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 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 and seek out key information from spoken and written materials. You will contextualise and make the information accessible and understandable to others.
At MI5 and MI6, you’ll be part of a multi-disciplinary team and play an active role in directing projects and driving forward investigations. Confident reading, writing, speaking, and listening to Mandarin, you’ll do everything from translation and interpretation to operational work that includes planning, casework, and training.
At GCHQ, you’ll combine language and technical skills to piece together snippets of information collected 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. Essentially, you’ll be passionate about the language and 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. But whichever organisation you join, 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. 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 designed to encourage 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.
Other benefits include:
- 25 days’ annual leave, automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service.
- Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme.
- Excellent pension scheme.
Equal Opportunities
At MI5, MI6, and GCHQ diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone.
What to Expect
Our recruitment process is fair, transparent, and based on merit. Here is a brief overview of each stage, in order:
- Initial application and eligibility sift.
- In-person language tests in London.
- An in-person interview and analysis test.
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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