Hiding microphones in the hems, being discreet… French intelligence is recruiting a very special designer

La DGSE recrute. ILLUSTRATION UNSPLASH. – Devin Kaselnak

The DGSE published a very special job offer on March 22, 2024. French intelligence is seeking to recruit tailors capable of demonstrating rigor and discretion to equip the clothes of its agents.

Would fans of spy films be tempted by an unprecedented professional retraining?? The DGSE (General Directorate of External Security), has posted an offer of employment ;job for a "seamstress of soft materials".

A former head of the security intelligence services explains to our colleagues from Ouest-France that this designer will not just make hems. And for good reason, this position could also require hiding listening devices or special materials in clothing and accessories.

A very special fashion designer

"Within a textile and leather manufacturing unit focused on accessory work, you will mainly be responsible for carrying out specific alterations and modifying existing compositions, mainly in unique piece or very small series. You will define and implement the manufacturing file for new textile and leather parts, carry out the various operations specified on industrial machines, and proceed with the assembly of the whole, soberly announces the DGSE in a message published on LinkedIn.

But for a former intelligence officer, "the secret services use technical equipment which needs to be transported clandestinely during operations to abroad.

The person recruited must be able to slide surveillance equipment into the prepared rooms, explain our colleagues. This could particularly concern parts to be transported by plane. Because the DGSE, unlike the DGSI, its equivalent within French territory, operates abroad.

Rigour and discretion

The DGSE requires candidates to be "holder of a professional baccalaureate and/or a BTS in fashion professions/leather trades" and to know how to demonstrate "rigor, reliability, perseverance, initiative and innovation".

Furthermore, "mastery of industrial sewing machines and good knowledge of the materials handled and their characteristics" make part of the prerequisites.

And even if this position does not involve work in the field, candidates must be prepared to follow the tedious French intelligence recruitment process. Namely a six-month security investigation, the fact of do not discuss the recruitment procedure and avoid talking about it to those close to you, even to your family.