Mandarin Language Talent Programme — Path to a Full-Time Role

GCHQ; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

GCHQ invites applications for the Mandarin Language Talent Programme. This 11‑week, full-time, office-based programme in Cheltenham/Manchester offers dedicated training, supervised operations, and language analysis experience.

Successful candidates may transition into a permanent Mandarin Language Specialist role. Start date is September 2027, with assessments including language tests and competency interviews.

Qualifications

• Must have a 2:2 degree or above in Mandarin or be expected to obtain one by Autumn 2026.
• Must be adaptable, organised and collaborative, with willingness to develop new skills including technical language tools.
• Demonstrated motivation to grow language and analytical abilities and pass language tests.

Responsibilities

• Translate, interpret and contextualise Mandarin content for mission-critical insights.
• Analyse, transcribe and translate audio and written Mandarin materials.
• Develop proficiency with language tools and contribute to intelligence reports.

Skills

Mandarin language proficiency

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

2:2 Mandarin degree or higher

Tools

Language analysis tools

Job description

GCHQ invites applications for the Mandarin Language Talent Programme. This 11‑week, full-time, office-based programme in Cheltenham/Manchester offers dedicated training, supervised operations, and language analysis experience.

Successful candidates may transition into a permanent Mandarin Language Specialist role. Start date is September 2027, with assessments including language tests and competency interviews.