Whatever your role at MI5, you’ll be contributing to protecting the UK from threats to national security including terrorism and espionage. We currently need IT Support Officers to work within our pioneering Technology department.  

The Role

We currently have opportunities available within our 24/7 Operations team where you would play a significant role in supporting leading-edge strategic programmes, initiatives and applications within MI5. You will also provide assistance in monitoring our critical systems across the whole of the MI5 IT estate.

You will be part of a dynamic and friendly team working within a 24-hour shift pattern, where you will be responsible for ensuring MI5 systems meet our operational needs, both in and out of office hours.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop a stimulating IT career within our unique environment.  You will have the chance to train in a range of applications and gain recognised qualifications, such as ITIL Foundation v3 and numerous CompTIA qualifications to name but a few. We work closely with every new team member to create a personalised development plan that suits their current skills and future aspirations.

Key Responsibilities

•    Monitor critical MI5 IT infrastructure, helping to detect and report issues before they impact on the business

•    Diagnose and solve a range of IT issues, escalating complex problems to technical support teams or colleagues in a timely manner

•    Liaise with numerous MI5 support teams and any third-party suppliers

•    Provide additional out of hours IT support by covering the Service Desk, Incident Management and the Communication Centre messaging functions

The Person

We are seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals who are strong communicators and are eager to learn new skills.

To apply, it is essential for you to have either an IT Accredited Qualification/IT Degree or work experience of problem resolution within an IT environment.

It would also be beneficial to have some knowledge of network technologies or ITIL and IT work experience specifically in a Service Desk and/or Microsoft Server environment would also be desirable.

Recruitment Process

The first thing we will ask you to do is complete our pre-screening questions to find out if you meet our initial criteria. If you do meet these criteria we will then ask you to begin an application.

You will need to create a log in and provide your full name, email address and a memorable password. Once you have successfully created a personal account, you will be required to complete an initial registration form, providing contact details and equal opportunities monitoring information.

You will then be invited to complete an online application form, which will consist of basic eligibility questions, sections for you to list your qualifications and work experience, as well as exploring your motivation to work for MI5 and your interest in developing an IT career with us. Our recruitment team will conduct a sift of your application.

If you are successful, you will be invited to attend an assessment centre in London to explore your suitability for the IT Support Officer role. If you successfully pass this stage you will be made a conditional offer of employment. This offer is made on the condition that you pass the Developed Vetting (DV) stages of the process, which will include a security interview with one of our vetting officers.

You should read about the vetting process and satisfy yourself that you meet the criteria outlined in the vetting pages of the How to Apply section prior to submitting an application. Giving misleading information or omitting or concealing information during the recruitment and vetting process is viewed very seriously. You should ensure that you follow our guidance from when you apply.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

As part of our commitment to the “Disability Confident” scheme we offer an interview to all candidates with a disability who meet our minimum criteria for the job vacancy that they are applying for. This is known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS).

Along with the standard eligibility requirements for this post, your application will be assessed on how far you meet the job requirements. Your application must score the minimum amount of points set. On successful completion of this stage, you will be invited to interview. This will normally be a telephone interview and is our guaranteed interview.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to apply you must meet our residency criteria. You must be a born or naturalised British citizen and one of your parents must be a British citizen or have substantial ties to the UK.

Candidates must normally have been resident in the UK for nine out of the last ten years. This is particularly important if you were born outside the UK. However, we will still consider you if you’ve served overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of Her Majesty’s Government, studied abroad, or lived overseas with your parents.

Due to vetting requirements you will need to be 18 years old, or above, to apply.  Your application may take around six months to process.

Owing to the sensitivity of our work, we do not publicly disclose the identities of our staff. Discretion is vital. You should not discuss your application, other than with your partner or a close family member.

The Security Service is committed to reflecting both equal opportunities and the society we protect. We particularly welcome applications from women and Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates.