MI5 - Intelligence Officer Development Programme

MI5 helps safeguard the UK against threats to national security including terrorism, espionage, cyber attack and the spread of weapons of mass destruction. We also advise the Government and critical national infrastructure on the threat level and protective security measures, to help them reduce their vulnerability.

MI5 liaises with a wide range of organisations and government departments, both in the UK and overseas. We work collaboratively with the other intelligence agencies. the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS or MI6) and Government Communication Headquarters (GCHQ). The agencies have different but related functions, and the range of mutual assistance is wide. We also have links with over 100 foreign security and intelligence services, and work closely with them in countering transnational threats.

At home, we work closely with the Home Office and have good links with the Foreign Office, Cabinet Office, Northern Ireland Office, Department of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Defence and the armed forces. We have strong ties with the UK's 56 police forces, particularly their counter terrorist networks, and with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, who provide the operational police response in countering terrorism and protecting the whole community in Northern Ireland.

telligence Officers play a pivotal role in running MI5 investigations into persons and organisations of interest. They help us safeguard the country against threats to national security - including terrorism, espionage, sabotage and the spread of weapons of mass destruction.

The Intelligence Officer Development Programme is designed to help you learn about MI5 investigations before you lead them.

The Development Programme

For the first two years, you will be deployed into posts that will help you develop skills with direct relevance to intelligence work. These posts will be closely related to core investigative roles ? anything from Digital Intelligence to Warrantry, Intelligence Analysis to Protective Security Advice. You will complete two posts of one year each, or one posting for two years.
The Foundation Investigative Training course

Subject to successful completion of performance reviews and assessment, you will then advance onto the Foundation Investigative Training (FIT) course. The FIT course will prepare you for a direct move into one of our investigative sections - in an investigative or assessment post. On successful completion of FIT, you will also be eligible to attend an advancement interview for promotion. On promotion, your salary will increase to £28,911.
The future

After successfully completing a two-year posting in an area such as international counter terrorism, assessment, Northern Ireland related terrorism, counter intelligence (espionage) or cyber intelligence you will be a fully trained Intelligence Officer. You will then have the choice to remain in investigative or assessment work, or move into an operational role or corporate team such as policy or Human Resources. Throughout your career you will have the opportunity to move between these areas of our work.

What we look for

Safeguarding the UK against threats to national security requires talented people, and those people aren't found in any one particular section of society. Graduates from a range of backgrounds and degree disciplines join the Intelligence Officer Development Programme. To apply you will need to have or be expecting a 2.2 in any degree discipline or have substantial, relevant, permanent work experience.

We look for people who can quickly establish rapport with colleagues and are confident communicators. You'll need to be highly organised and bring a good eye for detail. You'll trust your own judgement and be happy to take responsibility for your own areas of work, but you'll also enjoy working collaboratively to solve problems and make decisions. Above all, working for MI5 calls for honesty and integrity.

We are currently looking for candidates to join us on the Intelligence Officer Development Programmes starting in June, September and December 2014.