Tajik Language Specialist Ref. 3483

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

Job summary

MI5 is seeking a Tajik Language Specialist to support national security efforts. The role involves analyzing language materials, providing insights, and collaborating across teams. No formal qualifications are required, but proficiency in Tajik and English is essential.

Benefits

25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 after 5 years

Recognition schemes

Development budgets

Flexible working options

Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

On-site facilities

Parental and adoption leave

Qualifications

• C1 level proficiency in Tajik required.
• No formal qualifications necessary, but language skills must be strong.
• Inquisitive and problem-solving mindset is essential.

Responsibilities

• Analyze materials in Tajik and provide insights.
• Support national security through language expertise.
• Collaborate with teams using language technology.

Skills

Proficient in Tajik

Excellent English

Cultural understanding of Iranian context

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 Tajik 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. Working across our vital missions, 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 seeking Tajik linguists for a role that involves more than translation and transcription — it’s about understanding the language, culture, ideology, and politics to support national security.

As a Tajik linguist, your responsibilities include analyzing material in this language, providing insights to analysts, investigators, and operational teams. You’ll work independently, prioritizing tasks and communicating with stakeholders. Your knowledge of Tajik and surrounding cultures will help you identify nuances, extract key information from spoken and written materials, and make it accessible. Support for language technology tools and interpretation may also be part of your role, with full training provided. Working under pressure at times, you’ll be supported by managers and colleagues to succeed. Your expertise will be highly valued.

Collaboration across teams and organizations is essential, using language technology to piece together intelligence and inform decisions. You’ll engage in individual and group projects, mentoring others, and developing your analytical, reporting, and technical skills. There are ample opportunities for learning, development, and knowledge sharing.

Please note, all MI5 contracts include a mobility clause, meaning you could be required to serve away from your usual place of work for periods of duty or training.

About You

No experience or formal qualifications are required to become a Tajik Language Specialist. However, you must have proficient skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in Tajik, excellent English, and a good understanding of Iranian culture, history, religion, and politics. You should be passionate about the language and at least a C1 level (or equivalent) in Tajik, 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.

GCHQ assesses passive skills as C1 in reading and listening, while MI5 requires C1 or equivalent across all four skills. For more details, see the CEFR self-assessment grid.

Your language proficiency could come from being raised in a multilingual family, military language training, or academic study of Tajik. You should be inquisitive, curious, and a problem-solver, questioning and analyzing to find solutions. You’ll enjoy working with others, be confident in communication, and take pride in your insights.

During the interview, you’ll need to pass a language proficiency test, including translating newspaper articles and broadcasts, and interpreting audio materials. Results will be reviewed alongside role requirements. Travel expenses are not reimbursed.

Training and Development

On joining, you’ll receive comprehensive induction on tools, methods, and procedures. We understand starting a new role can be challenging, so initial training on tools, the role, and context will be provided. MI5 offers language classes, immersion sessions, and support for language qualifications. GCHQ provides similar training and encourages pursuit of interests like management or advanced language skills, with funding for exams such as CertTrans and DipTrans.

Both agencies support your ongoing learning and career development, helping you build a rewarding career.

Rewards and Benefits

MI5 offers a starting salary of £39,152 with potential language allowances. GCHQ offers £36,408, plus an additional £3,120 after six months. Benefits include:
• 25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 after 5 years, plus holidays
• Recognition schemes
• Development budgets (MI5)
• Flexible working options
• Travel loans (GCHQ)
• Pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• On-site facilities
• Parental and adoption leave

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and inclusion, reflecting society in our workforce, including underrepresented groups. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, disabled, neurodivergent, and socio-economically disadvantaged candidates. More info is 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

We’re Disability Confident

As a Leader in the DWP’s scheme, we aim to fairly consider disabled applicants who meet role criteria, offering a fair chance at interview (Offer of Interview). The essential criteria include motivation and language proficiency tests.

What to Expect

Our recruitment process involves:

• Application and eligibility checks
• Language tests in London
• Interview and assessment centre (London or Cheltenham)

A hearing test may also be required. You must pass each stage to proceed. The process may take 9-12 months, including vetting. Continue current employment until final offer. Travel expenses are not reimbursed.

Before You Apply

You must be a British citizen or dual citizen. Full eligibility info is on our websites:

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

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

The highest security clearance (DV) is required. Details are here:

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

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

Applicants should only apply from within the UK. Overseas applicants should wait until visiting the UK. Discussing your application should be limited to close contacts. Consider setting up a separate, anonymous email account to keep correspondence secure. The roles are based in London or Cheltenham, so living within commuting distance is necessary. Relocation support is limited to MI5, via an interest-free loan.