Counter Intelligence Analyst

New Zealand Defence Force; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life cover

Critical illness protection

Discounted insurances

Free will services

Savings schemes for Defence community

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force – Wellington Central, North Island. The Counterintelligence Analyst role contributes to intelligence products and risk assessment to safeguard personnel, information, assets and facilities.

You will develop tradecraft, analyse threats, and deliver strategic, operational and tactical intelligence to NZDF decision-makers. This role sits within the Counterintelligence and Personnel Security function.

Qualifications

• Experience applying intelligence tradecraft to collect and evaluate information from multiple sources.
• Ability to produce strategic, operational and tactical intelligence products for decision-makers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for briefing materials.

Responsibilities

• Produce strategic intelligence assessments, threat reports and briefing materials.
• Identify, analyse and assess threats, vulnerabilities and trends relevant to NZDF interests.
• Apply intelligence methodologies and structured analytical techniques to support decision-making.
• Deliver intelligence briefings and written products to stakeholders.
• Contribute to briefing and debriefing programmes.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external partners.
• Support development of counterintelligence capabilities and initiatives.

Skills

Threat assessment

Intelligence analysis

Written communication

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in security studies or related field

Job description

New Zealand Defence Force – Wellington Central, North Island

As a member of Defence Counterintelligence (DEFCI), you will contribute to the delivery of intelligence products, assessments and advice that help protect NZDF personnel, information, assets and facilities from security threats. Working alongside experienced intelligence professionals and subject matter experts, you will identify, analyse and assess threats, vulnerabilities and risks that could impact NZDF operations and capability.

This role sits within the Counterintelligence and Personnel Security (CIPS) function. CIPS encompasses Personnel Security, Clinical Psychology and Defence Counterintelligence and supports NZDF's approach to Insider Threat activities.

As a Counterintelligence Analyst, you will develop and apply intelligence tradecraft to collect, evaluate and analyse information from multiple sources. You will contribute to strategic, operational and tactical intelligence products that support informed decision-making across NZDF while continuing to build your expertise in intelligence analysis and counterintelligence.

Responsibilities of this role include:

Produce strategic intelligence assessments, threat reports and briefing materials.

Identify, analyse and assess threats, vulnerabilities and emerging trends relevant to NZDF interests.

Apply intelligence methodologies and structured analytical techniques to support decision-making.

Deliver intelligence briefings and written products to a range of stakeholders.

Contribute to briefing and debriefing programmes.

Build and maintain productive relationships with internal, domestic and international partners.

Support the development of counterintelligence products, processes and capability initiatives.

This is an intelligence analysis role. It is not a Business Analyst, Data Analyst, Reporting Analyst or Business Intelligence position. While information and data contribute to intelligence assessments, the primary focus of the role is intelligence collection, evaluation, analysis, threat assessment and the communication of intelligence judgements that support operational and strategic decision-making.

Please note:As this role requires a high level of security clearance, you will need to be / have been a NZ, UK, Australian, Canadian or USA citizen for a minimum of 15 years to be eligible for this role.

The successful candidate is required to undergo a psychological assessment as part of the pre-employment security vetting process.

We are seeking individuals with strong analytical thinking skills and a genuine interest in intelligence, security or national security issues. This role will suit applicants who enjoy research, problem solving and making evidence-based assessments. Experience in an intelligence, security or government environment is beneficial but not essential.

This role offers a unique opportunity to build a career in intelligence within a highly supportive environment. NZDF invests heavily in the development of its people, providing access to formal and on-the-job training across intelligence analysis, formal writing, evidence-based decision making, briefing delivery, and leadership development. Whether you are new to the intelligence profession or looking to further develop your experience, you will be supported by experienced practitioners and provided with opportunities to grow your expertise over time

Within the DEFCI team, continuous development and subject matter interest is key. As a team, we also value positive attitudes and a cohesive team approach.

Ideally, you will also bring to this role:

Demonstrated ability to research, analyse information and develop logical conclusions.

Strong written communication skills with the ability to produce clear and concise written products.

Understanding of New Zealand Government or national security environments.

Experience producing assessments, reports or analytical products.

Qualification or study in intelligence, security, psychology, criminology, international relations, political science or a related discipline

Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.

A willingness to learn, develop expertise and continuously improve analytical tradecraft.

Please note: The successful applicant will need the ability to travel both domestically and internationally as required.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here’s what you need to know:

Higher Level Security Clearance

You must be a New Zealand Citizen for at least the last ten (10) years.

At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.

To obtain this level of clearance, you must have a background history of fifteen (15) years that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.

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