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 play a crucial role in national security. This office-based position involves analyzing Tajik material, providing insights, and collaborating with teams. Enjoy comprehensive training and development opportunities in a supportive environment.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Development budget

Flexible working options

Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Paid parental leave

Qualifications

• Proficient in Tajik and English, with excellent communication skills.
• No formal qualifications required but must pass language proficiency tests.

Responsibilities

• Analyze material in Tajik, providing insights to teams.
• Support language technology tools and AI.
• Collaborate across teams to piece together intelligence.

Skills

Tajik

English

Analytical Thinking

Communication

Education

C1 Level 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 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 offers 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 Tajik, Iranian cultures, ideology, and politics will be crucial in safeguarding the UK.

The role involves analyzing material in Tajik, providing insights to analysts, investigators, and operational teams. You’ll work independently, prioritize tasks, and communicate with stakeholders. Your cultural knowledge will help identify nuances and extract key information from spoken and written sources, making it accessible and understandable. There may be a need to support language technology tools and AI, with full training provided. Interpretation may also be required. Working under pressure is sometimes necessary, but full support will be available. Your contributions as a subject matter expert will be highly valued.

Collaboration across teams and organizations is essential, using language technology to piece together intelligence and support decision-making. You’ll engage in individual and group projects, mentoring colleagues, and developing your skills. The role offers opportunities for learning, development, and knowledge sharing.

Please note, all MI5 contracts include a mobility clause, meaning you could be required to serve away from your usual place of work for periods of 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 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 (see below).

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

GCHQ evaluates passive skills to the equivalent of C1 reading and listening. MI5 requires C1 or equivalent across all four skills. You can find more info on the CEFR self-assessment grid.

Your proficiency could come from growing up in a multilingual family, military language training, or academic study. You should be inquisitive, curious, and a problem-solver. You’ll ask questions, think analytically, and enjoy working with others. Confidence in verbal and written communication and pride in your insights are important.

During the interview, you’ll need to pass a language proficiency test involving reading, translating, listening, and interpreting. The results will be considered alongside role requirements. Travel expenses are not reimbursed.

Training and Development
You’ll receive a thorough induction on tools, methods, and ways of working. Comprehensive training will be provided on tools, the role, and context. MI5 offers language classes and immersion sessions, along with internal courses and funding for language qualifications. GCHQ also supports ongoing language development, including certifications like CertTrans and DipTrans.

Both agencies will support your learning and career growth, offering opportunities to explore new areas 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, plus £3,120 after a 6-month probation. Benefits include:
• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years, plus holidays
• Recognition schemes
• Development budget (MI5)
• Flexible working options
• Travel loans (GCHQ)
• Pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• On-site facilities
• Paid parental and adoption leave

Equal Opportunities
Diversity and inclusion are central to our mission. We seek a workforce reflecting society, welcoming applications from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups. Details on our diversity policies are 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
We are a Leader within the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme, committed to fair recruitment of disabled candidates who meet role criteria. To qualify for an interview, you must demonstrate motivation for UK intelligence work and pass the Tajik language tests.

What to Expect
Our recruitment process is fair and merit-based, 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. Passing each stage is necessary. The process may take 9-12 months, including vetting. Continue 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 to apply. Confidentiality is expected regarding the application process.