European Language Specialist – French​/German

European Language Specialist – French / German

Cheltenham

Job description

Flexible working
:
While our roles are typically office-based, we offer flexible working options to support our employees’ work-life balance. These may include flexible hours, part-time working or compressed hours, subject to business needs. We can discuss your needs and explore options that work for you.

As a Language Specialist, you’ll apply your linguistic expertise to translate and extract key information from a range of foreign materials, some of which may be technical or specialised in nature. But this role goes far beyond translation. You’ll also develop analytical and technical skills and an understanding of communication technologies to support key aspects of our work. Day-to-day, you’ll combine your translation skills with drafting, analytical, and technical skills, applying your deep understanding of language and cultural nuances to produce in-depth analysis and write reports that will accurately inform live operations.

Given the dynamic nature of our work, the amount of focus on each of these skills can vary.

This is a role with significant influence. Your cultural expertise will be invaluable in supporting our operational teams, providing critical insights and intelligence that inform their work. As a subject matter expert, you’ll also contribute to high-level discussions and forums, helping to shape our understanding of key issues.

You won’t be working alone. Our thriving language community at GCHQ brings together hundreds of language specialists, creating a rich environment where you can learn, grow, and thrive surrounded by like-minded individuals who share your passion for language, you’ll have access to a wealth of expertise and feedback to support your continued development.

Opportunities to retrain in another language may be available, depending on business needs.

You don’t need any previous experience or a formal qualification in French or German to apply, but you should have proficiency in either language to at least CEFR C1 level across all disciplines: reading, writing, speaking, and listening (see explanation below). This should be complemented by a deep understanding of the cultural context associated with the language, including the countries and regions where French or German are spoken.

This encompasses aspects such as culture, history, religion, and politics. You should be fluent in English and able to translate French or German language materials into accurate and idiomatic English. As part of our recruitment process, we’ll assess your proficiency in written and spoken French or German. If you have skills in other modern foreign languages, we encourage you to highlight them as we’re interested in hearing about your additional language capabilities.

At C1 level or higher, you’re able to:

• understand a wide range of longer and more demanding texts and conversations
• express ideas fluently without excessive searching for words
• use the language effectively in social, academic, or professional situations
• produce well-structured, detailed texts on complex topics

You can also access the CEFR self-assessment grid for more information on our requirements.

You don’t need any analytical experience, but you’ll be curious and enjoy putting the pieces of a puzzle together to unlock a bigger picture. You’re someone who brings attention to detail and a can-do attitude to your work, and you’re confident communicating with others.

At GCHQ, we’re passionate about supporting your growth and development as a Language Specialist. From the very start, you’ll have a dedicated mentor to help you settle into your new role and provide guidance every step of the way. Plus, you’ll receive comprehensive training and support to get you up to speed on technical aspects of the job.

We’re committed to helping you build a fulfilling career in national security, and we’re excited to offer opportunities for growth and development. Within the first five years with us, you’ll have the opportunity to join the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CloL®) and work towards recognised professional…