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, where your language skills will be pivotal in safeguarding the UK. This role involves analyzing materials, providing insights, and collaborating with teams to support national security efforts. Comprehensive training and development opportunities await, along with competitive benefits and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

25 days annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years

Pension scheme

Cycle-to-work scheme

Paid parental and adoption leave

Qualifications

• Skills in writing, speaking, reading, and listening in Tajik.
• Good knowledge of Iranian culture, history, religion, and politics.

Responsibilities

• Analyze material in Tajik and provide insights to teams.
• Support language technology tools and AI.

Skills

Tajik

English

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 roles that go beyond translation and transcription—this is about more than words. Your knowledge of Tajik, Iranian cultures, ideology, and politics will be a significant asset in safeguarding the UK.

As a Tajik linguist, your role involves analyzing material in this language, providing insights to analysts, investigators, and operational teams. You’ll work autonomously, prioritizing tasks and communicating with stakeholders. Your cultural knowledge will help identify nuances and extract key information from spoken and written materials, contextualizing it for others. There may be a requirement to support language technology tools and AI, with full training provided. Interpretation may also be necessary. Working under pressure is expected 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 to mentor others, form working groups, and develop analytical, reporting, or technical skills. The role offers significant learning and development opportunities.

Please note, all MI5 contracts include a mobility clause, meaning you could be liable to serve away from your usual work location 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 skills in writing, speaking, reading, and listening in Tajik, 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, you should be able to:
• Understand a wide range of demanding texts or 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 language skills at the C1 level in reading and listening, while MI5 requires C1 or equivalent across all four skills. You can access the CEFR self-assessment grid for more details.

Your proficiency could result from growing up in a multilingual family, military language training, or high-level academic study of Tajik. You should be inquisitive, curious, and a problem-solver. You won’t take things at face value but will ask questions and analyze to find solutions. You’ll enjoy working with others, be confident in verbal and written communication, and pride yourself on your insights.

During the interview, you’ll need to pass a language proficiency test involving reading, 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 a thorough induction on tools, methods, and ways of working. We understand starting a new role can be challenging, so comprehensive training will be provided. Initial training covers tools, the role, context, and necessary skills beyond language.

At MI5, you’ll access language classes to maintain your skills and participate in immersion sessions with other Language Specialists. We also offer internal training courses, support, and funding for language qualifications.

At GCHQ, alongside maintenance training, support will be provided to keep your skills current. You’ll be encouraged to pursue areas of interest, such as management, advanced language skills, or analytical capabilities, with funding available for qualifications like CertTrans and DipTrans.

Whether at MI5 or GCHQ, you’ll have support to explore opportunities, further 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, with an additional £3,120 after a 6-month probation and in recognition of language skills.
Additional benefits include:
• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years, plus 10.5 days of public holidays.
• Recognition through employee performance schemes.
• Dedicated Development Budget (MI5 only).
• Flexible working options.
• Interest-free season ticket loan (GCHQ).
• Pension scheme.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Facilities such as gym, restaurant, and coffee bars.
• Paid parental and adoption leave.

Equal Opportunities
Diversity and inclusion are central to our mission. We seek a workforce reflecting society, including diverse backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking, disabilities, and neurodivergent conditions. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled individuals, and those from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Learn more about our culture and commitment to diversity at:

https://www.MI5.gov.uk/careers/working-at-MI5/diversity

https://www.GCHQ-careers.co.uk/life-at-GCHQ/diversity-inclusion.html

Disability Confidence
MI5 and GCHQ are proud to be Leaders in the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme. We aim to offer fair interview opportunities to candidates who self-identify as disabled and meet essential criteria. Our ‘Offer of Interview’ (OOI) requires demonstrating motivation, commitment, and passing the Tajik language tests.

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

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

A hearing test may also be required. Passing all stages is necessary. The process may take 9-12 months, including vetting. Continue current employment until final offer.

Travel expenses are not reimbursed.

Before You Apply
Applicants must be British citizens or dual nationals. 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 information 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, non-identifiable email address for correspondence. The roles are based in London and Cheltenham; applicants should live within a commutable distance. Relocation costs are not covered, but MI5 offers an interest-free loan for private rentals. Overseas applicants should wait until visiting the UK to apply. Applications from outside the UK are discouraged. Discussing your application should be limited to close contacts.