Flexible Working: We support full-time, part-time, compressed, and flexible hours. Remote and homeworking are not available in London. Limited opportunities for homeworking exist 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 a 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 our vital missions, you’ll deliver impact at the heart of national security within a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters growth.
The Role
If you have a passion for languages, working as a language specialist for the UK intelligence agencies offers a unique opportunity. You’ll support high-value activities that keep the country safe. We are looking for 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 proficient knowledge of Persian and its culture, you’ll identify nuances, extract key information from spoken and written materials, contextualize it, and make it accessible. You’ll have opportunities to develop your career, focusing on areas that interest you. Your work will be varied, impactful, and use language skills in ways you might not have considered.
At MI5 and MI6, you’ll be part of multidisciplinary teams, playing roles in projects and investigations that require judgment, interpersonal skills, and cultural expertise. You’ll do everything from translation and interpretation to operational planning, casework, and training.
At GCHQ, you’ll combine language and technical skills to analyze digital communications, helping to build accurate intelligence pictures, identify reportable intelligence, and influence government policy.
About You
No formal experience or qualifications are required, 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 Persian and proficient (at least C1 level) in all its forms, which could come from growing up in a multilingual family, military training, or academic study.
At C1 level, you should be able to:
* Understand demanding texts and conversations.
* Express ideas fluently.
* Use the language effectively in social, academic, or professional contexts.
* Create detailed texts on complex topics.
Interest in technology is beneficial, especially for GCHQ roles. We seek problem solvers with interpersonal skills and attention to detail. You will also need:
* An analytical mindset.
* Good judgment and people skills.
* A collaborative approach to sharing knowledge and maintaining 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.
Training and Development
We promote an inclusive, supportive environment that encourages learning and growth. We value talent and provide opportunities for professional development, including language events, workshops, and qualifications. Joining MI5, MI6, or GCHQ means becoming part of a network that broadens perspectives through diversity of thought and approach.
For MI5 and MI6, training will be tailored to your development needs, including induction, mentorship, and access to language and non-language training, such as our corporate academy. GCHQ offers a strong development program with mentorship, comprehensive induction, and opportunities to attain Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) qualifications, along with upskilling and financial rewards.
Regardless of your path, you’ll join a community of passionate linguists working on critical, impactful work.
Rewards and Benefits
MI5 and MI6 offer a starting salary of £36,408 - £44,818, with potential language allowances. GCHQ offers a starting salary of £36,408, with a £3,000 annual bonus after six months.
Additional benefits include:
* 25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 days after five years, plus 10.5 days of public and privilege 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 such as gym, restaurant, and coffee bars.
* Paid parental and adoption leave.
We value diversity and inclusion, reflecting society’s diversity in our workforce. We encourage 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:
MI5, MI6, and GCHQ are proud to be Leaders in the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme, offering a person-to-person interview for disabled candidates who meet the role’s essential criteria, which are:
* Strong motivation and commitment to UK intelligence service work.
* Passing the Persian language tests.
What to Expect
Our recruitment process is merit-based and transparent, comprising:
* Application and eligibility sift.
* In-person language tests in London.
* In-person interview and assessment center (London or Cheltenham).
You may also need to undergo a hearing test. Passing each stage is essential, and the process may take 9-12 months, including vetting. We advise continuing current employment until final offer.
Travel expenses are not reimbursed. All contracts include a mobility clause, and overseas postings are possible for GCHQ roles, with consideration for personal circumstances.
Before You Apply
You must be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. Full eligibility criteria are available online. The role requires Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. More information is available on the vetting process.
Consider setting up a separate, discreet email account for your application. The role is based in London, Cheltenham, or Manchester, so living within commuting distance is necessary. Relocation costs are not covered, but interest-free loans may be available for MI5 and MI6 applicants moving into privately rented accommodation. Overseas applications are not accepted outside the UK. Discuss your application only with close contacts.
Right to Withdraw
We may close the application earlier if sufficient applications are received. Submit promptly to avoid missing out.
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