Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence

Job summary

The Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence (DCDI) is responsible for the provision of timely and relevant intelligence analysis and assessment in support of security and defence policy, military operations and capabilities. This includes providing advice on adversaries, technologies of concern, context to crises and strategic warning of threats to the UK’s defence and security interests. The incumbent should, in accordance with the recommendations of the 2004 Butler Report “be an intelligence specialist”.

Job description

• Leadership of a diverse, multi-disciplinary organisation to deliver national assessment capabilities for HMG. This includes assessment on adversaries, technologies of concern, context to crises, and strategic warning of threats to the UK’s defence and security interests.
• Provision of national intelligence assessment capability to Defence and HMG. This includes support to Defence Investment Boards and Strategic Military Planning & Operations, as well as supporting HMG through attendance at the Joint Intelligence Committee, National Security Implementation Groups, other cross-HMG committees, and crisis management machinery (including COBR) as required.
• Work closely with and represent DI into military commands, policy Departments across Whitehall, intelligence Agencies and international allies and partners.
• As Head of Profession for all source intelligence analysis in MOD, the post holder has responsibility for driving the transformation of Defence Intelligence assessment, analytical outputs, and the development and implementation of professional standards across the analytical community. In that role, the post-holder is a member of the broader government community of Heads of Intelligence Assessment and provides strong support to the Professional Head of Intelligence Assessment in the Cabinet Office in developing the profession across Government.

Person specification

• Proven ability to lead the creation of insightful, high-quality intelligence assessments and analysis
• Exceptional leadership capability with a proven record of developing professional skills and driving transformation across complex, multi-layered organisations. Skilled at inspiring and motivating large teams, fostering a diverse and inclusive culture, and shaping change that delivers lasting impact.
• Sharp analytical thinking and meticulous attention to detail, underpinned by excellent communication skills. Able to assess and validate data with rigour, and present complex information with clarity and authority to secure trust and engagement with Ministers and those at the most senior levels across and beyond the Civil Service.
• Proven experience of applying strategic thinking and sound judgment to manage a broad portfolio of activity and keeping enough in reserve to be able to prioritise in order to identify and deliver solutions to complex and unforeseen challenges, at pace across a dynamic and varied portfolio.
• Substantial experience of collaborating with and influencing a broad range of stakeholders and external partners, working effectively across organisational boundaries in a demanding and fast-moving environment.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £100,000, Ministry of Defence contributes £28,970 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

To apply for this post, you will need to complete the online application process no later than 23:55 on 8th February 2026 and will involve providing the two documents outlined below via the Civil Service Jobs portal:

• A CV (no more than 2 pages) setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years.
• A Personal Statement (no more than 2 pages) providing tangible examples that demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

External candidates who join the MOD and are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

For further information about the role and full application process, please refer to the candidate pack attached below. If you wish to receive any material in a different format for accessibility, then please contact People-CivHR-SCSCandidateSupport@mod.gov.uk.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.This role has a minimum assignment duration of 3 years. An assignment duration is the period of time a Senior Civil Servant is expected to remain in the same post to enable them to deliver on the agreed key business outcomes. The assignment duration also supports your career through building your depth of expertise.

As part of accepting this role you will be agreeing to the expected assignment duration set out above. This will not result in a contractual change to your terms and conditions. Please note this is an expectation only, it is not something which is written into your terms and conditions or indeed which the employing organisation or you are bound by. It will depend on your personal circumstances at a particular time and business needs, for example, would not preclude any absence like family friendly leave. It is nonetheless an important expectation, which is why we ask you to confirm you agree to the assignment duration set out above.

Security

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : SCS Recruitment Team
• Email : People-CivHR-SCSCandidateSupport@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : People-CivHR-SCSCandidateSupport@mod.gov.uk

Attachments

SCS2 Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence - Candidate Pack Opens in new window (pdf, 2154kB)