Tajik Language Specialist Ref. 3483

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

Job summary

Join MI5 as a Tajik linguist, where your language skills will play a crucial role in national security. Engage in analyzing materials, providing insights, and collaborating with teams. Enjoy comprehensive training and development opportunities in a supportive environment.

Benefits

25 days’ annual leave

Employee recognition schemes

Development budgets

Flexible working options

Pension scheme

Cycle-to-work scheme

On-site facilities like gym and cafes

Paid parental and adoption leave

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Analyze material in Tajik, providing insights to analysts and operational teams.
• Support language technology tools and AI.

Skills

Tajik

English

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 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 promotes growth and success.

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 be supporting 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 the Tajik language, Iranian cultures, ideology, and politics will be a significant asset in safeguarding the UK.

As a Tajik linguist, your responsibilities include analyzing material in this language, providing insights to analysts, investigators, and operational teams. You’ll work independently, prioritizing tasks and communicating with stakeholders. Your cultural knowledge will help identify nuances and extract key information from spoken and written materials, contextualizing it for others. There may be a need to support language technology tools and AI, with full training provided. Interpretation work may also be required. Support from managers and linguists will be available to help you succeed. Your expertise will be highly valued in this role.

Collaboration within mission and language teams across organizations is essential, utilizing language technology to piece together intelligence and support decision-making. You’ll engage in individual work and group projects, with opportunities for mentoring and skill development. This role offers significant learning and growth opportunities.

Please note, all MI5 contracts include a mobility clause, meaning you could be required to serve away from your usual location for duties or training.

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

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 in reading and listening, while MI5 requires C1 or equivalent across all four skills. For more details, see 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 be a confident communicator, both verbally and in writing, and take pride in your insights.

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

Training and Development
You’ll receive comprehensive induction on tools, methods, and ways of working. Training will cover tools, the role, and the context. Both MI5 and GCHQ offer language maintenance classes, immersion sessions, and internal courses. GCHQ also supports language qualifications like CertTrans and DipTrans, funded by the organization.

Both agencies support your continuous learning and career development, encouraging you to pursue areas of interest and improve your skills.

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 six months. Benefits include:
• 25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 after five years, plus public holidays
• Employee recognition schemes
• Development budgets (MI5)
• Flexible working options
• Travel loans (GCHQ)
• Pension scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• On-site facilities like gym and cafes
• Paid parental and adoption leave

Equal Opportunities
Diversity and inclusion are central to our mission. We seek a workforce reflecting society’s diversity, including different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled persons, and those from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Learn 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 Confidence
We are a Disability Confident Leader. We aim to interview candidates who self-identify as disabled and meet role criteria, offering a fair chance through our 'Offer of Interview' scheme. To qualify, demonstrate motivation to serve in UK intelligence and pass the Tajik language tests.

What to Expect
Our recruitment process is merit-based and transparent, comprising:

• Application and eligibility sift
• In-person language tests in London
• Interviews and assessment centres in London or Cheltenham

You may also undergo a hearing test. Passing each stage is mandatory. The process can take 9-12 months, including vetting. We advise you to maintain current employment until final offers are made.

Travel expenses are not reimbursed.

Before You Apply
Applicants must be British citizens or hold dual British nationality. Full eligibility criteria are available 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 information is available here:

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

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

Applicants should consider setting up a separate email for communications and ensure they are within a reasonable distance of London or Cheltenham. Relocation support is limited to MI5 employees moving into rented accommodation. Applications from outside the UK are discouraged. Discuss your application only with close contacts.

Right to Withdraw: We may close the application process early if we receive enough applications. Submit early to avoid missing out.