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 and play a vital role in national security. Utilize your language skills to analyze material, support intelligence activities, and collaborate with teams. Enjoy comprehensive training and development opportunities in a supportive environment.

Benefits

25 days’ annual leave

Recognition through performance schemes

Flexible working options

Excellent pension schemes

Cycle to work schemes

On-site facilities like gyms and cafes

Paid parental and adoption leave

Qualifications

• No prior experience or formal qualifications required.
• Proficient in writing, speaking, reading, and listening in Tajik.
• Excellent written English and understanding of Iranian culture.

Responsibilities

• Analyze material in Tajik, providing insights to analysts.
• Work autonomously, prioritizing tasks and communicating with stakeholders.
• Support language technology tools and AI.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication

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. 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 organised 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 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—this is about more than words. Your knowledge of Tajik, 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, prioritizing tasks and communicating with stakeholders. Your cultural knowledge will help you identify nuances and extract key information from spoken and written materials, contextualizing it for others. Support for language technology tools and AI may be required, with full training provided. Interpretation work may also be necessary. Working under pressure will be part of the role, but full support from managers and colleagues will be available. Your contributions as a subject matter expert 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. Key aspects include identifying relevant material and integrating it into the intelligence narrative. The role involves both individual and group work, including mentoring, forming working groups, and enhancing analytical, reporting, or technical skills. There are significant opportunities for learning, development, and knowledge sharing.

Please note, all MI5 contracts include a mobility clause, meaning you could be required to serve away from your usual place of work for periods of detached duty or training.

About You

No prior experience or formal qualifications are required to become a Tajik Language Specialist. However, you must have proficient writing, speaking, reading, 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 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, well-structured texts on complex topics.

GCHQ evaluates passive skills to the equivalent of C1 in reading and listening. MI5 requires C1 or equivalent across all four skills. Refer to the CEFR self-assessment grid for more details.

Your proficiency could stem from growing up in a multilingual family, military language training, or 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 pride in your insights are important qualities.

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 thorough induction on tools, methods, and ways of working. We understand starting a new role can be challenging, so comprehensive training will be provided. Initial training covers tools, the role, context, and beyond-language skills.

At MI5, you’ll have access to language maintenance classes, immersion sessions with Language Specialists, and internal courses, including support for language qualifications. GCHQ offers similar support, encouraging you to pursue interests in management, deep language skills, or analytical capabilities, with funding for qualifications like CertTrans and DipTrans.

Both agencies support your ongoing development, exploration of new opportunities, and building a rewarding career.

Rewards and Benefits

MI5 offers a starting salary of £39,152 with potential language allowances. GCHQ’s starting salary is £36,408, increasing by £3,120 after six months. Benefits include:

• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 after five years, plus 10.5 days of public holidays.
• Recognition through performance schemes.
• Development budgets (MI5).
• Flexible working options.
• Interest-free season ticket loans (GCHQ).
• Excellent pension schemes.
• Cycle to work schemes.
• On-site facilities like gyms and cafes.
• 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. 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

We have achieved Leader status in the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme, aiming to improve recruitment and retention of disabled candidates. To be considered for an interview, applicants must demonstrate motivation and pass the Tajik language tests during the application process.

What to Expect

The recruitment process is merit-based and includes:

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

Passing each stage is necessary to proceed. The process may take 9-12 months, including vetting. Travel expenses are not reimbursed.

Before You Apply

Applicants must be British citizens or hold dual British nationality. Full eligibility criteria are 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:

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 secure email account and ensure they are within a reasonable commuting distance to London or Cheltenham. Relocation costs are not covered.

Only applications from within the UK are accepted. Overseas applicants should wait until visiting the UK to apply. Confidentiality is expected regarding application details.