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 contribute to national security. This role involves analyzing Tajik materials, providing insights, and collaborating with teams. Enjoy comprehensive training and significant development opportunities in a supportive environment.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Performance recognition schemes

Development budget

Flexible working

Excellent pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

On-site facilities

Paid parental and adoption leave

Qualifications

• Proficiency in writing, speaking, reading, and listening in Tajik.
• Excellent written English and understanding of Iranian culture.

Responsibilities

• Analyze material in Tajik and provide insights to teams.
• Work autonomously and communicate with stakeholders.

Skills

Tajik

English

Analytical Skills

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

The role involves analyzing material in Tajik, providing insights to analysts, investigators, and operational teams. You’ll work autonomously, prioritize tasks, and communicate with stakeholders. Your cultural knowledge will help identify nuances and extract key information from spoken and written materials, making it accessible and understandable. Support for language technology tools and AI may be required, with full training provided. Interpretation duties may also be part of the role. Working under pressure at times is expected, but full support from managers and colleagues will be available. Your contributions as a subject matter expert will be highly valued.

Collaboration with mission and language teams across organizations is essential, using language technology to piece together intelligence for informed decisions. You’ll engage in individual and group projects, mentoring others, and developing your analytical, reporting, and technical skills. The role offers significant learning and development opportunities.

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

About You

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

At C1 level or higher, you can:

• 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.

We evaluate passive skills at GCHQ to the equivalent of C1 in reading and listening, and MI5 requires C1 or equivalent across all four skills. More information is available on the CEFR self-assessment grid.

Your proficiency may come from growing up in a multilingual family, military language training, or academic study of Tajik. You should be inquisitive, curious, a problem-solver, and analytical. 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 involving reading, translating newspaper articles and broadcasts, and interpreting audio materials. Results will be considered alongside role requirements. Travel expenses are not reimbursed.

Training and Development

Upon joining, you’ll receive comprehensive induction on tools, methods, and ways of working. Training will cover tools, context, and beyond-language skills. MI5 offers language classes, immersion sessions, and funding for language qualifications. GCHQ provides ongoing support for language skills, analytical, and reporting capabilities, with funding available for certifications like CertTrans and DipTrans.

Both organizations support your professional growth and exploration of new opportunities.

Rewards and Benefits

MI5 offers a starting salary of £39,152, with potential language allowances. GCHQ’s starting salary is £36,408, increasing by £3,120 after 6 months and in recognition of language skills. Benefits include:

• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years, plus 10.5 days of public holidays.
• Performance recognition schemes.
• Development budget (MI5).
• Flexible working (subject to business needs).
• Interest-free season ticket loan (GCHQ).
• Excellent pension scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• On-site facilities like gym, restaurant, coffee bars.
• Paid parental and adoption leave.

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and inclusion, reflecting society we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups such as 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

As a Disability Confident employer, we ensure fair interview opportunities for disabled candidates meeting essential criteria, including demonstrating motivation and passing language tests.

What to Expect

Our recruitment process includes:

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

Pass each stage to progress. The process may take 9-12 months, including vetting. Continue current employment until final offer. Travel expenses are not reimbursed.

Before You Apply

Applicants need to be British citizens or dual nationals. Full eligibility info is on:

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 at:

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

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

Applicants should not discuss their application publicly and should consider practicalities like location and potential relocation costs. Only apply from within the UK.