AI Assurance Advisor

We're MI6, also known as the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS). Our mission is to protect the security and economic wellbeing of the UK from overseas threats such as regional instability, terrorism, and cyber attacks. Working across the globe and in close partnership with MI5 and GCHQ, we help the Government to counter these threats through the provision of secret intelligence.

A role in MI6 will see you providing vital support to this work, within a supportive and encouraging environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.

The role involves enhancing how we operate today to better prepare us for the challenges of tomorrow. We’re creating dedicated teams focused on bringing Artificial Intelligence (AI) into some of our most mission critical areas. As an AI Information Assurance Advisor, you'll play a central role in shaping how AI is assessed, trusted, and used responsibly at MI6 in both new capabilities and its integration into existing systems.

Independent, authoritative, and close to the heart of the action, you'll ensure any AI capabilities are secure, aligned to recognised national frameworks, and within our risk appetite. You'll translate that assurance into clear, actionable documentation for project teams, governance boards, and the senior leadership team alike.

As part of a close-knit Information Security (InfoSec) team, you’ll carry out in-depth risk assessments on AI systems, weigh up proposed mitigations against real business objectives, and give clear, honest advice on whether a system is safe and ready for deployment. You’ll also work closely with fellow accreditors as well as with architects and engineering teams, reviewing artefacts, identifying residual risk, and ensuring that assurance is integrated into any development from the start.

Day to day, you’ll be embedded in live AI projects, working closely with Information Assurance Security Managers who bridge the gap between business need and security rigour. Your reach will extend far beyond any single team. You’ll engage regularly with senior leadership on AI risk posture, work across internal networks and partner organisations, and occasionally lend your expertise to overseas partners in an advisory capacity. Your judgement will be sought, your recommendations will carry weight, and your ability to communicate clearly will make a genuine difference to how decisions get made at the highest levels.

With AI capabilities constantly evolving, you’ll be expected to look beyond the horizon, considering emerging risk areas including the long-term implications of quantum computing. This will support you as you shape organisational policy on AI adoption and contribute to the broader conversation about what responsible AI use looks like at MI6.

Salary: £74,624 initial salary on confirmation of skills to achieve DDAT Group One Rate C. Additional payment of Recruitment and Retention Allowance of £6,251 on completion of a minimum term and successful achievement and validation of skills.

Flexible working: We support full-time (36 hours per week) and part time (minimum three days a week) working patterns as well as job shares. Due to the sensitive nature of our work, this role is fully office-based with no option for remote or home working.

About you: You’re a natural collaborator, someone who builds relationships easily and communicates with confidence at every level. You'll have a broad and current understanding of AI and how rapidly the landscape has shifted, and you'll be comfortable bringing that knowledge into a unique, complex environment. Your previous experience spans risk management, security tools and techniques, and the implementation of AI systems and technologies. You'll also have experience developing and delivering effective security controls and countermeasures, backed by broader InfoSec experience gained on large-scale IT projects and programmes.

Qualifications-wise, you'll bring a relevant professional information security credential such as Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) or SANS certifications, alongside a formal AI-related qualification such as the AI Governance Professional (AIGP).

Training and development: We take professional development seriously, and you'll be joining a community that invests in helping people grow their skills. You'll have access to a broad mix of learning opportunities, including in-house and online training, technical deep dives and development pathways shaped around your interests and the needs of the organisation. This includes support to strengthen your capability across modern AI techniques and wider security practices, with courses in areas such as Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP), Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK), AI governance and quantum technology development in AI all within reach.

You’ll also have opportunities to work with external professional bodies and training providers who offer routes to specialist accreditation, advanced AI training or broader professional recognition. Whether you choose to deepen your expertise in a specific technical area or broaden your capability across new domains, you’ll have the guidance and support you need to progress. Alongside formal training, you’ll benefit from mentoring, peer support and a collaborative community that shares knowledge openly. You’ll have opportunities to rotate across different teams, explore emerging technologies and contribute to shaping how MI6 evolves its AI and data science capability. As you develop, you’ll have the space to experiment, expand your expertise and play an active role in strengthening our AI practice across the organisation.

Rewards and benefits: You’ll receive a starting salary of £74,624 plus other benefits including:

• 25 Days Annual Leave automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, and an additional 10.5 days public and privilege holidays
• Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Facilities such as a gym, restaurant and on-site coffee bars (at some locations)
• Paid parental and adoption leave

Equal opportunities: At MI6, diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under-represented in our workforce such as women, those from an ethnic minority background, people with disabilities and those from low socio-economic backgrounds.