Defence Intelligence - Graphic Designer

Role Overview

Based at MOD Main Building, Whitehall, London, this position offers a graphic designer a distinctive chance to influence intelligence assessments related to national security. Your visuals will help clarify complex topics such as terrorism, cyber threats, and global conflicts for senior government officials, shaping vital decision-making processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Create compelling visual materials across print, digital, interactive products, and presentations supporting Defence Intelligence's outputs.
• Work closely with intelligence analysts to understand their needs and deliver powerful creative solutions enhancing their reports.
• Coordinate with geospatial analysts for joint graphic and geospatial intelligence products.
• Manage projects end-to-end, from briefing through concept development to final delivery, maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.
• Present designs within Defence Intelligence and to other government departments.
• Collaborate with UK and Five Eye visual and creative partners to incorporate best practices.
• Stay updated on design industry trends and introduce innovative techniques into your work.

Professional Development & Training

Opportunities exist to attend relevant conferences, events, and training sessions. You will undertake regular functional training to align with Defence Intelligence visual and production standards, as well as JSP 440 security requirements. If new to intelligence, you will participate in induction and analysis courses to gain a full understanding of intelligence assessments.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate enjoys working in fast-paced, diverse teams and is curious about defence, international security, and peace.

Essential Qualifications & Skills

• Holds at least a Level 5 qualification in graphic or typographic design (e.g., Foundation Degree, HND, Level 5 Diploma).
• Experienced and confident in Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
• Presents a strong portfolio demonstrating design projects and campaigns.
• Good knowledge of preparing artwork and infographics for both print and web formats.
• Excellent attention to detail, especially typography and composition.
• Ability to handle varied production speeds in a dynamic workplace.
• Strong organizational and time-management capabilities.
• Effective communication skills for working closely with analysts and refining creative briefs.
• Capability to work independently and collaboratively, including mentoring new team members.
• Interest in current affairs, national security, and defence topics.
• Willingness to obtain or currently possessing Developed Vetting security clearance (clearance process may take up to six months).

Desirable Attributes

• Over two years of recent graphic design experience in agencies or studios.
• Ability or willingness to expand skills into multimedia platforms such as video, motion graphics, and digital animation.
• Previous experience working within Intelligence or Defence Intelligence sectors.

Behaviours Assessed

• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Communication and influencing skills.
• Delivering work efficiently and on schedule.

Technical Skills Evaluated

• Origination of graphics.
• Design for print and digital content.

Compensation and Benefits

The role offers a salary of 37,720, plus a London Weighting allowance of up to 3,300. The Ministry of Defence contributes 10,927 towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme, which has an average employer contribution of 28.97%. Annual leave starts at 25 days per year, increasing by one day annually up to a maximum of 30, along with 8 statutory bank holidays and 1 privilege day. Flexible working arrangements such as part-time, job sharing, and compressed hours are supported to promote work-life balance. Extra benefits include professional development opportunities, access to gym facilities for a small fee, family-friendly policies including enhanced parental leave, and up to six days of special paid leave for volunteering annually.

Working Arrangements

The role requires onsite attendance with opportunities for hybrid working arrangements where business needs permit, with a minimum of 60% office presence expected. No relocation expenses are provided. New civil service entrants undergo a six-month probation. The department upholds a smoke-free working environment policy prohibiting tobacco use on Defence premises, with certain exceptions.