Joint Intelligence Organisation - Principal Intelligence Analyst, Science & Technology in City of Westminster

About the JIO

We are looking for someone with demonstrable expertise in Science & Technology (S&T) who can synthesise a wide range of sources into robust assessments that inform decisions on national security, resilience and economic growth. This role lies at the centre of the Ministry of Defence’s intelligence machinery, helping to shape the UK’s response to priority national and international issues.

The Joint Intelligence Organisation (JIO) primarily supports the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) and the National Security Council, the Prime Minister and other key decision‑makers by providing authoritative, robust all‑source intelligence assessment on a vast range of national security and foreign policy priorities. Our work covers, and goes beyond, traditional national security topics such as geopolitical issues and threats to British interests. We apply a national security lens to emerging technology, economic and health security, climate change and horizon scanning (for example, identifying and monitoring countries at risk of instability).

The Role

As Principal Analyst in JIO’s Science & Technology (S&T) team you will deliver strategic national security assessments across AI, quantum, space and engineering biology, responding to policy requirements and emerging threats. You will also be assigned a geographic area of responsibility and assume a cross‑Whitehall coordination role.

Responsibilities

• Analyse information from a range of sources to produce timely, robust and policy‑relevant assessments, supporting your colleagues to do the same.
• Take the lead in authoring a variety of short and long‑form products read by senior customers, including the Prime Minister.
• Develop deep subject‑matter expertise, including an understanding of policy requirements.
• Establish strong working relationships with HMG stakeholders, customers and international allies, consulting academic, think‑tank and private‑sector analysis.
• Use structured analytical techniques in your own work, facilitating multi‑agency and international workshops, including challenge sessions.
• Provide visible leadership across JIO, working collaboratively with JIO’s economy team and geographic teams to ensure that S&T considerations are routinely factored into load‑bearing assessment.
• Contribute to the wider team’s work or to wider JIO work, to support colleagues and for your own development.
• May occasionally be asked to support crisis working or work unsociable hours, often with little or no notice.
• No line‑management responsibilities, although future line or matrix management opportunities may arise.

Person Specification & Behaviours

Behaviours assessed during the selection process include:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Leadership
• Delivering at Pace

A personal statement is required – please outline your experience and suitability for the role, including where you can demonstrate meeting the essential criteria listed for this position (750 words).

Selection Process

• Initial sift using the personal statement; shortlisted candidates progress to full sift or straight to assessment/interview.
• Interview may be face‑to‑face or video; written test (full or half day) assessing technical skills, connected to the PHIA Professional Development Framework.
• Behaviours based on CS success profiles are assessed at interview; technical skills are assessed by a written test exercise.
• Additional assessment may include support provision for high‑side evidence, reasonable adjustment, and other recruitment team requirements.

Eligibility & Vetting

The post is only open to British Citizens. Some dual nationals may be ineligible. The successful candidate must obtain Developed Vetting (DV) clearance if not already held. Additional security checks apply, and travel to a limited number of countries may be restricted.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD) and a criminal record check to Disclosure and Barring Service. New entrants are expected to join at the minimum of the pay band. A probationary period of six months applies to staff new to the Civil Service.

Benefits & Working Conditions

• Annual salary of £62,988, with Cabinet Office contributing £18,247 towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
• Annual salary increases depend upon individual performance; performance‑related bonuses may be earned.
• Flexible working including job‑share arrangements may be considered.
• 25 days paid leave per annum (30 days after five years), eight public holidays, King’s Birthday privilege day, and competitive maternity, paternity, parental and adoption leave.
• Possible crisis working – staff may be asked to work extended or anti‑social hours with little notice.
• The post is full‑time only; alternative working patterns may be discussed with the vacancy holder.

Location & Administration

The post is based in Westminster, London. No relocation costs will be available.

Existing civil servants can take up the post on loan from their parent department; those joining on level transfer retain their current salary. Staff joining on promotion can receive up to a 10% increase of their current basic salary or the pay band minimum, whichever is greater.

Any move to the Cabinet Office from another employer will affect childcare voucher eligibility; other government schemes may still apply.

Equality & Diversity

The Cabinet Office is committed to equal opportunity for all staff. We will not discriminate on grounds of gender, gender identity, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, age, caring responsibilities, part‑time work or any other factor irrelevant to a person\’s work. We encourage a diverse workforce and aim to provide a working environment where all staff are valued and respected, and where discrimination, bullying, promotion of negative stereotyping and harassment are not tolerated.