Chechen Language Specialist Ref. 3482

MI5; London; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Join MI5 as a Chechen Language Specialist to support national security efforts. Engage in analyzing Chechen materials, providing insights, and collaborating with teams. No prior experience required, just a passion for languages and culture. Comprehensive training and development opportunities available.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Development budget

Flexible working options

Excellent pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Paid parental leave

Qualifications

• Proficient in Chechen reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
• Good understanding of Russian culture, history, religion, and politics.

Responsibilities

• Analyze material in Chechen and provide insights to teams.
• Support high-value activities that keep the country safe.

Skills

Chechen

English

Russian culture

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 organised crime. Working across our vital missions, you’ll deliver impact at the heart of national security within a supportive and inclusive environment.

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 involve more than translation and transcription—your knowledge of Chechen language, Russian culture, ideology, and politics will be invaluable in safeguarding the UK.

The role involves analysing material in Chechen, providing insights to analysts, investigators, and operational teams. You’ll work independently, prioritise tasks, and communicate with stakeholders. Your cultural knowledge will help identify nuances and extract key information from spoken and written sources, contextualising it for others. Support for language technology tools and AI may be required, with full training provided. Interpretation may also be necessary. Working under pressure is expected at times, but full support from managers and linguists will be available. Collaboration with mission and language teams across organisations is essential, using language technology to piece together intelligence and support decision-making. The role includes individual and group projects, mentoring, and opportunities to develop analytical, reporting, and technical skills. This role offers significant learning and development opportunities.

Note: All MI5 contracts include a mobility clause, meaning you could be required 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 skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in Chechen, excellent written English, and a good understanding of Russian culture, history, religion, and politics. You should be passionate about the language and proficient (CEFR C1 level or equivalent).

At C1 or higher, you can:
• Understand demanding texts and conversations
• Express ideas fluently
• Use the language effectively in social, academic, or professional contexts
• Write detailed, well-structured 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 stem 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’ll need to pass a language proficiency test involving translation and interpretation of various materials. The results will be considered alongside role requirements. Travel expenses are not reimbursed.

Training and Development

Upon joining, you’ll receive an induction on tools, methods, and ways of working. Comprehensive training will be provided on tools, the role, and context. MI5 offers language classes to maintain skills, immersion sessions, and internal courses, including funding for language qualifications. GCHQ provides support and training to keep your skills current, encouraging pursuit of interests such as management, advanced language, or analytical skills, with funding for qualifications like CertTrans and DipTrans.

Both agencies support your growth to explore new opportunities and build a rewarding career.

Rewards and Benefits

MI5 offers a starting salary of £39,152 with potential language allowances. GCHQ offers a starting salary of £36,408, plus £3,120 after six months and in recognition of language skills. Benefits include:

• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years, plus 10.5 public and privilege holidays
• Recognition through performance schemes
• Development budget (MI5)
• Flexible working options
• Interest-free season ticket loan (GCHQ)
• Excellent pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• On-site facilities such as gym, restaurant, coffee bars
• Paid parental and adoption leave

Equal Opportunities

Our diversity and inclusion efforts are vital. We seek a workforce reflecting society, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and those with disabilities or neurodivergence. We encourage underrepresented groups to apply, including women, ethnic minorities, and disabled individuals. Details on our culture and inclusion policies are available on our websites:

MI5 Diversity

GCHQ Diversity & Inclusion

Disability Confidence

We are a Leader within the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme, committed to fair recruitment and development of disabled candidates. To qualify for interviews, applicants must demonstrate motivation, commitment, and pass the Chechen language test.

Application Process

Our recruitment is merit-based and transparent. The stages include:

• Application and eligibility sift
• In-person language tests in London
• Interview and assessment centre (London or Cheltenham)

A hearing test may also be required. Passing each stage is necessary to proceed. The process may take 9-12 months, including vetting. Continue current employment until final offer. Travel expenses are not reimbursed. All contracts include a mobility clause, which may require serving away from your usual location.

Before You Apply

You must be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. Full eligibility criteria are available:

MI5 Eligibility

GCHQ Application

The role requires Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. More information is available here:

Vetting Process

Applicants should consider the implications of the UK residence requirement and the application from within the UK only. Discussing your application should be limited to close contacts. Be aware of strict drug policies and declare previous drug use when required. It’s advisable to use a separate, anonymous email address for correspondence. Consider practicalities regarding location and relocation costs, as MI5 offers an interest-free loan for relocation within London.