Tajik Language Specialist Ref. 3483

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

Job summary

Join MI5 as a Tajik linguist, playing a crucial role in national security by analyzing and interpreting materials in Tajik. This role offers opportunities for professional growth, training, and collaboration within a supportive environment. No prior experience is required, but proficiency in Tajik and knowledge of Iranian culture are essential.

Benefits

25 days’ annual leave

Pension scheme

Flexible working options

Development budgets

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Proficiency in writing, speaking, reading, and listening in Tajik.
• Knowledge of Iranian culture, history, religion, and politics.

Responsibilities

• Analyze material in Tajik and provide insights to teams.
• Support language technology tools and AI.
• Work autonomously and communicate with stakeholders.

Skills

Tajik

Analytical Thinking

Communication

Education

C1 Proficiency 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. 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 presents 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 role involves more than words. Your knowledge of 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, extract key information from spoken and written materials, and make it accessible. Support for language technology tools and AI may be required, with full training provided. Interpretation may also be necessary. Working under pressure is sometimes required, but full support from managers and colleagues will be available. As a subject matter expert, your contributions 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 and skill development. This role offers significant learning and growth opportunities.

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 duty or training.

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

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 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. More information is available in 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 keen problem-solver, asking questions and thinking analytically. You should be confident in verbal and written communication 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
Upon joining, you’ll receive a comprehensive induction on tools, methods, and ways of working. Training will cover tools, the role, and context, ensuring you’re prepared. MI5 offers language classes and immersion sessions, along with internal training and funding for language qualifications. GCHQ provides support to maintain language skills and encourages pursuing interests in management, analytical, or reporting areas, with funding available for qualifications like CertTrans and DipTrans.

Both agencies support your professional growth and exploration of new opportunities within a supportive environment.

Rewards and Benefits
MI5 offers a starting salary of £39,152, with potential language allowances. GCHQ’s starting salary is £36,408, with an additional £3,120 after a 6-month probation. Benefits include:
• 25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 after 5 years, plus 10.5 days of holidays
• Recognition through performance schemes
• Development budgets (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 underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled, and neurodivergent individuals. More details 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
MI5 and GCHQ are proud to be Leader scheme members, committed to improving employment opportunities for disabled people. To qualify for an interview, candidates must demonstrate motivation and pass the Tajik language tests.

What to Expect
Our recruitment process is fair and merit-based, including:

• Application and eligibility sift
• In-person language tests in London
• Interview and assessment centre (London or Cheltenham)
Additional hearing tests may be required. 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.

Before You Apply
Applicants must be British citizens or dual nationals. 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

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 setting up a separate email for contact, avoid personal info, and ensure they are within a commutable distance to London or Cheltenham. Relocation costs are not covered. Applications from overseas should be made only when visiting the UK. Discussing your application should be limited to close contacts.

Note, the application closing date may be brought forward once enough applications are received. Submit early to avoid missing out.