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, where your language skills will be crucial in safeguarding the UK. This role involves analyzing Chechen materials, providing insights, and working collaboratively to support national security efforts. Comprehensive training and development opportunities are provided, along with a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Generous Leave

Performance Recognition

Development Budgets

Flexible Working

Travel Loans

Pension Schemes

Cycling Schemes

On-site Facilities

Parental Leave

Qualifications

• Proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in Chechen.
• 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

Analytical Thinking

Education

C1 Level Proficiency in Chechen

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 promotes growth and diversity.

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 a role that involves more than translation and transcription. Your expertise in the Chechen language, along with your understanding of Russian culture, ideology, and politics, will be a significant asset.

The role involves analyzing material in Chechen, providing insights to analysts, investigators, and operational teams. You’ll work independently, prioritizing tasks and communicating with stakeholders. With a deep knowledge of Chechen and surrounding culture, you’ll identify nuances, extract key information from spoken and written sources, and contextualize it for others. Support for language technology tools and AI may be required, and interpretation duties may be involved, with full training provided. Working under pressure is sometimes necessary, but you will have support from managers and colleagues. Collaboration across teams and organizations is essential, using language technology to piece together intelligence and support decision-making. The role includes individual and group projects, mentoring opportunities, and skill development in analysis, reporting, and technical areas.

All MI5 contracts include a mobility clause, which may require serving away from your usual workplace for periods of detached duty or training.

About You
No prior experience or qualifications are required to become a Chechen Language Specialist. However, you must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in Chechen, with excellent English skills and a good understanding of Russian culture, history, religion, and politics. You should be passionate about the language and proficient at C1 level or equivalent according to the CEFR framework.

At C1 level, 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

Proficiency can be gained through growing up in a multilingual environment, military language training, or academic study. You are inquisitive, curious, and a problem solver, questioning assumptions and thinking analytically. You enjoy working with others, communicate confidently, and take pride in your insights.

During the interview, you will need to pass a language proficiency test involving reading, translating, listening, and interpreting. 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 work practices. Ongoing support includes language classes, immersion sessions, internal courses, and funding for language certifications like CertTrans and DipTrans.

Whether at MI5 or GCHQ, you will have opportunities to develop your skills, explore new areas, and advance your career.

Rewards and Benefits
Starting salaries are £39,152 at MI5 and £36,408 at GCHQ, with language allowances and other benefits. Additional perks include generous leave, performance recognition, development budgets, flexible working, travel loans, pension schemes, cycling schemes, on-site facilities, and parental leave.

Equal Opportunities
Diversity and inclusion are central to our mission. We seek applicants from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups such as women, ethnic minorities, disabled, and neurodiverse individuals. Details on our commitment can be found on our websites:

https://www.MI5.gov.uk/careers/working-at-MI5/diversity

https://www.GCHQ-careers.co.uk/life-at-GCHQ/diversity-inclusion.html

Disability Confident
We are a Leader within the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme. We offer fair interview opportunities to disabled candidates who meet essential criteria, including demonstrating motivation and language proficiency.

What to Expect
Our recruitment process includes:

• Application and eligibility review
• In-person language tests in London
• Interview and assessment center in London or Cheltenham

Passing each stage is necessary for progression. The process may take 9-12 months, including vetting. Travel expenses are not reimbursed. All contracts include a mobility clause, which may involve serving away from your usual location.

Before You Apply
Applicants must be UK citizens or dual nationals. Full eligibility criteria are available online:

https://www.MI5.gov.uk/careers/applying-for-jobs

https://www.GCHQ-careers.co.uk/how-to-apply.html

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

https://www.MI5.gov.uk/careers/applying-for-jobs/vetting

https://www.gchq-careers.co.uk/how-to-apply.html

Applicants should not use recreational drugs during the process and must declare any past drug use. Consider setting up a separate, anonymous email for application correspondence. The MI5 roles are based in London; GCHQ roles are in Cheltenham. Only apply from within the UK, and wait until visiting if overseas. Discussing your application with others is discouraged.