UK Ministry of Defence
Defence Intelligence - Graphic Designer
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MOD Main Building, Whitehall, SW1A 2HB
Job Summary
Hostile state powers, cyber threats, terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, global conflicts, fake news and disinformation. These are some of the issues that affect the world. A graphic design role at the centre of Defence Intelligence will give you an opportunity to have a significant impact on the quality of intelligence assessments produced for Ministers and senior officials within Defence and across the whole of Government.
This is a unique opportunity for a graphic designer to work collaboratively within the intelligence community. You will take an active lead in the design and creation of high-quality visuals that condense complex national security issues into digestible and engaging visual solutions. Your work will directly support decision-making at the highest levels of government and enhance the engagement and impact of Defence Intelligence assessment throughout HMG The post holder will also be responsible for developing and maintaining a strong brand for Defence Intelligence, continually developing and implementing creative ideas to improve the visual impact of intelligence reports through innovative infographics and visualisations.
In addition to the rewarding work you will encounter, you will also have the opportunity to develop your skills within graphic design and your understanding of how intelligence informs national security decision-making.
This role is advertised at 37 hours per week.
Job Description
In Defence Intelligence (DI) our people solve problems, create understanding and give perspective to the diverse and complex Defence threats and challenges in a rapidly changing world. Together our civilians and military personnel inform decision making in Defence, manage complex finance programmes and develop new technology.
In DI we believe your unique experiences, view and understanding of the world could provide a vital perspective and contribution to our work. We recognise that great minds do not think alike and are striving to increase our diversity representation at all levels. As an equal opportunities employer we hire, train and promote people based on merit and inspire to create an inclusive workplace free of discrimination. We also offer flexible working arrangements such as flexi-time, job share and compressed hours.
The Graphic Designer Will:
- Design impactful visual assets for Defence Intelligence, including print, digital, interactive products and presentations, across its assessment production.
- Collaborate with intelligence analysts to fully understand the requirement and deliver the most impactful creative visual solutions to enhance their assessment.
- Collaborate with geospatial analysts to produce joint graphic and geospatial intelligence products.
- Own, and be responsible for, projects from initial brief, through concepts, to final execution. Ensuring quality and timeliness throughout.
- Present your work both within Defence Intelligence and to across government depts.
- Collaborate with our wider UK and Five Eye visual/creative partners.
- Stay ahead of industry design trends and integrate innovative techniques into your work.
We are enthusiastic about learning and development within DI, and there will be opportunities to attend conferences, events, and training. You will be expected to undertake regular functional training to ensure products meet Defence Intelligence visualisation and production guidance and JSP 440 security requirements. Additionally, those without an intelligence background should be prepared to undertake the Defence Intelligence Induction Course and Defence Intelligence Analysis Modules to fully understand wider intelligence assessment.
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Person specification
What are we looking for?
Defence Intelligence staff come from a diverse group of backgrounds and hold a wide variety of interests, but with a curiosity about defence, international peace, and security common among them. The ability to work in a fast-paced environment, as part of a diverse team is also vital.
Essential Criteria:
- Has a Level 5 qualification or above in a graphic or typographic design related subject. Level 5 qualifications are: Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE), Foundation Degree, Higher National Diploma (HND), Level 5 Award, Level 5 Certificate, Level 5 Diploma or Level 5 NVQ.
- Is proficient and confident with the Adobe Creative Suite (with InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator as a minimum).
- Can demonstrate a strong individual portfolio showcasing design work, campaigns, and standout projects. (At interview stage).
- Has a good understanding of preparing artwork and infographics for print and web.
- Has an excellent eye for detail, typography, and composition.
- Comfortable with a range of production tempos, including a fast-paced overall working environment.
- Possesses excellent organisation and time management skills.
- Will use strong communication skills when working closely with intelligence analysts to understand and refine their requirements.
- Is able to work equally well collaboratively, as well as independently, and mentor new members who join the team.
- Interested in current affairs, national security, and defence.
- Already holds, or is willing to undertake, Developed Vetting security clearance prior to an appointment (applicants without Developed Vetting clearance should be advised that the clearance process for successful applicants can take up to six months).
Desirable Criteria:
- 2 plus years in a recent graphic designer role within a Design Agency or Studio.
- Can work across multimedia and related software platforms and/or is willing to learn new skills (e.g. developing digital content, including video, motion graphics, and digital animation).
- Prior or current experience working within Intelligence or Defence Intelligence/Ministry of Defence.
Qualifications
- Has a Level 5 qualification or above in a graphic or typographic design related subject. Level 5 qualifications are: Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE), Foundation Degree, Higher National Diploma (HND), Level 5 Award, Level 5 Certificate, Level 5 Diploma or Level 5 NVQ.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- M1: Origination
- M3: Design for Print and Digital Content
Salary and Benefits
Alongside your salary of £37,720, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,927 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).
We offer a range of excellent benefits including but not limited to the following:
- All successful candidates will be eligible to join the Civil Service Pension Scheme with an average employer contribution of 28.97%.
- This post will attract the relevant London Weighting allowance of up to £3,300 in addition to the advertised salary.
- Leave entitlement – 25-day annual leave allowance per year increasing by 1 day per year (maximum 30 days per year). In addition, 8 statutory Bank Holidays and 1 privilege day per year.
- Complementing our generous annual leave allowance, we also have a flexible working scheme.
- Additional working pattern options – we have a strong culture of flexible working and encourage all employees to have a healthy work/life balance. We offer a wide range of potential working patterns, including part time, job share and compressed hours. These need to be balanced with business needs so they will vary from job to job. If you would like to know more, please speak to the Recruiting Line Manager.
- Professional Development – We are committed to your continued professional and personal development with learning as one of our core values.
- Health and Wellbeing – for a small fee we offer the staff the use of the exceptional site gymnasium facilities.
- We also offer an excellent range of family-friendly benefits, for example, enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
- Special Paid Leave to volunteer up to 6 days a year.
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Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and working from home as part of a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement. All office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to site capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD workplace, will also count towards this level of office attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this and other flexible working arrangements may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.
The post does not offer relocation expenses.
External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.
Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.
Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.
MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to
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