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 threats at home, overseas, and online, including cyber-attacks, espionage, terrorism, and organized crime. Working across these vital missions, you’ll deliver impact at the heart of national security within a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages everyone to thrive.
The Role
If you have a passion for languages, working as a language specialist for UK intelligence agencies offers a unique opportunity. You’ll support high-value activities that keep the country safe. We’re seeking Persian linguists for roles that go beyond translation and transcription. Your knowledge of Persian language, Iranian culture, ideology, and politics will be crucial in safeguarding the UK.
With strong proficiency in Persian, 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 of interest. The work will be varied and impactful, using language skills in ways you might not have considered.
At MI5 and MI6, you’ll be part of multidisciplinary teams, directing projects and investigations. Your work will require judgment, interpersonal skills, and cultural expertise. You’ll do everything from translation and interpretation to operational tasks like planning, casework, and training.
At GCHQ, you’ll combine language and technical skills to analyze digital communication snippets, using communication technologies to build intelligence, identify reportable information, and influence government policy.
About You
No formal experience or qualifications are necessary to become a Persian Language Specialist—just active and passive language skills, excellent written English, and a good understanding of Iranian culture, history, religion, and politics. You should be passionate about the language and proficient at C1 level or higher, which means:
* Understanding demanding texts and conversations
* Expressing ideas fluently
* Using the language effectively in social, academic, or professional contexts
* Creating detailed, well-structured texts on complex topics
A keen interest in technology will support your role at GCHQ. We value problem-solvers with interpersonal skills and attention to detail. You’ll also need:
* An analytical and inquisitive mind
* Good judgment and people skills
* A collaborative approach to sharing knowledge and maintaining professional standards
During the interview, you’ll need to pass a language proficiency test involving reading and translating newspaper articles and broadcasts. Results will be considered alongside role requirements on a case-by-case basis.
Training and Development
We foster an inclusive, supportive environment that encourages growth. We offer language events, workshops, professional qualifications, and a strong learning culture to develop your skills and knowledge. Joining MI5, MI6, or GCHQ connects you with a network of colleagues across agencies, enriching your perspectives through diversity of thought and approach.
For MI5 and MI6, we’ll identify development areas and create tailored training plans. You’ll receive induction, a buddy from your language group, and a supervisor to oversee your career. Training includes interpretation and access to language and non-language courses, including our corporate academy.
GCHQ offers similar development opportunities, with a community of language experts sharing knowledge. You’ll have a comprehensive induction and opportunities to attain CIOL qualifications and upskill, which may include financial rewards.
Regardless of your career path, you’ll be part of a dedicated linguist community working on critical, impactful projects.
Rewards and Benefits
At MI5 and MI6, starting salaries range from £36,408 to £44,818, with potential language allowances. GCHQ offers a starting salary of £36,408, plus a £3,000 annual bonus after six months.
Other benefits include:
* 25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 after five years, plus public holidays
* Recognition through performance schemes
* Personal Learning Budget (MI5 only)
* Flexible working options
* Interest-free season ticket loan (GCHQ only)
* Cycle to work scheme
* On-site facilities like gym, restaurant, coffee bars
* Paid parental and adoption leave
We value diversity and inclusion, reflecting society to better serve the UK. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled, and neurodivergent individuals.
Learn more about our culture and commitment to diversity on our websites. We are proud to have achieved Leader status in the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme, offering a person-to-person interview to disabled candidates who meet the role’s essential criteria, which are:
* Motivation and commitment to UK intelligence work (assessed via application)
* Pass in Persian language tests
What to Expect
Our recruitment process is merit-based and transparent:
* Application and eligibility review
* In-person language tests in London
* Interview and assessment center (London or Cheltenham)
You may need a hearing test. Passing each stage is necessary for progression. The process can take 9-12 months, including vetting, so continue current employment until final offer. Travel expenses are not reimbursed. The contracts include a mobility clause, and overseas postings are possible, especially with MI6.
Before You Apply
You must be a British citizen or dual British nationality. Full eligibility details are available online. The role requires Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance, with details provided online. We have a strict drugs policy; recreational drug use must be declared and abstained from once you start your application.
To maintain discretion, consider creating a separate email for your application, avoiding personal identifiers. The roles are based in London, Cheltenham, or Manchester; consider practicalities and costs before applying. For overseas applicants, wait until visiting the UK to apply. Applications from outside the UK are discouraged. Discuss your application only with close contacts.
Right to Withdraw
We may close the application earlier if enough applications are received. Submit early to avoid missing out.
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