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 materials, and make the information accessible 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 and play an active role in directing projects and driving investigations. Confident in reading, writing, speaking, and listening to Mandarin, you’ll perform tasks from translation to operational work.
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, just active and passive language skills, excellent written English, and a good knowledge of Chinese culture, history, and politics. You’ll be a proficient user (C1 level) of Mandarin. Your proficiency could come from various backgrounds, including growing up in a multilingual family or studying Mandarin academically.
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.
You can also access the CEFR self-assessment grid for more information on our requirements.
Having a keen interest in technology will support you at GCHQ. We are looking for problem solvers with interpersonal skills and attention to detail. You will also need:
- An analytical, enquiring mind.
- Good judgement and effective people skills.
- A collaborative approach.
During the interview process, you’ll need to pass a language proficiency test. The result will be considered alongside the role requirements on a case-by-case basis.
Training and Development
At MI5, MI6, and GCHQ, we have an inclusive and supportive working environment. We value and nurture talent and are 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. At GCHQ, you’ll receive a starting salary of £34,663. Other benefits include:
- 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years.
- Personal Learning Budget (MI5 only).
- Excellent pension scheme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
Equal Opportunities
At MI5, MI6, and GCHQ, diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. We welcome applications from everyone, including those from under-represented groups.
What to Expect
Our recruitment process is fair and based on merit. Here is a brief overview of each stage:
- Initial application and eligibility sift.
- In-person language tests.
- An in-person interview and analysis test.
Please note, you must successfully pass each stage to progress. Your application may take around 6 - 9 months to process.
Before You Apply
To work at MI5, MI6, or GCHQ, you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality.
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