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 vital in safeguarding the UK. This role involves analyzing Chechen materials, supporting national security efforts, and working collaboratively with teams. Comprehensive training is provided, and no prior experience is required. Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for career growth and development.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Employee recognition schemes

Development budgets

Flexible working opportunities

Interest-free season ticket loans

Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

On-site facilities like gym

Paid parental leave

Qualifications

• Proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in Chechen.
• Excellent written English and knowledge of Russian culture.
• No prior experience or qualifications required.

Responsibilities

• Analyze Chechen materials and provide insights to teams.
• Work autonomously and prioritize tasks.
• Engage in individual and group projects.

Skills

Chechen

English

Russian culture

Problem-solving

Education

C1 level 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 at home, overseas, and online, including cyber-attacks, espionage, terrorism, and organized crime. 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 a role that goes beyond translation and transcription. Your knowledge of Chechen language, Russian culture, ideology, and politics will be a significant asset in safeguarding the UK.

As a Chechen linguist, your role involves analyzing material in this language, providing insights to analysts, investigators, and operational teams. You’ll work autonomously, prioritize tasks, and communicate with stakeholders. Your understanding of Chechen and surrounding cultures will help identify nuances and extract key information from spoken and written materials, contextualizing and making it accessible. Support for language technology tools and AI may be required, with full training provided. Interpretation may also be necessary. Working under pressure at times, you’ll have full support from managers and colleagues. Your contributions as a subject matter expert will be valued. Collaboration across teams and organizations, using language technology to piece together intelligence, is essential. You’ll engage in individual and group projects, mentoring, and skill development opportunities.

Please note, all MI5 contracts include a mobility clause, which may require serving away from your usual workplace for periods of 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 knowledge of Russian culture, history, religion, and politics. You should be passionate about the language and proficient (at C1 level on the CEFR or equivalent).

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 language skills to the equivalent of C1 in reading and listening, while MI5 requires C1 or equivalent across all four skills. Your proficiency can come from growing up in a multilingual family, military language training, or academic study. You should be inquisitive, curious, and a problem-solver, with strong communication skills and pride in your insights.

During the interview, you’ll 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
You’ll receive a thorough induction on tools, methods, and ways of working. Comprehensive training will be provided on tools, the job, and context. MI5 offers language classes and immersion sessions, as well as internal courses and funding for language qualifications. GCHQ provides support to maintain and develop language skills, with opportunities to pursue management, analytical, or language qualifications, including CertTrans and DipTrans, funded by GCHQ.

Both agencies support your learning and career growth in a supportive environment.

Rewards and Benefits
MI5 offers a starting salary of £39,152, with potential language allowances. GCHQ offers a starting salary of £36,408, plus an additional £3,120 after six months. Benefits include:
• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years, plus holidays
• Employee recognition schemes
• Development budgets (MI5)
• Flexible working opportunities
• Interest-free season ticket loans (GCHQ)
• Pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• On-site facilities like gym, restaurant, coffee bars
• Paid parental and adoption leave

Equal Opportunities
We value diversity and inclusion, reflecting society we serve. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled, neurodivergent, and socio-economically disadvantaged individuals. Details about our culture and commitment to diversity are available 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, committed to fair recruitment and support for disabled applicants. To qualify for an interview, you must demonstrate motivation to work for UK intelligence and pass the Chechen language tests.

What to Expect
Our recruitment process is merit-based and transparent, including:

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

Additional hearing tests may be required. You must pass each stage to proceed. The process may take 9-12 months, including vetting. Do not discuss your application outside close contacts.

Travel expenses are not reimbursed. All contracts include a mobility clause, potentially requiring service away from your usual workplace.

Before You Apply
Candidates must be British citizens or dual nationals. Full eligibility criteria are available on our websites:

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

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

This role requires Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. More info is available at:

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

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

Recreational drug use must be disclosed, and the use of recreational drugs is prohibited during the application process. Consider setting up a secure, anonymous email for your application. MI5 roles are based in London; GCHQ roles are based in Cheltenham. Please consider your location and practicalities before applying. Only apply from within the UK, and avoid discussing your application publicly.

Right to Withdraw: We may close the vacancy early once enough applications are received. Submit your application promptly to avoid missing out.