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 Mandarin culture, you’ll be able to identify nuances, and seek out key information from spoken and written materials. 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 investigations. It’s rewarding work that will draw on your judgement, people skills, as well as linguistic and cultural expertise.
At GCHQ, you’ll combine language and technical skills to piece together information collected from various digital communication sources.
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. Your proficiency should be at C1 level or higher.
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. You will also need:
* An analytical, enquiring mind.
* Good judgement and effective people skills.
* A collaborative approach to share knowledge and contribute to professional standards.
During the interview process, you’ll need to pass a language proficiency test. If you can understand most of a Mandarin audio clip, we strongly encourage you to apply!
Training and Development
We have an inclusive and supportive working environment that encourages open minds and approaches. 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 (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, rising to 30 days after 5 years' service.
* Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme.
* Excellent pension scheme.
* Cycle to work 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.
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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