Chechen Language Specialist Ref. 3482

MI5; London; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to national security as a Chechen Language Specialist. This role offers a unique opportunity to utilize your language skills in protecting the UK from various threats. You will engage in critical analysis of Chechen materials, providing valuable insights to support intelligence operations. With comprehensive training and development opportunities, you can enhance your skills while working in a supportive and inclusive environment. If you are passionate about languages and eager to make a difference, this position could be the perfect fit for you.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Employee recognition schemes

Development budgets

Flexible working options

Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

On-site gym

Parental leave

Travel loans

Qualifications

• Proficient in Chechen at C1 level or equivalent.
• Excellent English skills and knowledge of Russian culture.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze Chechen materials and provide insights to teams.
• Support language technology tools and AI.
• Work collaboratively within mission and language teams.

Skills

Chechen Language Proficiency

English Communication Skills

Cultural Understanding of Russian

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Education

No formal qualifications required

Tools

Language Technology Tools

Job description

Job description

Flexible Working: Full time, part-time, and compressed hours are possible. Please note, the MI5 role is office-based only. At GCHQ, home working is available up to one day per week, but beyond that, it is an office-based role. Remote working from another location is not initially available but may be possible after 18-24 months, at which point you may have the opportunity to work from any of our GCHQ offices in Cheltenham, London, or Manchester.

Your knowledge of Chechen could unlock a career in intelligence. By joining MI5 or GCHQ, you can play your part in protecting the UK.

About Us

MI5 and GCHQ are part of the UK’s Intelligence Services. We work together to safeguard Britain’s people, interests, and businesses from threats such as cyber-attacks, espionage, terrorism, and organized crime. Working across our vital missions, you’ll deliver impact at the heart of national security within a supportive and inclusive environment that allows everyone to thrive.

The Role

If you have a passion for languages, working as a language specialist for the UK intelligence agencies offers a unique opportunity. You’ll support high-value activities that keep the country safe. We’re looking for Chechen linguists for roles that go beyond translation and transcription—this is about more than words. Your knowledge of Chechen and your understanding of Russian culture, ideology, and politics will be valuable assets in safeguarding the UK.

The role involves analyzing material in Chechen, providing insights to analysts, investigators, and operational teams. You’ll work autonomously, prioritize tasks, and communicate with stakeholders. Your cultural knowledge will help identify nuances and extract key information from spoken and written materials, contextualize it, and make it accessible. Support for language technology tools and AI may be required, with full training provided. Interpretation may also be necessary. Working under pressure is sometimes required, but full support from managers and linguists will be available. Collaboration within mission and language teams across organizations is essential, using language technology to piece together intelligence and support informed decisions. You’ll engage in individual and group projects, with opportunities for mentoring, skill development, and knowledge sharing.

All MI5 contracts include a mobility clause, meaning you could be liable to serve away from your usual workplace for periods of detached duty or training.

About You

No experience or qualifications are required to become a Chechen Language Specialist. However, you must have proficient language skills (speaking, reading, listening, writing), excellent English, and a good knowledge of Russian culture, history, religion, and politics. You should be passionate about the language and proficient (at C1 level or equivalent) in Chechen.

At C1 level or higher, you can:
• Understand demanding texts and conversations
• Express ideas fluently
• Use the language effectively in social, academic, or professional contexts
• Create detailed texts on complex topics

GCHQ evaluates passive skills to the equivalent of C1 in reading and listening, while MI5 requires C1 or equivalent across all four skills. Your proficiency could come from growing up in a multilingual family, military language training, or academic study. You should be inquisitive, curious, a problem-solver, and a confident communicator. During the interview, you will need to pass a language proficiency test involving reading, translating, listening, and interpreting materials. Results will be considered alongside role requirements. Travel expenses are not reimbursed.

Training and Development

Upon joining, you will receive comprehensive induction and training on tools, methods, and working practices. Ongoing training, language classes, immersion sessions, and support for language qualifications will be available to maintain and enhance your skills. GCHQ and MI5 support your professional growth and offer opportunities for further qualifications and specialization.

Rewards and Benefits

Starting salaries are £39,152 for MI5, with potential language allowances, and £36,408 for GCHQ, with an additional £3,120 after six months. Benefits include:
• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years, plus 10.5 days public holidays
• Employee recognition schemes
• Development budgets (MI5)
• Flexible working options
• Travel loans (GCHQ)
• Pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• On-site facilities such as gym, restaurant, coffee bars
• Parental and adoption leave

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and inclusion, reflecting society in our workforce. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled, neurodivergent, and socio-economically disadvantaged individuals. More information is available on our websites.

Disability Confident

We are a Leader within the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme, committed to fair recruitment and support for disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria, including passing language tests.

What to Expect

The recruitment process involves:

1. Application and eligibility sift
2. In-person language tests in London
3. Interview and assessment centre (London or Cheltenham)

You may need to undergo a hearing test. Passing each stage is necessary to proceed. The process may take 9-12 months, including vetting. Travel expenses are not reimbursed. All contracts include a mobility clause, and applications should be made from within the UK.

Before You Apply

Applicants must be British citizens or dual nationals, with full eligibility criteria available online. The role requires Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance, with more information available online. Consider setting up a secure, anonymous email for correspondence. The roles are based in London and Cheltenham; living within a reasonable commute is essential. Relocation costs are not covered, and overseas applications are discouraged. Only apply from within the UK, and discuss your application only with close contacts.