Thank you for your interest in this role, unfortunately we have had to close this vacancy early and are no longer accepting new applications. If you are still interested in a role with the organisation please visit the jobs portal

Your eye for detail will help us to see the bigger picture.  
 
At MI5, our Foundation Analysts find details that have a huge impact. The information you find will help us to carry out our work effectively and keep the country safe. It’s a really vital role that’ll see you working to clear goals.

The role

Our Foundation Analysts explore all sorts of information to help understand the whole picture. Other teams in MI5 will find data for you to explore and ask specific questions. You’ll then need to use this information to find the right answers. So although you’ll work with a variety of data, from audio files to written communication, you’ll have a very clear direction and brief on what you’re looking for.

Your tasks will be prioritised, so this’ll help you to manage your own workload. You’ll be working as part of a team, keeping your colleagues updated on your progress and communicating your findings.

The details you find will help us to shape investigations and will have a real impact throughout all levels of the organisation. But you’ll never do this alone. You’ll work with a team of other analysts to use data to help find intelligence.

It’s an important role, so we’ll give you plenty of support and resources to develop your skills. Throughout your first two years, you will be given specific training on how to analyse different types of data. It’ll give you the time to learn everything and put everything into practice, before moving onto the next stage.

Our Foundation Analysts work to a structured deployment plan. In year one, you’ll learn to analyse different data and then go on to support investigations across MI5. In year two, you’ll build on those skills and take on shift work for 12 months. After that you’ll return to investigations and have the chance to apply for promotion or specialise in a certain area.   

Your story

It’s only with different perspectives that we can find the answers we’re looking for. So all our analysts have different backgrounds. You don’t need experience in analysis or a degree to join us, but you will need to be curious, determined and proactive.

You’ll also need to enjoy solving problems – no matter how challenging or complex. You’ll be keen to get stuck in and find the answers. It’s this flexibility and proactivity that’ll help you to adapt to changing situations. Plus, you’ll also need to be a great communicator, able to listen carefully and explain your findings quickly.

Key responsibilities

•    Work with other teams in MI5 to take briefs and understand requirements.
•    Learn how to work with different types of data and answer specific questions.
•    Communicate your findings back to teams and keep everyone updated on your progress.
•    Work independently and with real initiative.
•    Seek guidance and opinions from experienced analysts.
•    Explain information in a clear and logical way, recording and sharing information and knowledge securely.
•    Adhere to compliance, policy and legal guidelines.

How we work

Although our work, at times, can be challenging, the way we work isn’t. Our offices are open, friendly and relaxed. We come together to share ideas and collaborate. This develops our ability to do more. Your training and development is important to us, as is ensuring you have a healthy work-life balance, social life and do meaningful work.

Selection Process details

•    Eligibility Questions – You will be asked to answer some questions to check you are eligible to apply for the role.
•    Cognitive Ability Test – You will be asked to complete a short online test which will take around 15mins.
•    Full application form – You will be asked to provide details of your education and employment history. You will also be asked to answer some competency based questions as well as questions about your motivation for apply for the role and to the organisation.
•    Automated video interview – You will asked to complete a recorded video interview which will involve a mixture of strengths and competency based question. You will be given time to prepare ahead of each question.
•    Assessment centre – You will be asked to attend an assessment centre where you will complete a series of exercises which will give you a good insight into the role.

MI5 is an equal opportunities employer, committed to reflecting the Society we protect. Our recruitment process is fair and transparent and based on merit. We particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and ethnic minority groups and women.

As part of our commitment to being a ‘Disability Confident Leader’ we offer an interview to all candidates with a disability who meet our minimum criteria for the role that they are applying for.

To secure an interview for this vacancy, the minimum criteria (in order of application process) are:

•    Eligibility questions – You will be asked a series of questions relating to this vacancy. If you meet the eligibility criteria you will directed to the initial application form.
•    Online tests – You will be required to reach the pass mark set for the cognitive ability test.
•    Application form – You will be required to pass an application form sift

On successful completion of these stages, you will be invited to complete an automated video interview. This is our offer of an interview.

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 of the UK. You will nonetheless be considered if you have, for example, 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.  

You can apply at the age of 17 years and 6 months, if successful you will not be offered a start date prior to your 18th birthday.

Discretion is vital. You should not discuss your application, other than with your partner or a close family member.

Please note, you should only launch your application from within the UK. If you are based overseas, you should wait until you visit the UK to launch an application. Applying from outside the UK will impact on our ability to progress your application.

Further information on our eligibility criteria can be found on the How to Apply section.

Please be aware that we withhold the right to bring forward the closing date for this role from the original closing date once a certain number of applications have been received. Please be mindful of this and submit your application at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.