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 play a crucial role in national security. This office-based position requires proficiency in Tajik and involves analyzing materials to support intelligence efforts. With comprehensive training and development opportunities, you will collaborate with teams to enhance your skills while making a significant impact on the UK's safety.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Employee recognition schemes

Development Budget

Flexible working options

Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

On-site gym and cafes

Paid parental leave

Qualifications

• Proficient in Tajik language skills (C1 level or equivalent).
• Excellent written English and knowledge of Iranian culture.

Responsibilities

• Analyze material in Tajik and provide insights to teams.
• Support high-value activities to safeguard the UK.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

Communication

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 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 goes beyond translation and transcription—this role is about more than words. Your knowledge of the Tajik language, Iranian cultures, ideology, and politics will be a significant asset 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. With an in-depth understanding of Tajik and surrounding cultures, you’ll identify nuances, extract key information from spoken and written materials, contextualize it, and make it accessible. Support for language technology tools and AI may be required, with full training provided. Interpretation may also be necessary. Working under pressure is sometimes required, but full support from managers and linguists will be available. As a subject matter expert, your contributions 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, mentoring others, forming working groups, and enhancing your analytical, reporting, or technical skills. This role offers opportunities for learning, development, and knowledge sharing.

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 be 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 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 language skills to the equivalent of C1 in reading and listening. MI5 requires C1 or equivalent across all four skills. You can access the CEFR self-assessment grid for more information.

Your proficiency could come from growing up in a multilingual family, military language training, or academic study of Tajik. You should be inquisitive, curious, and a problem-solver. You won’t take things at face value; you’ll ask questions and think analytically. You’ll enjoy working with others, be confident in verbal and written communication, and take pride in your insights.

During the interview, you’ll need to pass a language proficiency test by translating newspaper articles, 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 a thorough induction on tools, methods, and ways of working. Comprehensive training will be provided to help you excel. Initial training covers tools, the job, and context. MI5 offers language classes, immersion sessions, and internal courses, with funding for language qualifications. GCHQ provides similar support, encouraging pursuit of interests and offering qualifications like CertTrans and DipTrans.

Both agencies support your growth, offering opportunities to explore new areas, further skills, and build a rewarding career.

Rewards and Benefits
MI5 offers a starting salary of £39,152, with potential language allowances. GCHQ’s starting salary is £36,408, with an additional £3,120 after a 6-month probation. Benefits include:
• 25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 after 5 years, plus public holidays.
• Employee recognition schemes.
• Development Budget (MI5).
• Flexible working options.
• Interest-free season ticket loan (GCHQ).
• Pension scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• On-site facilities such as gym and cafes.
• Paid parental and adoption leave.

Equal Opportunities
Diversity and inclusion are vital. We seek a workforce reflecting society, welcoming applications from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled, and neurodivergent individuals.

More about our culture and diversity initiatives can be found 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
We’re proud to be a Leader in the DWP’s scheme, offering fair interview opportunities for disabled candidates who meet role criteria. To qualify, demonstrate motivation and pass the Tajik language tests.

What to Expect
Our process is merit-based and transparent, including:
• Application and eligibility sift
• In-person language tests in London
• Interview and assessment centre (London or Cheltenham).
A hearing test may also be required. Successful completion of each stage 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 hold dual British nationality. Full eligibility criteria are at:

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

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

This 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 outside the UK should wait until visiting the UK to apply. Only apply from within the UK. Discussing your application should be limited to close contacts. Consider setting up a separate, anonymous email account for application correspondence. The MI5 roles are based in London; GCHQ roles are in Cheltenham. Consider practicalities and costs before applying. Relocation costs are not covered. The application process is sensitive; do not discuss your application publicly.