Flexible Working: We support full-time, part-time, compressed, and flexible hours. Remote and homeworking are not available in London. There are limited opportunities for homeworking in Cheltenham and Manchester, as the role is primarily office-based.
Your knowledge of Persian could open up a career in intelligence. By joining MI5, MI6, and GCHQ, you can play your part in protecting the UK.
About Us
MI5, MI6, and GCHQ are 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 organized 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 support high-value activities that will keep the country safe. We’re looking for Persian linguists for roles that go beyond translation and transcription. Your knowledge of Persian language, Iranian culture, ideology, and politics will be a significant asset in safeguarding the UK.
With strong knowledge of Persian and surrounding culture, you’ll identify nuances and extract key information from spoken and written materials, contextualize it, and make it accessible to others. You’ll have opportunities to develop your career, focusing on areas that interest you most. Your work will be varied and impactful, using language skills in ways you might not have imagined.
At MI5 and MI6, you’ll be part of a multidisciplinary team, playing an active role in projects and investigations. The work requires judgment, interpersonal skills, and cultural expertise. You’ll be confident in reading, writing, speaking, and listening to Persian, engaging in translation, interpretation, operational planning, casework, and training.
At GCHQ, you’ll combine language and technical skills to analyze digital communications, build intelligence pictures, and influence government policy.
About You
No experience or qualifications are necessary, just active and passive language skills, excellent English, and knowledge of Iranian culture, history, religion, and politics. You should be passionate about Persian and proficient at C1 level or higher in all language skills. Proficiency can come from growing up in a multilingual family, military training, or academic study.
At C1 level, you can:
* Understand demanding texts and conversations.
* Express ideas fluently.
* Use the language effectively in social, academic, or professional contexts.
* Produce detailed, well-structured texts on complex topics.
Interest in technology will support your role at GCHQ. We seek problem solvers with interpersonal skills and attention to detail. You’ll need:
* An analytical, inquisitive mind.
* Good judgment and people skills.
* A collaborative approach to sharing knowledge and maintaining standards.
During interviews, you’ll take a language proficiency test involving reading and translating newspaper articles and broadcasts. Results will be considered alongside role requirements.
Training and Development
Our agencies offer an inclusive environment supporting your growth. We value talent and provide training, workshops, qualifications, and career development opportunities. You’ll join a network of linguists across the agencies, broadening your perspectives and approaches.
For MI5 and MI6, we tailor development plans, provide induction, mentorship, and training in interpretation and other skills. GCHQ offers a strong development program, mentorship, comprehensive induction, and opportunities for qualifications and upskilling.
Whichever path you choose, you’ll be part of a passionate community working on critical, impactful work.
Rewards and Benefits
At MI5 and MI6, starting salaries are £36,408 - £44,818, with potential language allowances. GCHQ offers a starting salary of £36,408, with a £3,000 annual bonus after probation.
Benefits include:
* 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years, plus public holidays.
* Recognition schemes.
* Personal Learning Budget (MI5).
* Flexible working options.
* Interest-free season ticket loans (GCHQ).
* Cycle to work scheme.
* On-site facilities like gyms and cafes.
* Paid parental and adoption leave.
We value diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled individuals, and neurodivergent persons.
Learn more about our culture and commitment to diversity on our websites.
We are a Leader within the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme, offering interviews to disabled candidates who meet role criteria. To qualify, demonstrate motivation and pass the Persian language test during application.
What to Expect
Our recruitment process is merit-based and transparent:
* Application and eligibility sift.
* In-person language tests in London.
* Interview and assessment center (London or Cheltenham).
You may need a hearing test. Passing all stages is necessary, and the process may take 9-12 months, including vetting. Continue current employment until final offer. Travel expenses are not reimbursed. The roles include a mobility clause, and overseas postings are possible for GCHQ.
Before You Apply
You must be a British citizen or dual national, with full eligibility criteria available online. The role requires Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. Consider setting up a discreet email account for applications. Roles in London require living nearby; GCHQ roles in Cheltenham or Manchester do as well. Applications should be submitted from within the UK; overseas applications are discouraged. Discuss your application only with close contacts.
Right to Withdraw
We may close the application early if sufficient applications are received. Submit early to avoid missing out.
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