Chechen Language Specialist Ref. 3482

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking passionate Chechen linguists to join their intelligence team. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to national security by analyzing Chechen materials and providing critical insights. With a supportive environment and comprehensive training, you will enhance your skills while working on impactful projects. Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and numerous benefits, including generous leave and development opportunities. If you are eager to make a difference and possess strong language skills, this is the perfect chance to embark on a rewarding career.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Public holidays

Performance recognition

Development budgets

Flexible working

Interest-free travel loans

Pension schemes

Cycle-to-work schemes

On-site facilities

Parental leave

Qualifications

• Strong language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in Chechen.
• Excellent written English and understanding of Russian culture and politics.

Responsibilities

• Analyze material in Chechen and provide insights to analysts and investigators.
• Support language technology tools and AI.

Skills

Chechen language proficiency

Russian culture understanding

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

C1 level in Chechen

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, allowing 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. You’ll deliver impact at the heart of national security within a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes growth and development.

The Role

If you are passionate about languages, working as a language specialist for UK intelligence agencies offers a unique opportunity. You’ll support high-value activities that keep the country safe. We’re seeking Chechen linguists for roles that involve more than translation and transcription—your knowledge of Chechen language, Russian culture, ideology, and politics will be crucial in safeguarding the UK.

The role involves analyzing material in Chechen, providing insights to analysts, investigators, and operational teams. You’ll work independently, prioritize tasks, communicate with stakeholders, and identify nuances in spoken and written materials. You may also support language technology tools and AI, with full training provided. Interpretation tasks may be required, and full support from managers and colleagues will be available. Collaboration within teams and across organizations is essential, utilizing language technology to piece together intelligence and support informed decisions. The role includes individual and group projects, mentoring, and opportunities to develop analytical, reporting, and technical skills.

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

About You

No prior experience or qualifications are required to become a Chechen Language Specialist. However, you must possess strong language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, excellent written English, and a good understanding of Russian culture, history, religion, and politics. You should be passionate about the language and proficient (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

We evaluate passive skills at GCHQ to the equivalent of C1 in reading and listening, and MI5 requires C1 across all skills. Your proficiency could come from growing up in a multilingual family, military language training, or academic study. You should be inquisitive, curious, analytical, confident in communication, and proud of 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

Upon joining, you’ll receive comprehensive induction and training on tools, methods, and work practices. Both MI5 and GCHQ offer ongoing language maintenance classes, immersion sessions, and internal courses. GCHQ supports further qualifications, including CertTrans and DipTrans, with funding available.

Whether at MI5 or GCHQ, you’ll have ample support to grow your skills and 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. Benefits include 25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30 after five years), public holidays, performance recognition, development budgets, flexible working, interest-free travel loans (GCHQ), pension schemes, cycle-to-work schemes, on-site facilities, and parental leave.

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and inclusion, reflecting society in our workforce. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled individuals, and neurodivergent persons. Details on 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 Confidence

We are a Leader within the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme, committed to fair hiring practices for disabled candidates who meet essential criteria, offering an 'Offer of Interview'.

What to Expect

Our recruitment process is merit-based and transparent, involving application eligibility checks, in-person language tests, and interviews at London or Cheltenham. A hearing test may also be required. Successful candidates will need to pass each stage, with the process taking approximately 9-12 months, including vetting. Travel expenses are not reimbursed, and all contracts include a mobility clause, requiring potential relocation or service away from your usual location.

Before You Apply

Applicants must be British citizens or dual nationals, with eligibility criteria detailed on our websites. The role requires Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance, with more information available online. Applicants should consider setting up a separate, non-identifiable email account for correspondence, and ensure they are within a reasonable commuting distance to London or Cheltenham, considering any financial or practical implications. Relocation support is limited to MI5 in London; GCHQ does not offer relocation costs. Applications from outside the UK are discouraged.

Right to Withdraw Statement

We reserve the right to close the application process early once sufficient applications are received. We recommend submitting your application promptly to avoid missing out.