Tajik Language Specialist Ref. 3483

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

Job summary

Join MI5 as a Tajik Language Specialist and contribute to national security by analyzing and interpreting Tajik materials. This role offers a unique opportunity to leverage your language skills in a supportive environment, with comprehensive training and development opportunities. Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits while working in a dynamic team focused on safeguarding the UK.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Public holidays

Performance recognition

Development Budget

Flexible working

Pension scheme

Cycle scheme

Parental leave

Qualifications

• Proficient in Tajik and English with strong writing and speaking skills.
• Knowledge of Iranian culture, history, and politics is essential.

Responsibilities

• Analyze materials in Tajik and provide insights to analysts.
• Support language technology tools and AI.
• Collaborate with mission and language teams.

Skills

Tajik

English

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

Education

C1 level in Tajik

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 presents a unique opportunity. You’ll support high-value activities that keep the country safe. We’re looking for Tajik linguists for a role that involves more than translation and transcription—your knowledge of the Tajik language, Iranian cultures, ideology, and politics will be a significant asset in safeguarding the UK.

As a Tajik language specialist, 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. With an in-depth understanding of Tajik and surrounding cultures, you’ll identify nuances and extract key information from spoken and written materials, contextualizing it for others. Support for language technology tools and AI may be required, with full training provided. Interpretation duties may also arise. Working under pressure will be necessary at times, but full support from managers and colleagues will be available. Your contributions as a subject matter expert will be highly valued.

Collaboration within mission and language teams across organizations is essential, using language technology to piece together intelligence and support informed decisions. You’ll engage in individual and group projects, with opportunities for mentorship and skill development. This role offers significant learning and growth opportunities.

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

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

At C1 level or higher, you can:
• Understand a wide range of demanding texts and conversations.
• Express ideas fluently.
• Use the language effectively in social, academic, or professional contexts.
• Create detailed, well-structured texts on complex topics.

GCHQ evaluates passive skills to the equivalent of C1 in reading and listening, while MI5 requires C1 or equivalent across all four skills. More details are available on the CEFR self-assessment grid.

Your proficiency could stem from growing up 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 verbal and written communication, and pride yourself on insightful contributions.

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

Training and Development
On joining, you’ll receive comprehensive induction on tools, methods, and ways of working. Ongoing training will support your skills development, including language maintenance classes, immersion sessions, and internal courses. Funding for language qualifications like CertTrans and DipTrans is available.

Whether at MI5 or GCHQ, you’ll have support to explore opportunities, deepen your knowledge, and build a rewarding career.

Rewards and Benefits
At MI5, starting salary is £39,152, with potential language allowances. At GCHQ, starting salary is £36,408, plus an additional £3,120 after six months. Benefits include 25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), public holidays, performance recognition, a Development Budget (MI5), flexible working, interest-free travel loans (GCHQ), pension scheme, cycle scheme, on-site facilities, and parental leave.

Equal Opportunities
Diversity and inclusion are vital to our mission. We seek a workforce reflecting society, welcoming applications from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled, and neurodivergent individuals. 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
MI5 and GCHQ are proud to be Leader status employers in the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme, committed to fair recruitment and development of disabled candidates. To qualify for an interview, candidates must demonstrate motivation and pass the Tajik language tests.

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

• Application and eligibility sift
• In-person language tests in London
• Interview and assessment centre (London or Cheltenham).
You may also undergo a hearing test. Successful completion of all stages is required. The process may take 9-12 months, including vetting. We advise continuing current employment until final offer.

Travel expenses are not reimbursed. Applications should be submitted from within the UK; overseas applicants should wait until visiting the UK. Discussing your application should be limited to close contacts.

Before You Apply
Applicants must be British citizens or hold dual British nationality. Full eligibility criteria are available at:

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 info 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 consider setting up a separate email for contact, avoiding identifiable info, for security. Roles are based in London or Cheltenham; applicants should consider practicalities and costs. Relocation costs are not covered. Applications should be submitted from within the UK; overseas applications are discouraged. Discuss application details only with close contacts.