Intelligence Analyst

Role overview

The Ministry for Primary Industries is looking for an Intelligence Analyst to join its Intelligence & Targeting Team in Auckland. This permanent, full-time position focuses on creating intelligence outputs that help identify biosecurity risk and non-compliance across import pathways. The insights you produce will support tactical, operational, and strategic decisions across Biosecurity New Zealand and contribute to protecting New Zealand from biological harm.

The role sits in a regulatory intelligence setting, so the work involves gathering and interpreting information, working closely with stakeholders, and helping shape responses to current and emerging threats. MPI also highlights strong support for learning and development, along with a team culture built on wellbeing, curiosity, and collaboration.

What you will do

• Monitor local and international developments that may affect New Zealand’s biosecurity
• Use intelligence methods and tools to turn complex information into useful insights
• Work with stakeholders to agree priorities for intelligence outputs
• Keep quality, professionalism, and timeliness at the centre of your work
• Build effective working relationships across MPI, government, and industry
• Handle sensitive material with integrity and discretion
• Communicate clearly, particularly in written form, and contribute positively to team work
• Bring curiosity, analytical judgement, and a willingness to reflect and improve
• Develop and apply biosecurity knowledge in a regulatory environment
• Hold, or be prepared to complete, the New Zealand Diploma in Intelligence Analysis during work time

About you

You are a thoughtful and inquisitive intelligence professional who enjoys collaborating with others to solve difficult problems and support front-line decision makers. You are interested in applying your intelligence skills in a regulatory context and are keen to build knowledge of biosecurity risks, import pathways, and the people involved in managing them.

You communicate well, adapt easily in changing environments, and value learning, coaching, and teamwork. This opportunity may also suit someone from another government agency who wants broader experience within MPI.

Team and organisation

The role sits within the Intelligence, Targeting and Evaluation Group, which works to identify and respond to risks across all import pathways. The wider team is spread across Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin, with about 30 people including intelligence analysts, target evaluators, and target developers.

The team stays connected through virtual tools and cross-region collaboration. New starters are supported with mentoring, site visits, and learning opportunities to strengthen their biosecurity understanding. Curiosity, integrity, analytical discipline, and wellbeing are all important parts of the team culture.

MPI partners with New Zealand’s food and fibre sector to support the country’s role as a sustainable provider of high-value food and primary products.

Pay and benefits

This position is in General Salary Range E, with a pay band of $87,008 to $101,621, depending on your skills and experience.

• Extra MPI leave days
• Annual wellness payment
• Paid eye test every two years, plus support toward corrective lenses or frames

Security and eligibility requirements

This role requires a New Zealand national security clearance at SECRET level. To be considered, you must meet the eligibility criteria below.

• You must be a New Zealand citizen or hold a New Zealand residence-class visa, including permanent residence
• You need at least 10 years of verifiable background history that can be assessed by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service for SECRET or TOP SECRET clearance suitability
• If you do not meet these minimum requirements, your application cannot be accepted

Additional application information

In your cover letter, MPI wants to learn about your values, your motivation for the role, your strengths, the personal qualities you would bring, and the different perspectives you can contribute, including experience gained outside paid work.

Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it. Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 12 July.

If you have questions about the role, contact Shane.Gooch@mpi.govt.nz.

Equal opportunity

MPI says it is committed to partnership under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to reflecting the diversity of the communities it serves. Applications are welcomed from people of all backgrounds and identities.