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 contribute to national security. This role involves analyzing Tajik materials, providing insights, and collaborating with teams. Comprehensive training is provided, and opportunities for development are available.

Benefits

25 days’ annual leave

Development budget

Flexible working options

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Tajik required, with excellent written English.
• No experience or qualifications needed, but cultural knowledge is essential.

Responsibilities

• Analyze materials in Tajik and provide insights to teams.
• Support language technology tools and AI.
• Mentor others and engage in group projects.

Skills

Tajik

English

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

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, when 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 keep the country safe. We’re looking for Tajik linguists for roles that go beyond translation and transcription—this is about more than words. Your knowledge of Tajik, Iranian cultures, ideology, and politics will be a significant asset in safeguarding the UK.

The role involves analyzing material in Tajik, providing insights to analysts, investigators, and operational teams. You’ll work autonomously, prioritizing tasks and communicating with stakeholders. With an in-depth understanding of Tajik and surrounding culture, you’ll identify nuances, extract key information from spoken and written materials, contextualize it, and make it accessible. There may be a requirement to support language technology tools and AI, with full training provided. Interpretation may also be necessary, with training provided. Working under pressure at times, you’ll receive full support from managers and linguists. 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, mentoring others, forming working groups, or enhancing analytical and technical skills. This 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 place of work for periods of duty or training.

About You

No experience or qualifications are required to be 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 on the CEFR framework or equivalent).

At C1 level or higher, you can:

• Understand a wide range of 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 language skills to the equivalent of C1 in reading and listening; MI5 requires C1 or equivalent across all four skills. You can access the CEFR self-assessment grid for more info.

Your proficiency could come from growing up in a multilingual family, military language training, or academic study. You should be inquisitive, curious, a keen problem-solver, and analytical. You’ll enjoy working with others, 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. The results will be considered alongside role requirements. Travel expenses are not reimbursed.

Training and Development

Upon joining, you’ll receive an 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; GCHQ provides support to keep skills current, and funding for language qualifications like CertTrans and DipTrans is available. Both agencies support your growth and exploration of new opportunities.

Rewards and Benefits

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

• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years, plus holidays.
• Recognition schemes.
• Development budget (MI5).
• Flexible working options.
• Interest-free season ticket loan (GCHQ).
• Pension scheme, cycle scheme, facilities, and parental leave.

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and inclusion, reflecting society we serve. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups including women, ethnic minorities, disabled, and neurodivergent individuals. More info 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’re proud to be a Leader within the DWP’s scheme, offering fair interviews to disabled candidates who meet role criteria. To secure an interview, demonstrate motivation and pass the language tests.

What to Expect

Our recruitment is merit-based and transparent:

• Application and eligibility sift
• Language tests in London
• Interview and assessment centre in London or Cheltenham

You may need to undergo a hearing test. Successful completion of all stages is required. The process may take 9-12 months, including vetting. Continue current employment until final offer.

Travel expenses are not reimbursed. Apply from within the UK; overseas applications are not accepted. Discuss your application only with close contacts.

Before You Apply

You must be a British citizen 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, details here:

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

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

Consider setting up a separate email for applications. MI5 roles are based in London; GCHQ in Cheltenham. Ensure you are within a commutable distance and consider relocation implications. Overseas applications should wait until visiting the UK. Do not discuss your application publicly.