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 support national security efforts. This role involves analyzing Tajik material, collaborating with teams, and contributing to intelligence operations. Enjoy comprehensive training and development opportunities while working in a supportive environment.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Performance recognition schemes

Development budgets

Flexible working options

Excellent pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Paid parental and adoption leave

Qualifications

• Strong skills in speaking, reading, writing, and listening in Tajik.
• Excellent written English and understanding of Iranian culture.
• No prior experience or qualifications required.

Responsibilities

• Analyze material in Tajik and provide insights to teams.
• Collaborate across teams using language technology.
• Engage in projects and mentor others.

Skills

Tajik

English

Cultural Knowledge

Education

CEFR C1

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.

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—your knowledge of Tajik, Iranian cultures, ideology, and politics will be a significant asset.

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. Support for language technology tools and interpretation will be provided. Working under pressure may be required, with full support available. Your contributions as a subject matter expert will be valued.

Collaboration across teams and organizations, using language technology to piece together intelligence, is essential. You’ll engage in individual and group projects, mentoring others, 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 liable to serve away from your usual workplace for periods of duty or training.

About You

No experience or qualifications are required to become a Tajik Language Specialist. However, you must have strong skills in speaking, reading, writing, 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 CEFR C1 level or equivalent.

At C1 level, you can:

• Understand 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 skills to the C1 level in reading and listening, while MI5 requires C1 across all four skills. More information is available in the CEFR self-assessment grid.

Your proficiency may come from growing up in a multilingual family, military language training, or academic study. You should be inquisitive, curious, and a problem-solver, questioning and analyzing information. You’ll enjoy working with others, be confident in communication, and pride yourself on 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 working practices. Training will cover tools, context, and job-specific skills. MI5 offers language classes, immersion sessions, and support for language qualifications. GCHQ provides ongoing support to maintain language skills and opportunities to pursue further qualifications, including funded CertTrans and DipTrans exams.

Both agencies support your professional growth and exploration of new opportunities, helping you build a rewarding career.

Rewards and Benefits

MI5 offers a starting salary of £39,152, with potential language allowances. GCHQ offers a starting salary of £36,408, plus an additional £3,120 after a 6-month probation. Benefits include:

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

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and inclusion, reflecting society and enhancing our mission. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups such as women, ethnic minorities, disabled individuals, and neurodivergent persons.

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 are a Leader within the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme, committed to fair recruitment and development of disabled candidates. To secure an interview, demonstrate motivation and pass the Tajik language tests.

What to Expect

Our recruitment process is merit-based and transparent:

• Application and eligibility sift
• In-person language tests in London
• 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

You must be a British citizen or dual national. 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

All roles require Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. More details are 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, to ensure eligibility. Do not discuss your application publicly. Consider practicalities and costs of relocation and living arrangements. MI5 offers an interest-free loan for relocation; GCHQ does not.

Note: Only applications from within the UK are accepted. The closing date may be brought forward once enough applications are received, so apply early.