What we're doing these days

The NLSC Pilot program was so successful that it was extended until Federal legislation is in place to authorize a permanent program. We are pleased that we have successfully met the objectives of the NLSC’s Pilot Program.

The success really belongs to our members. They confirmed what we expected ... that there are many individuals in this country who are willing to offer their language skills for the good of all. In fact, we exceeded all expectations. So we'd like to say “thank you” to each and every member.

The NLSC is a requirements-driven organization. That is, the languages that we need are driven by the needs and requests of the Federal departments and agencies. We continue to receive inquiries regarding our ability to help from Federal government agencies.

And we are expanding the number of languages we can offer to client agencies. While we accept applications from all U.S. citizens who speak English and at least one other language, we focus on the needs of existing and potential client agencies. Currently, our clients' priorities include Dari, Efik, Farsi, Hausa, Igbo, Khmer/Cambodian, Lao/Laotian, Pashtu, Punjabi, Somali, Tagalog, Uzbek, and Vietnamese.

We also have a busy travel schedule over the next few months, reaching out to our Members in cities across the country. We’ve already met with Members in Philadelphia and Washington, DC, and we'll be in more cities this summer.

Looking for Pashtu, Dari, Farsi, Punjabi, Uzbek and Igbo speakers

Last week I mentioned a half-dozen languages we are particularly interested in. This week I want to mention six more. If you speak English and Pashtu, Dari, Farsi, Punjabi, Uzbek or Igbo, we have government agency clients with potential assignments that require those language skills, and we encourage you to apply for NLSC Membership today. If you know someone who speaks English and one of these languages, please let them know about us!

These aren't full-time positions. Most of these assignments average two weeks in length, and range from helping people affected by disasters, to assisting with training exercise, to working on small translation projects. The NLSC Member is someone who says that he or she is available for short-term assignments to help his/her country, state or local community. If we contact you about an assignment and you are able to participate, we pay for your time and expenses during the assignment.

Learn more about the NLSC on our web site and our YouTube channel.

Summer Government Language-Related Positions Available in DC Area

Critical Languages Research Analyst Program
Summer 2010

The U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) has several unclassified open source analysis units in the Washington, DC area to conduct research related to national security issues and is looking for undergraduate and graduate student summer research analysts who can conduct native language research on the internet, apply social science research methods to identify social and political trends, and critically analyze and present information.

Students majoring in the following areas are encouraged to apply: Middle Eastern Studies, Persian Studies, South Asian Studies, Asian Studies, African Studies, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Intelligence Studies, National Security Studies, Economics, Political Economy, Cultural Anthropology, Comparative Sociology, Demography, Defense Studies, Social Psychology, Public Policy, History, Political Islam, Nuclear Engineering/Physics, Computer Science/Engineering, Political Geography, Library Science, Geographic Information Systems and other science and technology fields.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Fluency in spoken Arabic (Yemeni dialect), Dari, Farsi, Indonesian, Pashtu, Somali, Turkish or Urdu required. Advanced listening comprehension required. Ability to read target language strongly preferred.
• Excellent research and oral and written communication skills
• Excellent analytic/critical thinking skills
• Advanced internet proficiency
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a close team environment
• Ability to work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment
• Strong academic background (3.0)
• Completion of at least sophomore year of college by the beginning of summer 2010
• U.S. citizenship required*

*The work performed will involve unclassified research only so there will not be a full security clearance process conducted. However, each selected individual will undergo some security processing. Final selection for the program is contingent upon the successful completion of the security vetting process. The security vetting process will not equate to eligibility for access to classified information and only allows participation in the Critical Languages Summer Research Analyst Program.

COMPENSATION:

This will be a paid position for a 40 hour week for a maximum of 10 weeks. The hourly rate will be commensurate with education and experience. There are no benefits other than free parking. Work location is not easily accessible by public transportation

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Email cover letter detailing your interest in the position and your qualifications to Doris.B.Johnson@ugov.gov. Attach your resume, a writing sample in English (maximum of 5 pages), and the names, telephone numbers and email addresses for two academic references, one of whom must be able to verify your language skills. Please also provide a student copy of your transcript – a download from your institution’s website is acceptable for initial consideration. Application deadline is February 19, 2010.

NOTE: The U.S. Intelligence Community is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug-free workplace.