According to a report in The Times, the Secret Intelligence Service is looking to boost its numbers by as much as 10% and is particularly looking to recruit from the ethnic minorities, especially Arabic speakers.
It had earlier been reported that MI6 was turning to former members of the UK's special forces units, the SAS and the Royal Marines' Special SBS, to use as agents to meet the shortfall.
The move, the paper says, coincides with a campaign to boost numbers joining the SAS and the SBS, which are both said to be under-strength. Both the SAS and SBS have been heavily involved in Afghanistan, working with MI6, the CIA and American special forces in the hunt for Al-Qaeda terrorists.
MI6 is thought to currently employ around 1,600 and the latest expansion will be the biggest since the end of the Cold War. The Times said MI6 plans to double the number of counter-terrorist experts to between 80 and 100 officers, at its headquarters in South London.
If the ads go ahead, MI6 will be joining the home intelligence service MI5, which has previously openly advertised. Potential candidates can also apply by writing to PO Box 1300, MI6's special address.
If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the .