Intelligence Analyst | Christchurch

Job Description

Job Title: Intelligence Analyst

Role type: Permanent full-time

Location: Christchurch

Salary range: E $87,008 to $101,621 depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

The Ministry for Primary industries is seeking an Intelligence Analyst to join the Intelligence & Targeting Team. In this role you will plan, lead, and deliver intelligence products that target biosecurity risk and non-compliance across import pathways. Your work will directly inform tactical, operational, and strategic decision makers across Biosecurity New Zealand. The work of an intelligence Analyst helps mitigate threats to New Zealand's biosecurity interests and help us protect New Zealand from biological harm.

You will support tactical, operational, and strategic decisions, while working in a regulatory intelligence environment that differs from traditional agencies. You'll collect and analyse information, engage with stakeholders, and contribute to protecting New Zealand's biosecurity. The role offers strong support for professional development, including the NZ Diploma in Intelligence Analysis, and sits within a team that values wellbeing, curiosity, and collaboration.

You will be able to:

• Keep track of domestic and global issues that challenge New Zealand's biosecurity
• Derive insights from complex data using intelligence methodologies and tools
• Negotiate with stakeholders to determine priorities for intelligence products
• Maintain professionalism and seek feedback on intelligence quality and timeliness
• Build productive relationships across MPI, government and industry
• Demonstrate integrity in handling sensitive information
• Communicate clearly, especially in writing, and work well in a team
• Show curiosity, analytical thinking, and a reflective mindset
• Learn and apply biosecurity knowledge in a regulatory context
• Hold or be open to gain a New Zealand Diploma in Intelligence Analysis (to be completed in work time)

About You - Mōu

You're a curious, reflective thinker who enjoys working with others to solve complex problems and support frontline decision makers. You're someone who is excited by the opportunity to apply your intelligence tradecraft in a regulatory setting, and keen to learn about biosecurity risks, import pathways, and the people who manage them.

You're a strong communicator and thrive in environments that value learning, coaching, and collaboration. You're open to new experiences and enjoy getting to know your customers to understand how the role works.

You may be from another government agency and want to experience the breadth of experiences that MPI provides.

You are an experienced intelligence practitioner that brings:

• Curiosity and interest in people, systems, and global issues
• Strong written communication and analytical thinking skills
• Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively in teams
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a complex, changing environment
• Confidence to coach, mentor, and support analyst development
• Integrity and professionalism in handling sensitive information
• NZDIA qualification or willingness to complete it while working
• Ability to reflect and challenge assumptions
• Interest in biosecurity and protecting New Zealand

You do not need to meet all of the role requirements to apply. We offer a breadth of development and learning opportunities and will welcome an application if you think you could make a great fit.

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

Our team is part of the Intelligence, Targeting and Evaluation Group, working to identify and respond to risks across all import pathways.

We're a nationally dispersed team of approximately 30, across locations in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. The team includes intelligence analysts, target evaluators and developers, all contributing to high-impact work that protects New Zealand's biosecurity.

We collaborate across regions and disciplines, using virtual tools to stay connected and build relationships. New team members are supported through mentoring, site visits and learning opportunities to build biosecurity knowledge. We value curiosity, integrity, and analytical rigour, and we care deeply about each other's wellbeing. This is a team where challenge is embraced, learning is constant, and your contribution truly matters.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) partners with New Zealand's food and fibre sector to be the world's most sustainable provider of high-value food and primary products.

Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua

• Additional MPI leave days
• Ability to purchase extra annual leave

• Career development and internal opportunities across the branch and organisation 

 https://www.mpi.govt.nz/about-mpi/careers/working-mpi/benefits/

Security checks - Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru

Higher level Security Clearance

• most preferably a New Zealand citizen who has resided continuously in New Zealand for at least the last ten (10) years, OR

• is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last ten (10) years: either Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK or the USA; and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZSIS towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at a higher level.
• click here to find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility self-check tool.

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.

Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake?
We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.

We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes, and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.

To view the position description and/or apply online, please click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.

Applications close at 11.59pm 22 October 2025  

If you have any questions about the role, please email Sophie.Hallett@mpi.govt.nz 

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