Senior Analyst Counter Intelligence at NZ Defence Force, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

 

As a member of Defence Counter Intelligence (DEFCI), you will provide specialist intelligence support, advice and assessments to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) on behalf of Defence Security. This work focuses on identifying, analysing and assessing threats, vulnerabilities and risks that could negatively impact NZDF personnel, information, assets, and facilities.

 

This role sits within the Counter Intelligence and Personnel Security (CIPS) function. CIPS encompasses Personnel Security, Clinical Psychology and Defence Counterintelligence and is responsible for supporting NZDF's approach to Insider Threat activities.

 

As a Senior Intelligence Analyst, you will lead the development of strategic, operational and tactical intelligence assessments, transforming information from multiple sources into actionable intelligence insights. You will apply structured analytical techniques and intelligence methodologies to support well-informed decision-making by NZDF leaders and commanders. You will also play a key role in maintaining analytical standards, mentoring colleagues and promoting professional intelligence tradecraft across the team.

 

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.

 

Key responsibilities include:

• Producing high-quality intelligence assessments, threat reports and strategic intelligence products.
• Identifying emerging threats, risks, vulnerabilities and trends affecting NZDF interests.
• Applying structured analytical techniques to develop evidence-based intelligence judgements and recommendations.
• Delivering clear and compelling intelligence briefings to senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Providing counterintelligence subject matter expertise across NZDF activities, programmes and initiatives.
• Building and maintaining strong partnerships with domestic and international security and intelligence partners.
• Supporting intelligence capability development through mentoring, coaching and peer review.

This role is based in Wellington CBD. Due to the nature of the work, regular office attendance is required. Limited flexible working arrangements may be available once fully trained and operationally proficient.

Occasional domestic and international travel is required, along with attendance at courses, conferences or meetings outside normal business hours. A full Class 1 Driver Licence and valid passport are required.

 

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. 

 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

 

We are seeking an experienced intelligence practitioner with demonstrated experience conducting intelligence analysis and producing intelligence assessments within a government, defence, law enforcement, security, intelligence, or national security environment. Applicants must be able to demonstrate experience applying structured analytical techniques and developing intelligence judgements to support decision-making.

 

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Experience producing strategic intelligence assessments for decision-makers.
• Demonstrated expertise in intelligence analysis methodologies, structured analytical techniques and analytical tradecraft.
• Demonstrated experience analysing threats, vulnerabilities, intent, and capability, and communicating intelligence assessments to support strategic decision-making.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to produce concise, accurate and persuasive intelligence outputs.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, including experience briefing senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across a diverse stakeholder group.
• Experience mentoring, coaching or supporting the professional development of other analysts.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities within a dynamic environment.

Ideally, you will also hold a qualification in Intelligence Analysis or a related discipline such as security studies, international relations, strategic studies or criminology.

 

A written assessment will form part of the selection process.

We are looking for intelligence professionals who can apply sound judgement, analytical rigour and intelligence tradecraft to complex security challenges. If you are passionate about intelligence-led decision-making and want to contribute to protecting New Zealand Defence Force people and capabilities, we encourage you to apply.

The starting salary for this role will be approximately $100,000 (inclusive of 4% superannuation contribution).

 

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.

 

Beyond the benefits, this is an opportunity to work in a unique intelligence environment where your analysis directly contributes to protecting NZDF personnel, information and operational capability. You will work alongside experienced professionals, engage with national and international partners and continue developing specialist intelligence expertise in a highly trusted role.

 

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.

 

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

 

Applications close on Thursday 20 August 2026.

Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

 

Please Note:

• All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.
• Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.

NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.

NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.

 

Please Note:

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.