Chechen Language Specialist Ref. 3482

Job description

While professional experience and qualifications are key for this role, make sure to check you have the preferable soft skills before applying if required.

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 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 keep the country safe. We’re looking for Chechen linguists for roles that go beyond translation and transcription — this is about more than words. Your knowledge of Chechen, Russian culture, ideology, and politics will be a significant asset in safeguarding the UK.

The role involves analyzing material in Chechen, providing insights to analysts, investigators, and operational teams. You’ll work independently, prioritize tasks, and communicate with stakeholders. Your cultural knowledge will help identify nuances and extract key information from spoken and written materials, contextualizing it for others. Support for language technology tools and AI may be required, with full training provided. Interpretation skills may also be needed. Working under pressure is sometimes necessary, but full support from managers and colleagues 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 and group projects, mentoring, and skill development, with opportunities for learning and growth.

Note: All MI5 contracts include a mobility clause, meaning you could be required to serve away from your usual workplace for periods of duty or training.

About You

No experience or qualifications are required to become a Chechen Language Specialist. However, you must have proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening in Chechen, excellent English, and a good understanding of Russian culture, history, religion, and politics. You should be passionate about the language and proficient (C1 level on the CEFR or equivalent).

At C1 or higher, 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

GCHQ evaluates passive skills to the equivalent of C1 in reading and listening, while MI5 requires C1 or equivalent across all four skills. Proficiency may come from growing up multilingual, military language training, or academic study. You should be inquisitive, analytical, a confident communicator, and pride yourself on your insights.

During the interview, you’ll need to pass language proficiency tests 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, training on tools, methods, and context. Ongoing training includes language maintenance classes, immersion sessions, and internal courses. GCHQ offers support for further qualifications like CertTrans and DipTrans, funded by the organization. Both agencies support your professional growth and exploration of new skills and areas of interest.

Rewards and Benefits

MI5 offers a starting salary of £39,152 with potential language allowances. GCHQ offers a starting salary of £36,408, with an additional £3,120 after six months. Benefits include:

• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 after five years, plus 10.5 public holidays
• Performance recognition schemes
• Development budgets (MI5)
• Flexible working options
• Interest-free season ticket loans (GCHQ)
• Excellent pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• On-site facilities like gym, restaurant, coffee bars
• Paid parental and adoption leave

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and inclusion, reflecting society we serve, and encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled individuals, and neurodivergent persons. Details are available on our websites:

https://www.MI5.gov.uk/careers/working-at-MI5/diversity

https://www.GCHQ-careers.co.uk/life-at-GCHQ/diversity-inclusion.html

Disability Confident

We are a Leader within the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme, committed to fair hiring practices for disabled candidates who meet the role’s criteria, offering an ‘Offer of Interview’ based on self-identification and essential criteria.

What to Expect

Our recruitment process is merit-based and transparent:

• Application and eligibility sift
• In-person language tests in London
• Interview and assessment centre (London or Cheltenham)

A hearing test may also be required. Passing each stage is necessary. The process may take 9-12 months, including vetting. Continue current employment until final offer.

Travel expenses are not reimbursed. All contracts include a mobility clause, potentially requiring service away from your usual location.

Before You Apply

You must be a British citizen or dual British nationality. Full eligibility criteria are available at:

https://www.MI5.gov.uk/careers/applying-for-jobs

https://www.GCHQ-careers.co.uk/how-to-apply.html

The role requires Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. Details are at:

https://www.MI5.gov.uk/careers/applying-for-jobs/vetting

https://www.gchq-careers.co.uk/how-to-apply.html

Recreational drug use must be declared and is prohibited once the process begins. Consider setting up a separate email for application correspondence, avoiding personal identifiers. MI5 roles are based in London; GCHQ roles in Cheltenham. Ensure you can commute. Relocation support is limited.

Applications should be submitted from within the UK. Overseas applications are discouraged. Discuss your application only with close contacts.

Right to Withdraw

We may close the application earlier if sufficient applications are received. Submit early to avoid missing out.

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