Spy agencies MI5 and MI6 are looking to fill a number of vacancies – from an intelligence officer to a foreign language expert.
Spy agencies MI5 and MI6 have launched a nationwide hunt for new recruits – but do you have what it takes to help to keep the country safe and disrupt potential threats?
Working in the domestic security and foreign intelligence services isn’t for everyone, and it requires a great deal of skill and a huge commitment.
A number of jobs in both services are currently posted online – from paid internships at MI5 to a London-based project manager at MI6.
One of the roles supports spies at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ, the UK’s top secret eavesdropping agency, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Here are some of the roles that MI5 and MI6 are looking to fill…
MI6 – Intelligence Officer
MI6 is looking for a London-based intelligence officer to be at the “heart” of the Secret Intelligence Service’s work.
The vacancy reads: “Intelligence is at the heart of what MI6 does. It is the secret information that the British government requires to keep the country safe and prosperous.
“As an intelligence officer your focus will be gathering, delivering and utilising intelligence. These are fascinating and unique roles.
“As your career develops, you will have ample opportunity to broaden your skills and to move into management and operational leadership positions.”
The jobs pays £33,800 a year.
MI6 – Project Manager
The project manager, who will work out of London, is tasked with drafting and overseeing plans and solving problems at MI6.
The job posting states: “Project Management sits at the heart of everything we do here at MI6 – or as we’re more formally called, the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS).
“It is the enabler for changing the way we work to make us more effective and efficient and to keep us ahead of those who seek to do harm to our country and our citizens, wherever they are in the world.
“Our Project Managers take responsibility for translating business needs into credible, achievable plans, with a focus on incorporating the appropriate standards of performance, reliability and security whilst looking for novel and creative solutions.”
The annual salary is £51,779-£55,563.
Linguist
The successful applicants will use their language skills to support MI5, MI6 and GCHQ, with jobs in London and Manchester.
The vacancy reads: “Your language skills could open a fascinating role in intelligence.
“The UK Intelligence Agencies are looking to recruit flexible hours linguists on a contract basis to use rare language skills to provide intelligence insights, working alongside our operational teams.
“You’ll work as an integral part of an operational team, sifting language materials against requirements to identify reportable intelligence that will be forwarded to analysts to help shape and influence their operational decision-making.
“You’ll also have the opportunity to verbally brief colleagues across the intelligence agencies.”
The salary is not stated.
MI5 – Software Engineer
The Security Service is looking for software engineers to work on technology aimed at stopping threats.
The job advert states: “Technology sits at the heart of everything we do at MI5, enabling us to disrupt serious threats to UK security.
“Engineering is the heart of MI5, developing and maintaining tools and capabilities that support all aspects of our business.
“We solve problems that you don’t see elsewhere, in a unique context that comes with a satisfaction nobody else can offer you.
“We’re looking for engineers with fresh skills to build, maintain and enhance a wide variety of software products.
“You will work as part of a team, engineering new and existing products that drive our investigations, analysis and corporate functions.”
The role pays £34,366-£37,152 a year in London and £31,521-£34,076 in Manchester.
MI5 Internships
Internships are for penultimate year students studying a STEM related degree.
The vacancy reads: “Supported by experienced, professional and innovative colleagues in technical teams, you will have the opportunity to work on live projects you won’t find anywhere else and make a direct impact on how we use technology to protect the UK from serious security threats, such as terrorism and espionage.
“Combining problem-solving skills with a proficiency for working with technology, you’ll be a confident communicator with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to different audiences.
“In some areas you’ll need basic coding skills, while in others your logical approach, interest in data flows or knowledge of computer security or computer forensics, will be more important.
“With basic computer skills, you’ll be comfortable working at a computer for long periods and handling a range of written, numerical, image-based and audio data. ”
The salary is £25,240 a year, which is pro-rated over the course of the 11-week programme.
Could you be a spy?
Do you think you’ve got what it takes to be a spy?
With MI6 recruiting what better time to see if you’ve got the skill-set required to complete a covert?
Can you keep calm under pressure, react quickly in dangerous situations, avoid all distractions and – most importantly – manage not to get yourself killed?
Take the quiz below, and see if you’re the next James Bond, or if you’re better off sticking to your day job.
Do you think you’ve got what it takes to be a spy?
With MI6 recruiting (and Daniel Craig confirmed for James Bond 25) what better time to see if you’ve got the skill-set required to complete a covert operation.
Can you keep calm under pressure, react quickly in dangerous situations, avoid all distractions and – most importantly – manage not to get yourself killed?
Take the quiz below, and see if you’re the next Jason Bourne, or if you’re better off sticking to your day job…
