Mandarin Chinese Linguist, Senior

Work will begin in early March 2024. COLSA Corporation is seeking candidates for positions in support of Marine Corps Information Operations Center (MCIOC) in Quantico, VA. This work supports USMC Operational Forces, Information Operations (IO) advocates, IO proponents and encompasses disciplines of IO development and integration, signature management, IO analysis, operational security, program management, and intelligence technical support functions.

Position provides senior-level language-related analytical services, including translation, transcription, interpretation, and monitoring capabilities in support of intelligence assessments, and other operational missions.

Translation:

• Translate source language materials from a variety of media (print, digital media, audio, streaming video) into English for analysis and production functions;
• Translate English materials to target language in written and audio forms as required;
• Convey commentary reflecting specific culture and real-world cultural dynamics as well as capture the meaning of socio-cultural elements embedded in text, and;
• Provide translation (target language to English, and English to target language) as well as analysis and other support to MCIOC reach back support products and services including IRC-specific (e.g. MILDEC, PSYOP etc.).

Interpretation:

• Convey the meaning of the speaker faithfully, including many details and nuances, reflecting the style, register, and cultural context of the source language, without omissions, additions, opinions, bias, or embellishments.

Analysis:

• Produce periodic and ad hoc IE assessments addressing target nation/group geopolitical interests and goals, IErelated capabilities, and activities impacting the IE that present threats or opportunities for USMC, US Joint or allied forces;
• Monitor varied Publicly Available Information (PAI) and all-source intelligence, and produce initiative-based assessments of events or information that may necessitate, facilitate, complicate, or prevent the employment of US Government capabilities within the assigned area of focus;
• Identify, incorporate and combine PAI with all-source and finished intelligence assessments (in source and target languages) to author articulate and time sensitive products on a wide range of topics in support of MCIOC requirements and to develop specific products requested by MCIOC;
• Develop briefs/presentations and Professional Military Education (PME) to educate MCIOC on target nation/group geopolitical interests and goals, IE-related capabilities, and activities impacting the IE of the respective area of responsibility (AOR), and;
• Draft predictive-analysis reports based on observed trends, indicators, and patterns, combined with deep nativelevel cultural expertise, focused on adversary’s activities in the operational and information environments.

Assessment:

• Provide oral and written assessment of content contributors, to include assessed origin, intent, and bias;
• Identify social media and traditional media platforms most commonly used by civilians, military and civilian personnel of the target country/region;
• Identify indicators when/if a foreign power is using U.S. social media platforms for its own purposes;
• Provide oral and written assessments of emerging themes and narratives, as well as of groups or persons within assigned areas of expertise, and;
• Produce assessments of target nation reactions to US military exercises and operations, for incorporation into larger MCIOC assessment efforts.

• May require off-site support and periodic CONUS and OCONUS travel.
• May also support cultural analysis by providing expertise to other commands outside of MCIOC.

At COLSA, people are our most valuable resource and centered at our core value. We invite you to unite your talents with opportunity and be a part of our “Family of Professionals!” Learn about our employee-centric culture and benefits here.

Required Qualifications

One of the following combinations of education/experience:

• Master's degree + 7 years of related experience
• Bachelor's degree + 8 years of related experience
• High school diploma, coupled with some college education, and 16 years of related experience

• 5 years related experience involving analysis, and linguistic support to US Government agencies, the US Intelligence Community (IC) or non-government organizations including all-source research and assessments
• Active TS/SCI clearance required
• Native-level cultural expertise (Mandarin Chinese), in-depth knowledge of history, geopolitics, strategic interests, traditions, and cultural uniqueness of the source country/region societies
• Requires professional-level writing and reporting skills in the target language while also being able to develop and conduct executive-level briefings in Englis
• Ability to effectively communicate in English and target language, using the full range of formal and informal styles of language and behavior
• Ability to capture dialectal and native speech variations (also, accents) in audio, video, songs, and other forms of non-print content
• Ability to translate high-volume (~4 pages Times New Roman 12 font, single-space, or its equivalent in varied written media/social media forms) daily with high quality and accuracy
• Ability to advise MCIOC on the critical areas of research and analysis and accurately identify flaws, inaccuracies, and authenticity, with source materials, when encountered
• Ability to perform emergent ad-hoc tasks in the area of expertise
• Ability to draft and deliver presentations to a variety of personnel, in small or large groups, including audience members of General Officer/Flag Officer (GO/FO) level

Preferred Qualifications

• Residency in the target language country or region among the source language population (10 years desired)
• Advanced education in political science and geopolitical analysis in the native country is highly desired
• Demonstrated experience in teaching (lecturing) adult audiences is preferred

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. COLSA Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

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