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Flexible working: we support full-time, part-time, compressed and flexible hours, subject to business need. Due to the nature of this role, remote or homeworking is not possible.
GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. We use cutting-edge technology, ingenuity and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats. Working with our intelligence partners MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber-attacks and espionage. At GCHQ you’ll do varied and fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.
As an Administrative Officer at GCHQ, you’ll be assigned to a specific department based on business need – and we ask that you commit to that team for a minimum of 18 months. It's enough time to truly settle in, build trusted relationships, and make your contribution count.
Day-to-day, you might be organising meetings, managing information and records, booking travel, or looking after visitors to our buildings. In doing so, you’ll collaborate with various teams, meet unique requirements, and demonstrate your organisational skills to keep things on track.
Occasional travel across the UK will be a part of your work, giving you the opportunity to support different sites and work with a wide range of colleagues. After your first 18 months, you’ll be able to shape your career the way you want. You could stay in an admin role or take everything you’ve learned with you as you explore new opportunities within our organisation – or maybe even with one of our partner agencies.
You’ll bring attention to detail, enjoy working as part of a team, and be comfortable talking to a range of people to understand their needs. You’ll also need a good understanding of Microsoft Office. Importantly, you’ll be keen to learn new skills and make a positive impact. You don't need a specific background to join us, we welcome people at all career stages. You might be an experienced administrator ready to take your skills into an organisation with national impact. You might be someone who wants to focus, contribute, and be recognised for doing a great job, without needing to constantly climb the career ladder. Or you might be starting out or changing direction and looking for a role that builds a foundation for whatever comes next. Whatever your path, this is a position where skilled, conscientious work is truly appreciated. To apply, you'll need two GCSEs in Maths and English Language at grade C/4 or above, or an equivalent qualification.
Upon joining GCHQ, you’ll have access to a range of personal development and job-specific training throughout your time, as well as flexible working options, including part-time and compressed hours, subject to business need. You’ll also receive great benefits including 25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), paid parental and adoption leave, and access to on-site facilities including a gym, restaurant and coffee bars (at some locations).
GCHQ has a welcoming and inclusive culture, where you’ll discover a range of sports, social and interest groups to join, as well as a range of affinity networks. There’s no ‘type’ of person we look for; different insights, perspectives and experiences are welcomed – and you’ll always be encouraged to be yourself.
To find out more and apply, please visit our website.
At GCHQ diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve — including different identities, backgrounds, lived experiences and ways of thinking. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, particularly those currently under‑represented in our workforce, such as ethnic minority candidates, women, people with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions, and those from lower socio‑economic backgrounds. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
To be eligible to apply, you must be a British Citizen. If you hold dual nationality, of which one component is British, you will nonetheless be considered. Candidates must normally have been resident in the UK for seven out of the last ten years. This is particularly important if you were born outside the UK. You can apply at the age of 17 years, if successful you will not be offered a start date prior to your 18th birthday. Read more on our eligibility criteria.
