Tajik Language Specialist Ref. 3483

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 - it's 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 role involves 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 you 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 might also be necessary, with training. Working under pressure at times will be required, but full support 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. Identifying relevant material and fitting it into the intelligence narrative are key. You'll engage in individual work and group projects, with opportunities for mentoring, forming working groups, and enhancing analytical, reporting, or technical skills. This role offers significant learning and development opportunities.

Please note, all MI5 contracts include a mobility clause, meaning you could be liable to serve away from your usual workplace 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 strong writing, speaking, reading, and listening skills, excellent English, and a good knowledge of Iranian culture, history, religion, and politics. You should be passionate about the language and proficient (C1 level CEFR or equivalent) in Tajik.

At C1 level or higher, you can:
• Understand demanding texts or conversations.
• Express ideas fluently.
• Use the language effectively in social, academic, or professional settings.
• Create detailed texts on complex topics.

At GCHQ, passive skills are evaluated to the C1 level 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'll be inquisitive, curious, and a problem-solver. You won't take things at face value; you'll ask questions and think analytically. Working with others will be enjoyable; you're confident verbally and in writing, and you take pride in your insights.

During the interview, you'll need to pass a language proficiency test by translating newspaper articles, broadcasts, and interpreting audio materials. Results will be considered alongside role requirements. Travel expenses are not reimbursed.

Training and Development
You'll receive comprehensive induction on tools, methods, and ways of working. Training will cover tools, the role, and context. MI5 offers language classes, immersion sessions, internal courses, and funding for language qualifications. GCHQ provides support to maintain skills and encourages pursuing areas of interest, including management and analytical skills, with funding for qualifications like CertTrans and DipTrans.

Both agencies support your career growth and knowledge sharing.

Rewards and Benefits
MI5 offers a starting salary of £39,152, with potential language allowances. GCHQ offers £36,408, plus £3,120 after 6 months and recognition of language skills. Benefits include:
• 25 days' annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years, plus 10.5 days of public holidays.
• Employee recognition schemes.
• Development budgets (MI5).
• Flexible working options.
• Interest-free season ticket loan (GCHQ).
• Pension scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• On-site facilities such as gym, restaurant, coffee bars.
• Paid parental and adoption leave.

Equal Opportunities
Diversity and inclusion are vital. We seek a workforce reflecting society, including different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking, disabilities, and neurodivergence. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups.

Learn more about our culture and diversity efforts at:

We're Disability Confident
We are proud to be a Leader within the DWP's Disability Confident scheme, committed to fair recruitment and development of disabled candidates. To secure an interview, candidates must demonstrate motivation, commitment, and pass the Tajik language tests.

What to Expect
Our recruitment process includes:

• Application and eligibility sift
• In-person language tests in London
• Interview and assessment center in London or Cheltenham
You may also undergo a hearing test. Passing each stage is essential. 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 UK citizens or dual nationals. Read full criteria at:

The role requires Developed Vetting (DV) clearance. More info at:

Applicants should consider their security, practicalities, and travel plans before applying. Only applications from within the UK are accepted. Do not discuss your application publicly.