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 linguistic skills will help safeguard the UK. This role involves analyzing material, providing insights, and collaborating with teams. Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for growth and development.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Employee recognition schemes

Development budgets

Flexible working options

Pension scheme

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Analyze material in Tajik and provide insights.
• Support language technology tools and AI.
• Mentor other linguists and participate in group projects.

Skills

Tajik

English

Analytical Skills

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. You’ll deliver impact at the heart of national security within a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters growth and development.

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 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 autonomously, prioritize tasks, and communicate with stakeholders. Your cultural knowledge will help identify nuances and extract key information from spoken and written sources, contextualizing it for others. Support for language technology tools and AI may also be required, along with interpretation duties, for which full training will be provided. Working under pressure is sometimes necessary, but full support from managers and colleagues will be available. Your expertise will be highly valued.

Collaboration within mission and language teams across organizations is essential, utilizing language technology to piece together intelligence and support informed decisions. You’ll engage in individual and group projects, mentoring other linguists, participating in working groups, and enhancing your analytical, reporting, and technical skills. This role offers significant learning, development, and knowledge-sharing opportunities.

Please note, all MI5 contracts include a mobility clause, which may require you to serve away from your usual place of work for periods of detached duty or training.

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

At C1 level, you should be able to:
• Understand a wide range of demanding texts and conversations.
• Express ideas fluently and accurately.
• Use the language effectively in social, academic, or professional contexts.
• Produce well-structured, detailed 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 at a high level. You should be inquisitive, curious, and a problem-solver. You won’t take information at face value but will ask questions and analyze data to find solutions. You should be confident in verbal and written communication, enjoy working with others, and take pride in 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 a comprehensive induction on tools, methods, and ways of working. We understand starting a new role can be challenging, so initial training will cover tools, the role, context, and beyond language skills.

At MI5, you’ll have access to language classes, immersion sessions, and internal courses, including funding for language-related qualifications. GCHQ provides similar support, encouraging you to pursue areas of interest, including certifications like CertTrans and DipTrans with funding support.

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

Rewards and Benefits
MI5 offers a starting salary of £39,152, with potential for language allowances. GCHQ’s starting salary is £36,408, plus an additional £3,120 after a 6-month probation and recognition of your language skills.
Additional benefits include:
• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years, plus 10.5 days of public holidays.
• Employee recognition schemes.
• Development budgets (MI5 only).
• Flexible working options.
• Interest-free season ticket loans (GCHQ).
• Pension scheme, cycle-to-work scheme, onsite facilities, and paid parental leave.

Equal Opportunities
Diversity and inclusion are vital. We seek a workforce reflecting society, welcoming applicants 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

We’re Disability Confident
As a Leader within the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme, we aim to improve recruitment and retention of disabled candidates. Our ‘Offer of Interview’ (OOI) requires demonstrating motivation and passing the Tajik language tests.

What to Expect
Our recruitment process includes:

• Application and eligibility sift
• Language tests in London
• Interview and assessment centre (London or Cheltenham)
You must pass each stage to proceed. The process may take 9-12 months, including vetting. We advise continuing current employment until a final offer is received. Travel expenses are not reimbursed.

Before You Apply
Applicants must be British citizens or hold dual British nationality. 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

This role requires Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. More info is available at:

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

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

Applicants should consider personal security, including avoiding discussing applications outside trusted contacts, and ensure they are within a reasonable commuting distance to London or Cheltenham. Relocation costs are not covered. For overseas applicants, application from outside the UK is discouraged until visiting the UK.