Persian Language Specialist Ref. 3570

Overview

Flexible Working: we support full-time, part-time, compressed, and flexible hours. Remote and homeworking are not available, as the role is office-based.

Your knowledge of Persian could open the door to a career in intelligence. By joining MI5 and MI6, you'll play a vital role in protecting the UK.

About Us

MI5 and MI6 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. By working across our vital missions, you'll make an impact at the heart of national security, in a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can 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 be at the heart of our mission, supporting high-value activities that help keep the country safe. We're looking for Persian linguists for a role that goes beyond translation and transcription. Your knowledge of the Persian language, along with your deep understanding of Iranian culture, ideology, and politics, will be a vital asset in safeguarding the UK.

With proficiency in Persian and a nuanced understanding of the surrounding culture, you'll identify subtleties and extract key information from spoken and written materials, contextualise it, and make it accessible to others. Throughout your career, you'll have opportunities to shape your own path, focusing on areas that interest you most. You'll enjoy varied and meaningful work, using your language skills in ways you may not have imagined.

At MI5 and MI6, you'll be part of a multi-disciplinary team and play an active role in directing projects and driving forward investigations. It's rewarding work that draws on your judgement, people skills, and linguistic and cultural expertise. Confident in reading, writing, speaking, and listening to Persian, you'll be involved in everything from translation and interpretation to operational work, including planning, casework, and training.

About You

You don't need any experience or formal qualifications to become a Persian Language Specialist with us, just active and passive language skills, excellent written English, and a good knowledge of Iranian culture, history, religion, and politics. You'll be a passionate language user (at C1 level, see explanation below) of Persian in all its forms. Proficiency may come from growing up in a multilingual family, military language training, or high-level academic study of Persian.

At C1 level or higher, you're able to:

• Understand a wide range of longer and more demanding texts or conversations
• Express ideas without too much searching for words
• Use the language effectively in social, academic, or professional situations
• Create well-structured and detailed texts on complex topics

You can access the CEFR self-assessment grid for more information on our requirements.

We're looking for problem solvers with strong interpersonal skills and a keen eye for detail. You'll also need:

• An analytical, enquiring mind
• Good judgement and effective people skills
• A collaborative approach, as you'll share knowledge and contribute to professional standards of best practice

During the interview process, you'll be required to pass a language proficiency test, which involves reading and translating newspaper articles and broadcasts. The results will be assessed alongside the role requirements on a case-by-case basis.

Training and Development

We foster an inclusive and supportive working environment designed to encourage open minds and diverse approaches. We value talent and are committed to ensuring you have the support and guidance needed to build a rewarding career at the heart of national security. From language events and workshops to professional qualifications, our learning culture will continuously develop your knowledge, skills, and professional growth. By joining MI5 or MI6, you'll be part of a network across both agencies, broadening perspectives through diversity of thought and approach.

As part of the selection process, we'll identify specific areas for development and tailor a training plan. Upon joining, you'll receive an induction and be assigned a buddy from the same language area to help you settle in. You'll also be paired with a professional head who will oversee your career interests. You'll receive training in applied skills such as interpretation and gain access to a range of language and non-language training opportunities, including our corporate academy.

Whatever your career path, you'll be part of a community of passionate, dedicated linguists, working together on critical work you won't find elsewhere.

Rewards and Benefits

You'll receive a starting salary of £39,152 to £44,818, with the possibility to qualify for additional language allowances once in the role.

Other benefits include:

• 25 days' annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, plus 10.5 days' public and privilege holidays
• Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
• Personal Learning Budget (MI5 only)
• Opportunities to work flexibly, subject to business needs
• Excellent pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• On-site facilities such as a gym and restaurant, and coffee bars
• Paid parental and adoption leave

Equal Opportunities

At MI5 and MI6, diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission to protect the UK. We need a truly diverse workforce reflecting society, including individuals with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking, and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including groups that are under-represented in our workforce.

Find out more about our culture, working environment, and commitment to diversity on our websites: MI5 MI6

Disability Confident

MI5 and MI6 are proud to have achieved Leader status within the DWP's Disability Confident scheme. This scheme encourages employers to recruit disabled people and offer an interview to those who meet the minimum criteria. To secure an interview, the minimum criteria are:

• Demonstrate motivation and commitment to work for the UK intelligence agencies, assessed at the application form sift
• Pass the Persian language tests

There is a wide range of extra support available throughout the recruitment process; see our websites for information on reasonable adjustments: MI5 MI6

What to Expect

Our recruitment process is fair, transparent, and based on merit. Here is a brief overview of each stage, in order:

• Initial application and eligibility sift
• In-person language tests in London
• In-person interview and assessment centre in London

You may also be required to undergo a hearing test for this role.

Please note you must pass each stage to progress. The process may take around 9 to 12 months, including vetting; continue any current employment until you have received a final offer. We do not reimburse travel expenses.

Contracts include a mobility clause, so you could be required to serve away from your usual place of work for periods of detached duty or training.

In MI6, there are opportunities for overseas travel and postings. We'll make every effort to consider personal circumstances when opportunities arise.

Before You Apply

To work at MI5 or MI6, you'll need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. Full eligibility criteria are on our websites: MI5 MI6

This role requires the highest security clearance, developed Vetting (DV). See the vetting process on our websites: MI5 MI6

Please note a strict drugs policy applies; you must declare any previous drug usage at the relevant stage.

Consider setting up a separate email address for your application; avoid including identifying features in your email address. This helps manage your application securely.

Roles are based in London; you'll need to live within a commutable distance. An interest-free loan via our benevolent fund is available for those relocating to privately rented accommodation.

Applications from overseas should wait until you visit the UK to apply. Do not discuss your application beyond close contacts.

Right to Withdraw Statement

We reserve the right to close the rolling window for this role once enough applications have been received. Submit your application early to avoid disappointment.