The description said the role would suit someone who likes their martinis shaken and not stirred
The description said the role would suit someone who likes their martinis shaken and not stirred

Those who dream of becoming a spy have had the chance to apply for the role of a 'target elimination specialist' on the Direct Gov website.

The spoof 'James Bond' vacancy, which was soon removed, sought people who were willing to travel to a number of countries "where individuals need to be removed" and offered a salary of £60,000 a year depending on the completion of missions.

Military experience was preferred, particularly in the use of sniper rifles, and applicants were told they need to register their interest in person near a fake rock in Regent's Park.

A love of martinis, shaken not stirred, was also listed as a desirable quality.

It is not known how the spoof article ended up on the official government site. Universal Jobmatch, the department responsible for job listings on the gov.uk site, were unavailable for comment at time of publishing.

Full job description is available below:

"From time to time the UK government has a need to remove people whose continued existence poses a risk to the effective conduct of public order. So we require particularly skilled professionals who are prepared to work on a non-attributable basis to deal with these problems.

"The role will involve international travel to a number of countries where individuals need to be removed.

"The ideal candidate will need to have no particular distinguishing features so as to blend in and be able to take on new identities as required. They will need to be resourceful in finding ways to accomplish their missions and, in some cases, to leave foreign countries by non-conventional means. The role would suit candidates with prior military experience, particularly in the use of sniper rifles.

"The job holder will receive all necessary equipment, including passports, special watches, jet packs, mini-submarines and a Walther PPK.

"This role is particularly appropriate for those who like their martinis shaken and not stirred.

"To apply for this role, please express your interest somewhere in the vicinity of the large and rather fake-looking rock in Regent's Park."

creen grab of the advert before it was taken down
Screen grab of the advert before it was taken down