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 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. Your knowledge of the Mandarin language, as well as your understanding of Chinese culture, ideology, and politics will be a significant asset in helping to safeguard the UK.
With an adept knowledge of Mandarin language and culture, you’ll 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 and cultural expertise. Confident in reading, writing, speaking, and listening to Mandarin, you’ll engage in translation, interpretation, and operational work, including 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, enabling you to identify reportable intelligence and progress operations.
About You
You don’t need 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. Essentially, you’ll be passionate about the language and a proficient user (at C1 level) of Mandarin 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. You will also need:
- An analytical, enquiring mind.
- Good judgement and effective people skills.
- A collaborative approach to share your knowledge and contribute to best practices.
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 designed to encourage open minds. We value and nurture talent and are committed to ensuring you have the support and guidance to build a rewarding career. From language events to acquiring professional qualifications, our strong learning culture will continuously develop you.
Rewards and Benefits
At MI6 and MI5, you’ll receive a starting salary of £37,281 - £43,490 (plus the possibility of additional language allowances). At GCHQ, you’ll receive a starting salary of £34,663, with eligibility for an additional payment after a successful probationary period.
Other benefits include:
- 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years, plus public holidays.
- Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme.
- Personal Learning Budget (MI5 only).
- Opportunities to work flexibly.
- Excellent pension scheme.
Equal Opportunities
Diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. 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. 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.
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).
#J-18808-Ljbffr