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 Chechen 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 such as cyber-attacks, espionage, terrorism, and organized crime. You’ll contribute to national security in a supportive and inclusive environment.
The Role
If you are passionate about 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 looking for Chechen linguists for roles that go beyond translation and transcription — involving analysis of material in Chechen, providing insights, and supporting operational teams. You’ll work independently, prioritise tasks, and communicate with stakeholders. Your knowledge of Chechen and surrounding culture will help identify nuances and extract key information from spoken and written materials. Support for language technology tools and interpretation may be required, with full training provided. Collaboration across teams and the use of language technology are essential. You may mentor others and develop your skills in analysis, reporting, and technical areas.
Please note, all MI5 contracts include a mobility clause, which may require serving away from your usual place of work for periods of duty or training.
About You
No experience or qualifications are required, but you must have strong language skills in Chechen, excellent English, and a good knowledge of Russian culture, history, religion, and politics. You should be proficient at C1 level or equivalent in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Your proficiency may come from growing up in a multilingual environment, military language training, or academic study. You should be inquisitive, analytical, and a confident communicator, both verbally and in writing. During the interview, you will need to pass a language proficiency test, including translation of articles and interpretation of audio materials. Reimbursement for travel expenses is not provided.
Training and Development
You will receive comprehensive training on tools, methods, and the role. Ongoing language maintenance classes, immersion sessions, and internal courses are available. GCHQ also supports further qualifications like CertTrans and DipTrans, funded by the organisation.
Rewards and Benefits
MI5 offers a starting salary of £39,152, with potential language allowances. GCHQ offers a starting salary of £36,408, plus £3,120 after 6 months. Benefits include annual leave, performance recognition, development budgets, flexible working, travel loans, pension, cycle scheme, on-site facilities, and parental leave.
Equal Opportunities
We value diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled, and neurodivergent individuals. Details on our diversity policies are available on our websites.
Disability Confidence
We are a Leader within the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme, offering fair interview opportunities for disabled applicants who meet the role's essential criteria.
What to Expect
Our recruitment process involves application review, in-person language tests, and interviews at London or Cheltenham. Passing each stage is necessary to proceed. The process may take 9-12 months, including vetting. Travel expenses are not reimbursed. All contracts include a mobility clause, requiring potential service away from your usual location.
Before You Apply
Applicants must be British citizens or hold dual British nationality. Full eligibility details are on our websites. The role requires Developed Vetting security clearance. Consider practicalities such as living proximity to London or Cheltenham, and note that applications should only be submitted from within the UK. Overseas applicants should wait until visiting the UK to apply. Confidentiality is expected regarding your application.
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