Graduate Intelligence Program (Jul 2024)

MPS Graduate Intelligence Program

The Mitchell Personnel Solutions (MPS) Graduate Intelligence Program offers unique learning experiences and career development working with the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency. 

MPS is the winner of various awards including Recommended Employer, Telstra Small Business Champion and Service Excellence. 

Places are limited. Apply to be part of our team today! 

About Mitchell Personnel Solutions

MPS is a leading provider of personnel security vetting to the Commonwealth Government of Australia. MPS has built a business that empowers its people. We invest in our people and support them to develop their career. 

At MPS we are strong believers in the importance of security vetting and its place as a frontline defence against threats to the security of both the Nation and the Australian Government. With a workplace focused on wellbeing, we have built a diverse team of highly skilled and engaged staff. 

Over its 17+ years in business, MPS has been a trusted partner with the Australian Government as a panel member supporting the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA). 

Your role

You’ll start as a permanent employee and complete a dynamic training and development program over 12 months that will give you a thorough understanding of the business of intelligence, security vetting and Australia’s national security. The types of work, training and development opportunities you complete, as a Security Vetting Analyst, will be focused on Positive Vetting, specialising in Intelligence and industry ‘best practice’.

Your role will be a Security Vetting Analyst where you will make assessments and recommendations about an individual’s suitability to hold a security clearance in accordance with minimum standards set by the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF), and other policies and guidelines.

As a Security Vetting Analyst you will:

• Undertake the vetting security clearance process for allocated cases within specified benchmark timeframes;
• Research, organise and conduct face-to-face interviews;
• Perform detailed analysis and assessment and make recommendations in a high-level written report of a candidate’s suitability to hold a security clearance;
• Identify and assess risks and anomalies;
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders;
• Be responsive to feedback;
• Work to tight deadlines;
• Have strong interpersonal and communication skills, a high attention to detail and accuracy, and high levels of integrity and discretion; and
• Contribute to shared knowledge with colleagues.

What we offer

No matter your interest, whether it is in personnel vetting, intelligence, national security or foreign affairs, our graduate program will prepare you for a rich and rewarding career with future pathways to working within the Australian Federal Government across the Australian Intelligence Community. As a graduate, you’ll have access to a competitive remuneration package that includes compensation for the obligations of maintaining a security clearance and working in a secure environment. During the program, you will be provided with: 

• Practical learning opportunities with exposure to all aspects of the organisation
• Targeted training and development, including experiential, social and foundational learning
• An inclusive working environment with social events connecting all graduates
• Pastoral care from a dedicated graduate coordinator
• Access to employee and professional networks
• Wellbeing support

Learning and Development

Working at MPS not only expands your skillset in personnel vetting and intelligence, but it also provides an opportunity to broaden your understanding of the world, and Australia’s place within it. With various future pathways available, MPS are committed to targeted training and development to each of our graduate’s personal career ambitions. 

Work life balance

MPS supports their workforce by offering flexible and generous workplace terms and conditions of employment. 

Flexible working arrangements: 

• Standard work hours for full-time employees is 7 hours, 30 minutes per day
• Generous leave including:
  • annual leave
  • personal/carers leave
  • paid maternity leave and paid parental leave

Support and Wellbeing:

• MPS bonus days for team building activities
• Tailored Wellbeing Program, including:
  • an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential counselling, advice and support for both professional and personal matters
  • monthly Wellbeing@Work sessions on a range of topics

Who are we looking for? 

MPS is looking for both generalist and specialist graduates that have a genuine interest in national security and intelligence, problem-solving, critical thinking and innovation. Whether you are studying international relations, arts, economics, cyber security, policy, education or business, MPS is looking for creative and energetic graduates with a range of skill sets from all academic backgrounds. This program is a rare opportunity to begin a rich and rewarding career.

Eligibility requirements 

• Australian citizenship
• Completed an undergraduate and post-graduate university degree within the past 5 years
• The ability to demonstrate high levels of professional conduct and personal integrity
• Enthusiasm, excellent interpersonal skills and sound judgement
• The ability to obtain and hold a high-level national security clearance
• The ability to complete a certificate IV in Security (Personnel Vetting)

Culture & vibe

MPS are committed to developing a workforce that represents the diversity of Australian culture and builds on the skills of each of the other personnel. MPS prides themselves on their peer-to-peer support and buddy program, as well as having an open and honest agile work environment. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Australians and people with disability. 

Key Dates

February 2024 – Applications Open

28th March 2024 – Applications Close

March/April 2024 – Interviews commence 

April/May 2024 – Offers and outcomes announced, Graduate applicants may be required to complete further suitability assessments which may result in a slight delay of offers and outcomes

May/June 2024 – Commence Graduate Program 

How to apply 

To apply for this role, simply click the "Apply Now’ button. 

You will be required to submit the following as part of the application:

• Current CV including details of 2 referees
• Academic Transcript
• Statement of claims (in response to below questions - no more than 250 words per question)

1. Outline why you are applying for this role, how you feel your experience or studies have prepared you for this role and how are these transferable to the role of a Security Vetting Analyst?
2. Provide an example where you have had to rely on your effective verbal or written communication skills to negotiate an outcome or make a recommendation based on available information.
3. Provide an example where you have had to complete a body of work that required you to work autonomously, with flexibility and effective time management.
4. Can you describe the nature of national security and what you believe to be your responsibilities?

Please do not tell anyone about your application with the organisation at this stage of the process as doing so may harm your suitability for employment with MPS.

You may be contacted via SMS regarding the next stage of the process.

A merit list will be established for candidates who are suitable and will remain valid for a period of 12 months.