Language Talent Programme – Russian

Job description

This is an exciting 11-week paid placement where you’ll be at the heart of our language teams, making a real impact on our operations. Adaptable and motivated, you’ll apply your Russian language skills and cultural knowledge to unlock the nuances in audio and written materials. With access to specialist tools, you’ll uncover valuable insights to share with your team. Your input will provide vital context for colleagues, customers, and intelligence partners.

As part of a friendly and supportive community of language specialists, you’ll collaborate with your team and demonstrate your cultural understanding by translating and transcribing Russian-language materials, some of which may be technical or specialised in nature. Your work will influence operations as you present your findings, and you’ll also have the chance to draft intelligence reports and conduct research. This is a fascinating opportunity to test your language skills, unlock your potential, and work alongside people who share your passion for language.

During the 11-week programme, you’ll earn a salary of £6,505 - £7,255 depending on your location. You’ll also enjoy a range of benefits, including 5.5 days of annual leave and access to our subsidised gym, restaurant, and if you’re based in Cheltenham on-site coffee bars.

You’ll also receive a dedicated training and development package in both language and analysis. As a mix of both classroom-based and hands-on learning, this will enable you to further your abilities and grow your knowledge. Plus, you’ll be supported by trained professionals as well as receive coaching and mentoring to help you thrive.

At the end of the language programme, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a permanent role, subject to tests and a competency-based interview. If successful, at GCHQ you’ll become a language specialist and have the chance to apply for our Language Career Development Scheme. This is designed to further develop your abilities and could lead to professional qualifications and membership of a professional body. At MI5, you’ll receive regular Russian lessons as you thrive as part of our growing community of language specialists.

Please note, the GCHQ roles are based in Cheltenham, Manchester and Scarborough, and there are limited roles based in London with MI5.

To find out more and apply, please visit our website.

At GCHQ and MI5, diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking, and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under-represented in our workforce, such as women, those from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and those from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Find out more about our culture, working environment, and diversity on our website:

https://www.mi5.gov.uk/careers/diversity

https://www.gchq-careers.co.uk/life-at-gchq/diversity-inclusion.html

What we are looking for

To be eligible, you must have (or be expecting) at least a 2:2 degree in Russian. You should either be in your final year of study or have graduated in summer of 2022 or later. You must also be a British Citizen (or hold dual nationality with one part being British) and have lived in the UK for seven out of the last ten years.

You don’t need a technical background to apply–just a genuine enthusiasm for learning and a willingness to develop new skills, especially those that complement your language abilities.

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, if successful, you will not be offered a start date prior to your 18th birthday. Full eligibility details can be found on our website:

https://www.mi5.gov.uk/careers/applying-for-jobs

https://www.gchq-careers.co.uk/how-to-apply.html

Accepted degree subjects

Any

Additional job details

How to apply

Click Apply to start your application now. This job will be available on Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ until 1 September 2025

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Closing date:  1 September 2025