Imagery Analyst

As an important part of the Ministry of Defence, Defence Intelligence (DI) provides intelligence analysis, specialist outputs and advice that supports decision making across government. At the heart of DI is the National Centre for Geospatial Intelligence (NCGI).

Everything happens somewhere. NCGI produces intelligence that is referenced in time and space to help decision makers to understand, plan, navigate, and target; to understand what is going on.

We are the primary provider of geospatial intelligence, advice and expertise, comprising imagery intelligence, geospatial analysis, geospatial services, foundation data, military mapping and, in partnership with the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) and the Meteorological Office, assured data for safety of navigation. We are a national capability, recognisably operating alongside other national intelligence agencies and are the primary interface between the UK and international geospatial intelligence partners.

These positions are advertised at 37 hours per week.

As an Imagery Analyst (IA) you will participate in the collection, processing and evaluation of raw, unprocessed imagery and deliver robust assessments on a topic relating to your designated portfolio. Assigned to a regional or thematic team or responding to a crisis event and working together with analysts of other disciplines, IAs support key decision makers in Defence and across government.

While the primary focus of the role is imagery analysis, you will have access to the full spectrum of intelligence sources to support, enhance and corroborate your assessments. You will be empowered to explore niche and emerging information sources, challenge established processes and contribute to the development of innovative analytical methodologies and technologies.

Applicants will have to successfully complete the 16-week residential Defence Imagery Intelligence Analyst Course (DIIAC) (within the first 12 months of being in post). On the course they will be trained in exploiting raw data collected from multiple platforms and, using specialist applications, will be able to identify activity normally undetectable using traditional analytical techniques. Accommodation is provided for those requiring it for the duration of the course. Applicants who have already undertaken and passed the UKIAC or DIIAC will not be required to re-attend. Those who have completed the RFIAC will be assessed to understand their skills and knowledge and may be asked to attend the course.

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.

All jobs advertised in DI are subject to fair and open competition.

Open to UK nationals only.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

At sift, applicants will be scored against their experience using a personal statement (max word count 500).

Your personal statement should directly relate to / provide evidence of your experience against any of the 8 bullet points detailed within the person specification element of this advert for which you can demonstrate evidence.

The layout is entirely your preference; you may choose narrative, bullets, etc. You may choose to address each criteria separately or have examples that cover and evidence several criteria. Please ensure you evidence what you have done that relates to the requirements. You don’t have to explain the whole process, focus on what you have done and the skills and experience you have used.

Applicants who are successful at sift will be invited to an assessment day. These will be held throughout the week commencing 30th November 2026. During the day candidates will be tested through a number of assessments and exercises. Throughout these, civil service behaviours will be assessed. Please note, no preparation will be required for these.

The behaviours that will be assessed are as follows:

• Leadership
• Changing and improving
• Seeing the big picture

During the assessment day, candidates will also take the Imagery Analysis Aptitude Assessment (IAAA). Candidates who do not pass this will not be able to proceed further in this recruitment campaign. Candidates who have previously applied and not passed the IAAA will be eligible for one further attempt to pass. Two failures would mean you would not be able to proceed further in this recruitment campaign or re-apply in future. Candidates who have already passed the IAAA will not be required to complete it again.

Further information:

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.

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points-based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category, and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points-based system.

Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.

Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) generates and operates specialist capabilities, ready to fight across all domains to make the UK secure at home and strong abroad.

Always on, we are across every UK operation, delivering the capabilities you don’t usually see - or those you can’t.

From cyber warriors and medics to intelligence analysts, special forces, educators, and Defence attachés, our collective expertise delivers the warfighting edge Defence needs to deter threats and secure the nation today and prepare for tomorrow.

CSOC unites Defence’s cyber and specialist capabilities under a single, military command alongside the Royal Navy, British Army, and the Royal Air Force - acting as the UK’s fourth Military Command. For more information, please see here.’

Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) is going through a significant transformation programme which aims to design the way in which the new Military Command conducts its business and delivers for Defence and the nation. As a consequence of this, posts within CSOC are/or may become subject to review and potential changes as we continuously improve across the period of the transformation programme. These changes may be minor or could be more substantive and will generate new opportunities. Throughout, the Command’s transformation programme is committed to following the MOD’s framework on managing and supporting people through the change process and places an emphasis on early and open consultation and engagement with the Command’s personnel and Trade Unions.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.