Tajik Language Specialist Ref. 3483

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

Job summary

Join MI5 as a Tajik Linguist and play a crucial role in national security. Utilize your language skills to analyze materials, provide insights, and work collaboratively within mission teams. This role offers comprehensive training and career development opportunities in a supportive environment.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Flexible working

Pension scheme

Cycle-to-work scheme

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Analyze material in Tajik and provide insights to analysts.
• Support high-value activities that help keep the country safe.

Skills

Tajik

English

Analytical

Problem Solving

Education

C1 level Tajik proficiency

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 such as 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 help 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. 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 skills might also be necessary, with training available. Working under pressure at times, you’ll have full support from managers and colleagues. 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 mentoring, skill 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 become a Tajik Language Specialist. However, you must have proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in Tajik, excellent English skills, 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, you should be able to:

• Understand a wide range of demanding texts and conversations
• Express ideas fluently without searching for words
• Use the language effectively in social, academic, or professional contexts
• Create detailed, well-structured texts on complex topics

GCHQ assesses passive skills at C1 in reading and listening, while MI5 requires C1 or equivalent across all four skills. You can refer to the CEFR self-assessment grid for more details.

Your proficiency could come from growing up in a multilingual family, military language training, or academic study at a high level. You should be inquisitive, curious, a problem solver, and analytical. 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, listening, and interpreting audio materials. The 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. 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 maintenance training and encourages pursuit of interests like management or advanced language skills, with funding for qualifications such as CertTrans and DipTrans.

Both organizations support ongoing learning, development, and building 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, increasing by £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 season ticket loan (GCHQ), pension scheme, cycle-to-work scheme, on-site facilities, and parental leave.

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and inclusion, reflecting society we serve. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled, neurodivergent, and socio-economically disadvantaged individuals. Find more about our culture and diversity initiatives 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

Disability Confident

We are a Leader within the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme, committed to fair recruitment for disabled candidates who meet role criteria, offering an 'Offer of Interview'.

What to Expect

Our process is fair and merit-based:

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

You may need to undergo a hearing test. Passing each stage is required. 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 hold dual British nationality. Read full criteria here:

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 here:

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

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

Refrain from recreational drug use during the process; prior usage must be declared. Set up a separate, anonymous email for applications to ensure privacy. Roles are based in London or Cheltenham; consider logistical and financial implications. Applications from outside the UK are discouraged.