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 our 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 the UK intelligence agencies offers a unique opportunity. You’ll support high-value activities that keep the country safe, utilizing your knowledge of Persian language and Iranian culture, ideology, and politics. Your skills will help identify nuances and extract key information from spoken and written materials, making it accessible and understandable to others.
You’ll have opportunities to develop your career path, focusing on areas of interest, and engaging in varied work that leverages your language skills in impactful ways.
At MI5 and MI6, you’ll be part of a multidisciplinary team, playing an active role in directing projects and investigations, using your judgment, interpersonal skills, and linguistic expertise. You’ll perform translation, interpretation, and operational work, including planning, casework, and training.
At GCHQ, you’ll combine language and technical skills to analyze digital communication sources, build intelligence pictures, and support operational and policy decisions.
About You
No formal experience or qualifications are required, 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, which includes understanding demanding texts, expressing ideas fluently, and creating detailed texts on complex topics.
A keen interest in technology supports your role at GCHQ. We seek problem solvers with interpersonal skills, high attention to detail, good judgment, and a collaborative approach. During the interview, you’ll need to pass a language proficiency test involving reading and translating newspaper articles and broadcasts.
Training and Development
We offer an inclusive, supportive environment with continuous development opportunities, including language events, workshops, professional qualifications, and tailored training plans. You’ll be part of a network across the agencies, gaining insights into how Persian is used in our work, with opportunities for upskilling and recognition.
Rewards and Benefits
Starting salaries are £36,408 - £44,818 at MI5 and MI6, with potential language allowances. GCHQ offers a starting salary of £36,408, with a £3,000 annual bonus after probation. Benefits include generous leave, performance recognition, personal learning budgets, flexible working, travel loans, facilities, and parental leave.
We value diversity and encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled, and neurodivergent individuals.
More information on our culture and diversity initiatives is available on our websites. We are committed to the Disability Confident scheme, offering interviews to self-identified disabled candidates who meet the role’s essential criteria.
What to Expect
The recruitment process is fair and merit-based, involving application screening, in-person language tests, interviews, and assessments. All stages must be passed to progress, and the process may take 9-12 months, including vetting. Travel expenses are not reimbursed, and roles may require mobility and overseas postings.
Before You Apply
Applicants must be UK citizens or dual nationals, and eligible for Developed Vetting security clearance. Consider practicalities such as residence, relocation, and application timing. Only apply from within the UK, and do not discuss your application with others except close family or partners.
Right to Withdraw Statement
We reserve the right to close the application earlier once sufficient applications are received. Submit your application promptly to avoid missing out.
#J-18808-Ljbffr