Director of Operations Language Officer (CIA)

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Directorate of Operations Language Officers use their foreign language skills, cultural experience, and expertise to support clandestine operations.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (applicants within one year of earning a four-year degree will be considered); there is no preferred major or program of study (degrees from foreign academic institutions are accepted, but you are responsible for obtaining and providing CIA with a credential evaluation from an accredited firm confirming that the foreign degree is the equivalent of a BA/BS and/or MA/MS degree conferred by a U.S. college or university)
  • At least a 3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale is preferred
  • Personal integrity
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
  • Action- and results-oriented
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently
  • Flexibility, adaptability, and commitment to the mission of the CIA and the Directorate of Operations
  • Ability to meet the minimum requirements for joining CIA, including U.S. citizenship and a background investigation

Desired Qualifications:

  • Strong command of the foreign language(s) and English in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
  • Professional work experience as a translator and/or interpreter.
  • Cultural and area knowledge of where the foreign language(s) is/are spoken.
  • Strong critical/analytical thinking and research skills.

Requisition Details:

As a Directorate of Operations Language Officer at CIA, you will perform a critical and dynamic function within the Directorate of Operations by using your advanced foreign language skills combined with cultural experience and expertise to produce high-quality, accurate, and timely translations, interpretations, and other language-related support to Directorate of Operations clandestine operations. Language Officers are key to the success of many foreign intelligence, counterintelligence, cyber, and covert action operations and have native or near-native level fluency in one or more of the following languages:

  • Arabic
  • Chinese Mandarin
  • Dari & Pashto
  • Korean
  • Persian/Farsi
  • Russian
  • Japanese
  • Spanish

Language Officers generally are assigned to the Washington, DC area, but have opportunities for overseas travel. Opportunities to serve multi-year postings overseas are very limited and these positions are highly competitive.

You will receive specialized training to acquire an understanding of clandestine operations tradecraft and to maintain and/or advance your foreign language skills. Classroom training, practical exercises, and on-the-job experience are all part of the training process.