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 and seek out key information from spoken and written materials, contextualise and make the information accessible and understandable to others. You’ll enjoy varied, unique work using language skills to create impact.
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. It’s rewarding work that will draw on your judgement, people skills, and linguistic and cultural expertise. Confident reading, writing, speaking, and listening to Mandarin, you’ll do everything from translation and interpretation to operational work.
At GCHQ, you’ll combine language and technical skills to piece together snippets of information from 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, religion, and politics. You’ll 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. You will also need:
- An analytical, enquiring mind.
- Good judgement and effective people skills.
- A collaborative approach to share your knowledge.
During the interview process, you’ll need to pass a language proficiency test by reading and translating newspaper articles and broadcasts.
Training and Development
At MI5, MI6, and GCHQ, 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. Upon successful completion of the probationary period, you’ll be eligible for an additional payment of £3,000 per annum in recognition of your language skill.
Other benefits include:
- 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years, and additional public holidays.
- Opportunities for recognition through our employee performance scheme.
- Personal Learning Budget (MI5 only).
- Flexible working opportunities.
- 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, 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, all our contracts include a mobility clause. This means you could be liable to serve away from your usual place of work for periods of detached duty or training.
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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