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. Enjoy comprehensive training and support in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Performance recognition schemes

Development budgets

Flexible working options

Pension scheme

Cycle-to-work scheme

On-site gym and facilities

Paid parental leave

Qualifications

• Proficient in writing, speaking, reading, and listening in Tajik.
• Good knowledge of Iranian culture, history, religion, and politics.

Responsibilities

• Analyze material in Tajik and provide insights to teams.
• Identify nuances and extract key information from materials.

Skills

Tajik

English

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 such as cyber-attacks, espionage, terrorism, and organized crime. Working across 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 role 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, prioritize tasks, and communicate with stakeholders. With an in-depth understanding of Tajik and surrounding culture, you’ll identify nuances, extract key information from spoken and written materials, and make it accessible. Support for language technology tools and AI may be required, and interpretation support will be provided through full training. Working under pressure at times, you’ll receive full support from managers and linguists to help you succeed. 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. You’ll engage in individual and group projects, mentorship, and skill development in analytical, reporting, and technical areas. 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 required to become a Tajik Language Specialist. However, you must have proficient skills 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 (at CEFR C1 level 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, while 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 high-level academic study of Tajik. You should be inquisitive, curious, and a problem-solver who questions and analyzes. You’ll enjoy working with others, be confident in verbal and written communication, and pride yourself on your insights.

During the interview, you’ll need to pass a language proficiency test involving reading, translating newspaper articles, 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 provide comprehensive training to help you succeed, including initial training on tools, the role, and context. MI5 offers language classes and immersion sessions; GCHQ provides ongoing support, with options to pursue language qualifications funded by the organization.

Both agencies support continuous learning and skill enhancement, encouraging you to pursue interests like management, advanced language skills, or analytical capabilities, with funding for qualifications like CertTrans and DipTrans.

Whether at MI5 or GCHQ, you’ll have the resources to explore opportunities, further your knowledge, and develop a rewarding career.

Rewards and Benefits
MI5 offers a starting salary of £39,152, with potential language allowances. GCHQ offers a starting salary of £36,408, with an additional £3,120 after six months and recognition of language skills.
Additional benefits include:
• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years, plus 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays.
• Performance recognition schemes.
• Development budgets (MI5).
• Flexible working options.
• Interest-free season ticket loans (GCHQ).
• Pension scheme.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• On-site facilities such as gym, restaurants, and coffee bars.
• Paid parental and adoption leave.

Equal Opportunities
Diversity and inclusion are vital to our mission. We seek a workforce reflecting society, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups such as women, ethnic minorities, disabled individuals, and neurodivergent persons. Learn more 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
MI5 and GCHQ are leaders in the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme, committed to fair recruitment and development of disabled candidates. To qualify for an interview, you must demonstrate motivation, commitment, and pass the Tajik language tests.

What to Expect
Our process is fair and merit-based, including:
• Application and eligibility sift
• In-person language tests in London
• Interview and assessment center (London or Cheltenham).
You may also need to pass a hearing test. Successful completion of each stage is required. The process may take 9-12 months, including vetting. We recommend continuing current employment until final offers are made. Travel expenses are not reimbursed.

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

All roles require Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. More information 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, anonymous email account for application correspondence. The roles are based in London (MI5) and Cheltenham (GCHQ); applicants should reside within a reasonable commuting distance and consider relocation options, as applicable. Applications from outside the UK are not accepted. Discussing your application should be limited to close contacts.

Right to Withdraw
We reserve the right to close the application process early once sufficient applications are received. Submit your application promptly to avoid missing out.