Job Description
Your knowledge of Mandarin 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 various threats at home, overseas, and online, including cyber-attacks, espionage, terrorism, and organised crime.
About The Role
If you have a passion for languages, working as a Language Specialist for the UK intelligence agencies presents a truly unique opportunity. You’ll be working at the heart of our mission, supporting high-value activities that will keep the country safe. We’re looking for Mandarin linguists for a role that is well beyond translation and transcription.
With an adept knowledge of Mandarin language and culture, you’ll be able to identify nuances, seek out key information from spoken and written materials, and make the information accessible and understandable to others. You’ll enjoy varied, unique work using language skills that create significant impact.
At MI5 and MI6, you’ll be part of a multi-disciplinary team, directing projects and driving forward investigations. It’s rewarding work that will draw on your judgement, people skills, and linguistic expertise. Confident reading, writing, speaking, and listening to Mandarin, you’ll engage in translation, interpretation, operational work, planning, casework, and training.
At GCHQ, you’ll combine language and technical skills to piece together information from various digital communication sources. You’ll apply analytical skills and an understanding of communication technologies to build an accurate intelligence picture.
About You
You don’t need any experience or qualifications to be a Mandarin Language Specialist with us, just active and passive language skills, excellent written English, and a good knowledge of Chinese culture, history, religion, and politics. You’ll need to be a proficient user (at C1 level) of Mandarin language in all its forms.
At C1 level or higher, you’re able to:
• Understand a wide range of longer and more demanding texts or conversations.
• Express ideas without too much searching.
• Effectively use the language for social, academic, or professional situations.
• Create well-structured and detailed texts on complex topics.
Having a keen interest in technology will support you at GCHQ. We are looking for problem solvers with interpersonal skills and a high attention to detail.
During the interview process, you’ll need to pass a language proficiency test by reading and translating newspaper articles and broadcasts.
Training and Development
We have an inclusive and supportive working environment that encourages open minds and approaches. We value and nurture talent and we’re committed to ensuring you have the support and guidance to build a rewarding career.
Rewards and Benefits
At MI6 and MI5, you’ll receive a starting salary of £37,281 - £43,490 (plus the possibility to qualify for additional language allowances). At GCHQ, you’ll receive a starting salary of £34,663, with potential for an additional payment of £3,000 per annum upon successful completion of the probationary period.
Other benefits include:
• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years' service.
• Opportunities for recognition through our employee performance scheme.
• Personal Learning Budget (MI5 only)
• Opportunities to work flexibly, subject to business needs.
• Excellent pension scheme.
• Facilities such as a gym and restaurant.
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from under-represented groups.
What to Expect
Our recruitment process is fair, transparent, and based on merit. You must successfully pass each stage of the process to progress.
Before You Apply
To work at MI5, MI6, or GCHQ, you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. This role requires the highest security clearance, known as Developed Vetting (DV).
Please note, all our contracts include a mobility clause. The MI5 and MI6 roles are based in London, while the GCHQ role is based in Cheltenham or Manchester.
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