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Central Intelligence Agency
The Work of a Nation. The Center of Intelligence

Career Opportunities

Foreign Language Instructor

Work Schedule: Full Time
Salary: $60,648 – $74,958
Location: Washington, DC metropolitan area

The Central Intelligence Agency is hiring qualified and experienced Language Instructors of Arabic, Chinese/Mandarin, Dari/Pashto, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Persian (Farsi), Portuguese, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish and Turkish to work in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

The CIA provides first-class training for energetic, creative and committed intelligence professionals. CIA Language Instructors deliver programs that provide students with the foreign language communications skills and cross-cultural awareness they need to live and work abroad effectively, or to perform other language-related duties. Foreign Language Instructors apply the latest instructional methodologies to meet highly customized student needs and conduct language proficiency testing in reading, speaking and understanding for skills evaluation. In addition, they may be asked to provide a variety of language support services worldwide.


Minimum requirements: Some of these positions (Dari/Pashto, French, Italian, Portuguese, Serbo-Croation and Spanish) require a five year contract term employment agreement. Contract Term Agreement. This list is subject to change as mission needs change. Candidates should have a Bachelor's in foreign language, linguistics or a related field; native fluency in the language; 2-5 years of teaching experience; demonstrated knowledge of the respective area's history, culture, politics and economy; and the ability to use the latest technology and teaching techniques. Also desired are experience in teaching language skills to a wide range of adult students, from beginners to those at a more advanced proficiency level, and experience in program and/or education management. As part of the screening and interview process, applicants will be required to take language proficiency tests in their native language. Advanced English proficiency is also required.

Salaries are based on the individual applicant's qualifications. In addition to base salary of 60,648 – $74,958, language Instructors earn annual "bonus" pay ranging from $4,875 to $9,750, with the amount based on the language and their language proficiency. Language Instructors who speak multiple foreign languages may also qualify for additional bonuses in varying amounts. Furthermore, new employees can qualify for a lump-sum hiring bonus for languages, up to a maximum amount of $35,000.

All applicants must successfully complete a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview and an extensive background investigation. U.S. citizenship is required.

To be considered suitable for Agency employment, applicants must generally not have used illegal drugs within the last twelve months. The issue of illegal drug use prior to twelve months ago is carefully evaluated during the medical and security processing.

Important Notice: Friends, family, individuals, or organizations may be interested to learn that you are an applicant for or an employee of the CIA. Their interest, however, may not be benign or in your best interest. You cannot control whom they would tell. We therefore ask you to exercise discretion and good judgment in disclosing your interest in a position with the Agency. You will receive further guidance on this topic as you proceed through your CIA employment processing.

To Apply:

Make a note of the position(s) that interest you, as you can apply for up to four positions in one application. DO NOT submit multiple applications; this will only slow the review of your application, and delay processing. Please read the Application Instructions carefully before you begin the online application process.

Application Instructions

An equal opportunity employer and a drug-free work force.


Posted: May 10, 2007 11:41 PM
Last Updated: Aug 30, 2012 11:28 AM
Last Reviewed: Aug 30, 2012 11:28 AM