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Tajik Language Specialist
Posted 1 day 7 hours ago by MI5
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 various 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, all 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 be working at the heart of our mission, supporting high-value activities that will keep the country safe. We're looking for Tajik linguists for a role that goes beyond translation and transcription - this role is about more than words. Your knowledge of the Tajik language, as well as your understanding of Iranian cultures, ideology, and politics, will be a significant asset in safeguarding the UK.
As a linguist specialising in Tajik, your role involves analysing material in this language, providing insights to support analysts, investigators, and operational teams. You'll work autonomously, prioritising tasks and communicating with key stakeholders. With an adept knowledge of Tajik and surrounding culture, you'll identify nuances, seek out key information from spoken and written materials, contextualise it, and make it accessible to others. There may be a requirement to support language technology tools and AI in the given language. Interpretation might also be necessary, with full training provided. Working under pressure at times will be required, but full support from managers and other linguists will be available. Your contributions as a subject matter expert will be highly valued.
Collaboration within mission and language teams across different organisations 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 aspects of this role, all within a supportive environment. You'll engage in individual work and group projects, with opportunities for mentorship, skill development, and knowledge sharing.
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
You don't need any experience or qualifications to be a Tajik Language Specialist with us. However, you must have 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 a proficient user (at C1 level on the CEFR framework or equivalent) of Tajik.
At C1 level or higher, you are able to:
- Understand a wide range of longer and demanding texts or conversations.
- Express ideas fluently without searching for words.
- Use the language effectively in social, academic, or professional contexts.
- Create well-structured, detailed texts on complex topics.
At GCHQ, passive language skills are evaluated to the equivalent of C1 in reading and listening. MI5 requires C1 or equivalent across all four skills. You can access the CEFR self-assessment grid for more information.
Your proficiency could result 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 confident in verbal and written communication, and pride in your insights are essential.
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. Comprehensive training will be provided on tools, the role, context, and beyond language skills. MI5 offers language classes, immersion sessions, and support for language qualifications. GCHQ provides ongoing support, training, and funding for qualifications like CertTrans and DipTrans. Both agencies support your professional growth and knowledge sharing.
Rewards and Benefits
At MI5, starting salary is £39,152, with potential language allowances. At GCHQ, starting salary is £36,408, with an additional £3,120 after a 6-month probation. Benefits include 25 days' annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), public holidays, performance recognition, development budgets, flexible working, interest-free travel loans (GCHQ), pension schemes, cycle schemes, facilities, and parental leave.
Equal Opportunities
We value diversity and inclusion, reflecting society to protect the UK. Applications from underrepresented groups are encouraged, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled, and neurodivergent candidates. Details on our commitment are available on our websites.
Disability Confidence
We are a Leader within the DWP's Disability Confident scheme. We offer fair interviews for disabled candidates meeting role criteria. To secure an interview, demonstrate motivation and pass the Tajik language tests.
What to Expect
Our recruitment process is merit-based and transparent:
- Application and eligibility sift
- In-person language tests in London
- Interview and assessment centre (London or Cheltenham)
Travel expenses are not reimbursed.
Before You Apply
Applicants must be British citizens or dual nationals. Full eligibility details are on our websites. The role requires Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. More info is available online. Only apply from within the UK; applications from abroad are discouraged. Keep application details confidential, and consider practicalities of relocating to London or Cheltenham. An interest-free loan is available for MI5 relocations.
