provide a
variety of language support services
worldwide.” (CIA.gov)
Foreign Language Instructors
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's in foreign language, linguistics or a
related field
Fluency that is equal to that of a native speaker.
2 to 5 years of past experience in teaching foreign
language.
Knowledge in area’s politics, history, culture, and
economy.
Ability to possibly teach adults with a beginner
level of knowledge all the way to a high
proficiency level.
Foreign Language Instructors
 Bonus pay is also available with this job.
Ranging from $ 4,875 to $9,750, the amount
being based on which language and
proficiency with the language.
 Instructors that know several languages at
this level are subject to even more bonuses.
 Depending on the level and the amount of
languages, a newly hired person is able to
make $35,000 at the maximum in bonuses.
National Clandestine Service
Officer
 Mission Statement: “The mission of the
National Clandestine Service (NCS) is to
strengthen national security and foreign
policy objectives through the clandestine
collection of human intelligence (HUMINT)
and Covert Action.” (CIA.gov)
NCS Language Officer
 Salary: $50,408 – $92,590
 Within the NCS (National Clandestine Service)
the Language Officer applies “advanced foreign
language skills, experience, and expertise to
provide high-quality translation, interpretation,
and language-related support for a variety of
NCS clandestine operations.” (CIA.gov)
 Has a very good understanding of the culture.
 Lots of travel opportunities possible.
 Also many training opportunities for other fields
in the CIA
NCS Language Officer
Minimum Requirements
Fluency or near fluency in language of choice
Bachelors degree (does not specify if FL degree
needed)
Good oral and grammatical English skills.
GREAT COMMUNICATION SKILLS