Job Description
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. Your knowledge of the Mandarin language, as well as your in-depth 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 Mandarin culture, you’ll be able to identify nuances, and seek out key information from spoken and written materials, contextualise and, then make the information accessible and understandable to others. And, every step of the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to develop your own career path, focusing on the areas that interest you most. Whatever you’re doing, you’ll enjoy varied, unique work using Language skills you would never have considered could create such impact.
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, see explanation below) of Mandarin language in all its forms. Your proficiency could come from growing up in a multi-lingual family, undergoing language training in the military or studying Mandarin to a high level 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. But whichever organisation you join, we are looking for problems 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, as you will share your knowledge and contribute to professional standards of best practice.
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. Have a listen to a Mandarin audio clip here . If you can understand most of what’s said, we strongly encourage you to apply!
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