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 threats such as cyber-attacks, espionage, terrorism, and organised crime. Working across our vital missions, you’ll deliver impact at the heart of national security within a supportive and inclusive environment.
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 help keep the country safe. We’re looking for Tajik linguists for roles that go beyond translation and transcription—your knowledge of the Tajik language, Iranian cultures, ideology, and politics will be a significant asset.
The role involves analyzing material in Tajik, providing insights to analysts, investigators, and operational teams. You’ll work autonomously, prioritize tasks, and communicate with stakeholders. Your cultural knowledge will help identify nuances and extract key information from spoken and written materials. Support for language technology tools and interpretation will be provided. Working under pressure may be required, but full support will be available.
Collaboration within mission and language teams across organizations is essential, using language technology to piece together intelligence. You’ll engage in individual work and group projects, with opportunities for mentoring, learning, and skill development.
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 Tajik language skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening), excellent 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 equivalent, capable of understanding demanding texts and conversations, expressing ideas clearly, and creating detailed texts on complex topics.
Proficiency can come from growing up in a multilingual family, military language training, or academic study. You’ll be inquisitive, curious, and a problem-solver, with strong communication skills and pride in your insights.
During the interview, you’ll need to pass a language proficiency test involving reading, translating, listening, and interpreting. Results will be considered alongside role requirements. Travel expenses are not reimbursed.
Training and development
Upon joining, you’ll receive comprehensive induction and training on tools, methods, and context. Ongoing language maintenance classes, immersion sessions, and internal courses will be available. Support for language qualifications like CertTrans and DipTrans is provided, helping you develop your skills and advance your career.
Rewards and Benefits
At MI5, starting salary is £39,152, with potential language allowances. At GCHQ, starting salary is £36,408, increasing after six months. Benefits include holiday entitlement, performance recognition, development budgets, flexible working, travel loans, pension schemes, cycling schemes, on-site facilities, and parental leave.
Equal Opportunities
We value diversity and inclusion, reflecting society in our workforce. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and neurodivergent individuals. More info on our websites:
MI5 Diversity
GCHQ Diversity & Inclusion
Disability Confidence
We are a Leader within the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme, committed to fair recruitment and support for disabled applicants. To qualify for an interview, demonstrate motivation and pass the Tajik language test.
What to Expect
The recruitment process includes application, language testing, interview, and assessment center, primarily in London or Cheltenham. A hearing test may also be required. Successful candidates will pass all stages; the process can take 9-12 months. Travel expenses are not reimbursed.
Before You Apply
You must be a British citizen or dual national, with full eligibility criteria available online. The role requires DV security clearance. Consider practicalities such as residence location, relocation, and application timing. Overseas applicants should wait until visiting the UK to apply. Do not discuss your application outside close contacts.
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