Tajik Language Specialist Ref. 3483

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

Job summary

MI5 is seeking a Tajik Language Specialist to support intelligence activities. This role requires strong Tajik language skills and knowledge of Iranian culture, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to national security. The position includes comprehensive training and development opportunities, with a starting salary of £39,152.

Benefits

25 days’ annual leave

Employee recognition schemes

Development Budget

Flexible working options

Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Facilities like a gym and restaurant

Paid parental and adoption leave

Qualifications

• Strong writing, speaking, reading, and listening skills in Tajik.
• C1 level proficiency or equivalent in Tajik.
• Good knowledge of Iranian culture, history, religion, and politics.

Responsibilities

• Analyze material in Tajik and provide insights to teams.
• Support high-value activities that keep the country safe.
• Work autonomously and communicate with stakeholders.

Skills

Tajik proficiency

Analytical skills

Communication

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 keep the country safe. We’re looking for Tajik linguists for a role that goes beyond translation and transcription; this role involves more than words. Your knowledge of the Tajik language, 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, prioritize tasks, and communicate with stakeholders. With an in-depth understanding of Tajik and surrounding cultures, 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. Working under pressure will sometimes be required, but full support will be available. Your contributions as a subject matter expert will be highly valued.

Collaboration across mission and language teams is essential, using language technology to piece together intelligence and support informed decisions. You’ll engage in individual and group projects, mentoring other linguists, forming working groups, and developing your analytical, reporting, or technical skills. This role offers significant learning, development, and knowledge-sharing 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 detached duty or training.

About You
No experience or qualifications are necessary to become a Tajik Language Specialist. However, you must have strong writing, speaking, reading, and listening skills 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 (at C1 level or equivalent) in Tajik.

At C1 level or higher, you should be able to:
• Understand demanding texts or 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 equivalent of C1 in reading and listening, while MI5 requires C1 across all four skills. You can access the CEFR self-assessment grid for more details.

Your proficiency could come from growing up in a multilingual family, military language training, or high-level academic study of Tajik. You should be inquisitive, curious, and a problem-solver. You won’t take things at face value; you’ll ask questions and think analytically. Working well with others, being a confident communicator, and taking pride in your insights are important.

During the interview, you’ll need to pass a language proficiency test involving reading, translating newspaper articles, broadcasts, and interpreting audio materials. The results will be considered alongside the 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 on tools, the role, and context will be provided. MI5 offers language classes and immersion sessions, as well as internal training courses and funding for language qualifications. GCHQ provides support to maintain and develop your language skills, with options to pursue management, deep language skills, or analytical capabilities, including funding for qualifications like CertTrans and DipTrans.

Both agencies support your growth and exploration of new opportunities, fostering a rewarding career.

Rewards and Benefits
At MI5, starting salary is £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, rising to 30 after 5 years, plus 10.5 public holidays.
• Employee recognition schemes.
• Development Budget (MI5 only).
• Flexible working options.
• Interest-free season ticket loan (GCHQ).
• Pension scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Facilities like a gym, restaurant, and coffee bars.
• Paid parental and adoption leave.

Equal Opportunities
Diversity and inclusion are vital. We seek a workforce reflecting society, welcoming applications from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled people, and neurodivergent individuals. More info on our commitment 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 test.

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

• Application and eligibility sift
• In-person language tests in London
• Interview and assessment centre (London or Cheltenham)
A hearing test may also be required. You must pass each stage to proceed. 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 details are available at:

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 info at:

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

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

Applicants should consider practicalities and financial implications of relocation and ensure application is from within the UK. Overseas applications are discouraged. Only communicate with close contacts about your application. The MI5 roles are based in London; GCHQ roles are in Cheltenham.