If you’re fluent in an in-demand foreign language and looking for a meaningful and well-paid career in national security, the opportunity with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) may be for you. CSIS is now accepting applications for the Foreign Language Communications Analyst role, offering a salary range from CAD $99,392 to $120,917 per year.
Why this role stands out
Working as a Foreign Language Communications Analyst means you’ll play a direct role in Canada’s intelligence operations. In regional offices across the country, you’ll monitor foreign-language material — both written and oral — determine its relevance, provide translation or interpretation, draft actionable reports, and help generate investigation leads for CSIS.
This is not just a job — it’s a chance to combine your language expertise with analytical skills and contribute to national security. CSIS emphasizes the importance of understanding the culture behind the language, being comfortable with technology, and collaborating with a team of professionals working on a bigger mission.
Salary and job details
- Salary range: CAD $99,392 up to CAD $120,917 annually. Canada+1
- Status: Indeterminate — permanent employment for successful candidates. Canada
- Location: Various regional offices of CSIS across Canada. Canada+1
- Closing date: January 7, 2026.
Languages in demand
To qualify, you must be proficient in English or French (Canada’s official languages) and in at least one of the following foreign languages:
- Arabic
- Cantonese
- Dari
- Hindi
- Mandarin
- Pashtu
- Punjabi
- Russian
- Spanish
- Urdu Canada+1
Specialized proficiency will be tested via written translation and/or oral interpretation. Canada
Qualification & experience requirements
Citizenship & education:
- Must be a Canadian citizen. Canada+1
- Must hold an undergraduate degree from a recognized institution in Canada (or equivalent if earned abroad; you’ll need to provide proof of equivalency). Canada
Experience & skills:
- Minimum two (2) years’ experience in research, analysis and report writing — specifically, using databases, analysing information and making recommendations. Canada+1
- Experience working in a team environment. Canada
- Proficiency in using computer applications, tools, communications and social-media platforms; comfortable operating computer systems. Canada+1
- Interpretation or translation experience is considered an asset (but not mandatory). Canada
Security / clearance:
Successful candidates must be eligible for an Enhanced Top Secret security clearance. The process includes a background investigation, credit and financial checks, and a polygraph test.
Training & probation:
Once selected, you’ll complete a CSIS training course specific to the Foreign Language Communications Analyst role. A one-year probationary period applies. Canada
What you’ll be doing
• Reviewing foreign-language material (written and/or audio) and translating or interpreting it into English or French.
• Assessing the importance of the content and its relevance to CSIS investigations.
• Conducting research on social, economic, geopolitical or ethno-cultural issues tied to your language specialty and helping shape intelligence products. Canada
• Drafting analytical reports based on your translations and research, and presenting your findings to management or operational teams.
• Working closely with your team, using technology, database tools and social-media monitoring, to identify relevant leads.
• Occasionally providing interpretation services in meetings or interviews relevant to investigations. Canada
Why this role matters
Global threats are increasingly complex and multilingual — cyber-attacks, foreign interference, espionage, terrorism and disinformation campaigns cross borders and cultures. For CSIS, having analysts fluent in multiple languages with the ability to contextualize meaning, culture and intent is vital to safeguarding Canadian interests.
If you have a passion for languages, culture, geopolitics and intelligence, this role gives you a platform to make an impact — both professionally and personally.
Who should apply?
- You are a Canadian citizen fluent in English or French and at least one of the listed foreign languages.
- You hold an undergraduate degree (or equivalent).
- You have at least two years of research, analysis and report-writing experience.
- You are comfortable working with teams, computer systems, databases and social media tools.
- You are culturally aware, analytically minded, and enthusiastic about global issues and intelligence work.
- You are willing to undergo rigorous security screening and uphold the highest standards of discretion and integrity.
If this sounds like you, then you’re a strong candidate. Even if you don’t tick every “asset” box (e.g., translation experience), you should still apply — CSIS encourages a broad range of applicants and values diversity in its workforce. Canada
Application tips
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your language competency, analytical experience and research work. Use keywords such as “analysis”, “translation”, “team environment”, “computer applications”, “social media” and the specific languages you know.
- Provide concrete examples of research and analysis you’ve done — e.g., reviewing data, translating or summarizing documents, generating recommendations.
- If your degree was earned outside Canada, have documentation ready for Canadian equivalency.
- Demonstrate cultural awareness of the language(s) you speak — your ability to understand not just words but context is critical.
- Maintain professionalism on social media and online — you’ll be under security review, so discretion matters.
- Familiarize yourself with the security-clearance process and ensure you have nothing in your background (financial, legal, substance use) that could raise red flags.
- Submit your application ahead of the closing date: January 7, 2026.
Official link
For full details and to apply, visit the CSIS posting for the Foreign Language Communications Analyst role:
CSIS – Foreign Language Communications Analyst
