Open-Source Intelligence Specialist at Financial Intelligence Centre

Financial Intelligence Centre; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 30 000 - 70 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a proactive individual to provide strategic intelligence reports to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. This role involves utilizing advanced technology to gather and analyze open-source material, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in cybersecurity investigations and intelligence analysis, with a strong understanding of blockchain technology. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a difference in financial security and contributing to impactful intelligence production.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in cybercrime or cybersecurity investigations.
• University degree in Computer or Digital Forensics required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement SOPs for gathering and analyzing open-source material.
• Produce complex reports for financial intelligence production.

Skills

Blockchain

Python development

Ethereum Java

Intelligence analysis tools

Cybersecurity investigations

Open-Source technology on Linux

Online research

Leadership skills

Education

University Degree in Computer or Digital Forensics

Postgraduate qualification in related fields

Tools

i2 Analyst Notebook

Maltego

TRM Labs

Job description

JOB PURPOSE

To provide proactive and reactive strategic and operational intelligence reports to domestic and international stakeholders to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

1. Identify user specifications for acquiring technical equipment needed for gathering and analyzing open-source material relevant to financial intelligence.
2. Utilize specialized technology from sources such as crypto asset blockchains, the internet, dark web, deep web, social media platforms, and other authorized sources by the FIC.
3. Set up, apply, and maintain technical equipment to gather open-source material as directed by the FIC, over short to long-term durations.
4. Implement measures to ensure compliance with section 60(1) during information gathering activities under section 4(a) of the Act.
5. Ensure adherence to relevant legislation when collecting information from open sources and blockchains.
6. Develop and implement SOPs for gathering and analyzing open-source material for financial intelligence.
7. Analyze data and produce reports relevant to timely financial intelligence production.
8. Apply diagnostic skills to identify relationships and causal links, assessing their impact to formulate hypotheses.
9. Produce complex reports with inferences and conclusions for medium-term planning.
10. Lead briefings and presentations with internal and external stakeholders and clients.
11. Disseminate approved information according to timelines and specifications.
12. Manage the aggregation and utilization of relevant technical equipment.
13. Perform quality assurance tests to ensure data integrity and quality.
14. Address technical equipment issues, queries, and errors promptly and accurately.
15. Review technical assessments or forecasts from open-source and blockchain platforms related to AML/CFT or proceeds of crime.
16. Conduct technical surveillance countermeasures for the FIC.
17. Support departmental information gathering requirements.
18. Act as a lead, assigning and reviewing work for others.
19. Conduct training sessions as needed.
20. Perform other ad hoc duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• University Degree in Computer or Digital Forensics.
• Postgraduate qualification in related fields (computer science, IT, cybersecurity, public management, criminal justice) is advantageous.
• Six years' experience in cybercrime or cybersecurity investigations.
• Experience with intelligence analysis tools, methods, and the intelligence cycle.
• Skills in Blockchain, Ethereum Java or Python development.
• Ability to understand and explain behaviors of various organizations, from criminal syndicates to financial institutions.
• Certifications in intelligence analysis or OSINT tools (e.g., i2 Analyst Notebook, Maltego, TRM Labs) are advantageous.
• Proven ability to translate complex information into actionable recommendations.
• Knowledge of cyber threats, defenses, motivations, and techniques.
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles related to blockchain.
• Advanced skills in deploying Open-Source technology on Linux platforms.
• Ability to conduct thorough online research and evaluate source credibility.
• Leadership skills for project management and team guidance.
• Knowledge of operating systems, network security, DNS, TCP/IP, SMTP, IMAP, SSH, HTTPS, and SSL.
• Understanding of malicious code operation and exploitation of vulnerabilities.
• Familiarity with tactics, tools, and procedures of cybercriminals, especially on the dark web.
• Ability to produce timely written recommendations and assessments.
• Knowledge of foreign languages is a plus.