Persian Language Specialist Ref. 3369

MI5; Cheltenham, Manchester, London; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

MI5 recherche un spécialiste linguistique passionné par les langues pour soutenir les activités de sécurité nationale. Le rôle implique l'analyse de documents en persan, la traduction et la collaboration au sein d'équipes multidisciplinaires. Aucune expérience préalable n'est requise, mais une maîtrise du persan et une bonne compréhension de la culture iranienne sont essentielles. Des opportunités de formation et de développement professionnel sont offertes.

Benefits

Congés généreux

Budget d'apprentissage personnel

Primes de reconnaissance

Prêts de voyage

Congés parentaux

Qualifications

• Compétences en persan (niveau C1 minimum).
• Compréhension de la culture, de l'histoire et de la politique iraniennes.
• Aucune expérience ou qualification formelle requise.

Responsibilities

• Identifier les nuances et extraire des informations clés des matériaux écrits et parlés.
• Participer à des projets et enquêtes nécessitant des compétences linguistiques et techniques.
• Traduction et interprétation de documents.

Skills

Compétences linguistiques

Analyse culturelle

Pensée analytique

Compétences interpersonnelles

Job description

Flexible Working

We support full-time, part-time, compressed, and flexible hours. Remote and homeworking are not available in London. There are limited opportunities for homeworking in Cheltenham and Manchester, as the role is primarily office-based.

About Us

MI5, MI6, and GCHQ are 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.

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, utilizing your knowledge of Persian language and Iranian culture, ideology, and politics.

With proficiency in Persian, you’ll identify nuances and extract key information from spoken and written materials, contextualize it, and make it accessible. You’ll have opportunities to develop your career, focusing on areas of interest, and undertake varied work including translation, interpretation, operational work, planning, casework, and training.

At MI5 and MI6, you’ll be part of a multidisciplinary team, playing an active role in projects and investigations, requiring judgment, interpersonal skills, and cultural expertise. At GCHQ, you’ll combine language and technical skills to analyze digital communications, build intelligence pictures, and influence government policy.

About You

No experience or formal qualifications are required, only active and passive language skills, excellent English, and a good understanding of Iranian culture, history, religion, and politics. You should be a proficient user of Persian (at least C1 level), capable of understanding demanding texts and conversations, expressing ideas effectively, and creating detailed texts on complex topics.

Interest in technology supports GCHQ roles. We seek problem solvers with interpersonal skills and high attention to detail, along with analytical thinking, good judgment, and a collaborative approach. During the interview, you’ll need to pass a language proficiency test involving reading and translating newspaper articles and broadcasts.

Training and Development

We offer a supportive environment with language events, workshops, professional qualifications, and tailored training plans. You’ll be paired with a buddy and a professional mentor, with training opportunities including interpretation skills and language qualifications, such as those from the Chartered Institute of Linguists.

Rewards and Benefits

Starting salaries are £36,408 - £44,818 at MI5 and MI6, with potential language allowances. GCHQ offers a starting salary of £36,408, plus a £3,000 annual bonus after probation. Benefits include generous leave, recognition schemes, personal learning budgets, flexible working, travel loans, facilities, and parental leave.

Diversity and Inclusion

We value diversity in all forms and encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled individuals, and neurodivergent persons. We’re committed to creating an inclusive workforce that reflects society.

Application Process

The process is merit-based and includes application screening, in-person language tests in London, and interviews at London or Cheltenham. A hearing test may be required. The process can take 9-12 months, and travel expenses are not reimbursed. Contracts include a mobility clause, and overseas travel opportunities may exist.

Eligibility and Application Tips

You must be a British citizen or dual citizen, and pass Developed Vetting security clearance. Consider setting up a discreet email for applications. Roles are based in London, Cheltenham, or Manchester, and applicants should consider relocation implications. Applications should be submitted from within the UK, and discussing your application with others should be limited.