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 such as cyber-attacks, espionage, terrorism, and organized crime. Working across these 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 the UK intelligence agencies offers a unique opportunity. You’ll support high-value activities that help 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 crucial in safeguarding the UK.
You’ll identify nuances and extract key information from spoken and written materials, contextualize it, and make it accessible to others. There are many opportunities to develop your career, focusing on areas that interest you most. Your work will be varied and impactful, utilizing language skills you might not have considered could create such a difference.
At MI5 and MI6, you’ll be part of a multidisciplinary team, playing an active role in directing projects and investigations. Your work will involve judgment, interpersonal skills, and linguistic and cultural expertise, including translation, interpretation, operational planning, casework, and training.
At GCHQ, you’ll combine language and technical skills to analyze information from digital communication sources. Working with technical experts, you’ll build intelligence pictures, identify reportable intelligence, 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 knowledge of Iranian culture, history, religion, and politics. You should be passionate about the language and proficient (at C1 level or higher) in all its forms. Your proficiency could stem from growing up in a multilingual family, military language training, or academic studies.
At C1 level, you can:
* Understand demanding texts and conversations.
* Express ideas fluently.
* Use the language effectively in social, academic, or professional contexts.
* Create detailed texts on complex topics.
A keen interest in technology will be beneficial, especially at GCHQ. We also seek problem solvers with interpersonal skills and high attention to detail, along with:
* An analytical and inquisitive mind.
* Good judgment and effective people skills.
* A collaborative approach, 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.
Training and Development
We offer an inclusive, supportive environment that encourages growth. You’ll have access to language events, workshops, professional qualifications, and continuous development opportunities. Joining MI5, MI6, or GCHQ means being part of a network that values diversity of thought and approach.
We will tailor a development plan based on your needs, including induction, mentorship, and training in interpretation and other skills. GCHQ provides a strong community of language experts and opportunities for professional qualifications, such as CIOL, with potential financial rewards.
Rewards and Benefits
At MI5 and MI6, starting salary ranges from £36,408 to £44,818, with potential language allowances. GCHQ offers a starting salary of £36,408, with a £3,000 annual bonus after probation.
Additional benefits include:
* 25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 after 5 years, plus public holidays.
* Recognition schemes, personal learning budgets, flexible working, interest-free season ticket loans (GCHQ), cycle schemes, on-site facilities, and parental leave.
We value diversity and inclusion, aiming for a workforce that reflects society. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled, neurodivergent, and socio-economically disadvantaged individuals.
Learn more about our culture and commitment to diversity on our websites.
Our organization has achieved Disability Confident Leader status, offering fair opportunities for disabled applicants, including person-to-person interviews for those meeting essential criteria.
What to Expect
Our recruitment process is merit-based and transparent, comprising:
* Application and eligibility check.
* In-person language testing in London.
* Interview and assessment center in London or Cheltenham.
You may also need to undergo a hearing test. Passing each stage is essential for progression. The process can take 9-12 months, including vetting, so we advise continuing current employment until final offer.
Travel expenses are not reimbursed. All contracts include a mobility clause, potentially requiring service away from your usual location. Overseas travel and postings are possible, especially with MI6, considering personal circumstances.
Before You Apply
You must be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. Read full eligibility criteria and vetting process details on our websites. A strict drugs policy applies; recreational drug use must be disclosed and abstained from during application.
We recommend setting up a discreet email for correspondence, avoiding personal identifiers. Consider practicalities of relocating if based outside London, Cheltenham, or Manchester. Applications should be submitted from within the UK, and only when physically present in the UK.
Right to Withdraw
We may close the application earlier if enough applications are received. Submit early to avoid missing out.
#J-18808-Ljbffr