Russian Language Specialist

Salary and Allowances

Starting salary: £37,892 (base £35,134 + concessionary payment £2,758). Upon successful completion of the 6‑month probationary period, eligible for an additional annual payment of £3,120 in recognition of language skills.

Full‑time and office‑based roles with flexible working options: flexible hours, part‑time, compressed hours.

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 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 places the emphasis on teamwork.

Use linguistic expertise to translate and extract key information for operational teams. Work with a range of foreign language materials, including technical or specialised nature. The role goes beyond translation and transcription, requiring deep understanding of language, cultural nuances and socio‑cultural and political structures. Produce considered, informed conclusions and reports that accurately inform live operations. Your advanced language skills will shape decisions across the organisation.

Contribute to wider discussions and forums, building a more complete understanding of key issues.

Proficient in Russian at least CEFR C1 level across all disciplines: reading, writing, speaking and listening. Deep understanding of cultural context – culture, history, religion, politics. Fluent in English and able to translate Russian‑language materials into accurate and idiomatic English. Curiosity, attention to detail, can‑do attitude, confident communication.

At C1 level or higher, you are 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

Optional: skills in other modern foreign languages are a plus.

Dedicated mentor from start. Comprehensive training to cover technical aspects. First five years: opportunity to join Chartered Institute of Linguists (CloL®) and work towards recognised professional linguist qualifications.

Other benefits include:

• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years, plus an additional 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays
• Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
• Interest‑free season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Facilities such as a gym, restaurant, and on‑site coffee bars (at some locations)
• Paid parental and adoption leave

GCHQ welcomes and encourages applications from all, including under‑represented groups such as women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and those from low socio‑economic backgrounds.

Leader status within the Department for Work and Pensions’ Disability Confident scheme. Disabled applicants who best meet essential criteria are offered an interview. Minimum criteria: eligibility, pass SJT, motivation, Russian language proficiency.

• Meet eligibility: complete application form
• Reach minimum pass mark for Online Situational Judgement Test (SJT)
• Demonstrate strong motivation and commitment to work for UK Intelligence Agencies
• Demonstrate high level of Russian language knowledge, pass language tests

Based in Cheltenham or Scarborough; candidate must live within commutable distance.

Must be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. Highest security clearance, Developed Vetting (DV).