Proactive Investigator (Field Intelligence Officer)- Senior Customs Officer Grade Two - Proactive Intelligence Team

Be part of our intelligence hub, identifying risks to our border - and help stop threats from reaching our shores.

We are looking for a motivated individual to join our Proactive Intelligence team. We have a great opportunity in our hybrid intelligence / investigations team supporting our work disrupting transnational organised crime. You will have either in-depth knowledge of Customs / the border environment or are an experienced Investigator.

The Proactive Intelligence team is a team of intelligence analysts and investigators who are at the heart of identifying risks to our border and helping stop threats from reaching our shores. The team is focused on engaging with partners, (both domestic and international), and developing proactive intelligence in order to disrupt the supply chain of illicit goods and keep New Zealand safe.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi
This Proactive position will be involved in gathering intelligence to help build the intelligence picture around criminal and non-compliant activity and support the production of reporting to inform actionable outcomes. You will work alongside Proactive Intelligence analysts to provide accurate, timely and meaningful intelligence about the environment and individuals of interest and undertake investigative activity and complete a range of investigative duties in pursuit of cross-border offending.
You will be responsible for:

• Identifying and developing targets for future investigations and support current Proactive investigations.
• Undertaking operational activity when working on and developing proactive investigations.
• Preparing and presenting (written and verbal) information in a clear and concise manner.
• Managing time effectively to complete multiple investigations and meet deadlines.
• Liaising both internally and with other domestic and / or international agencies
• Contributing to the production of intelligence products and briefings, and developing quality reports and correspondence so as to meet client needs
• Producing and disseminate quality, accurate and timely Intelligence
• Maintaining knowledge of the current intelligence / information products, control strategy and intelligence requirements of the team.
• Build and maintain a network of contacts that can assist Customs investigations.
• Maintain an up-to-date awareness of organised crime matters occurring within New Zealand and internationally and identify opportunities to interdict and disrupt this activity.
• Identify and respond to opportunistic collection opportunities.

We're looking for people who care about their team, who are approachable, supportive and willing to help. You will be a coach and mentor to your colleagues, so an interest in the development of others is important, and you will also be expected be involved operational activities.

You will be a part of the wider Intelligence, Investigations and Enforcement group, and you will report to the Supervising Customs Officer of the Offshore Disruption and Proactive Intelligence team. The salary range for this role is $73,721 - $93,763 with an allowance of $4,054 for working predictable hours.

About you | Ko wai koe

• You will have an enforcement background ideally with some experience planning and being involved in operational investigations activity
• You will have excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Ability to problem solve and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment
• An exceptional ability to work independently, multi-task and ensure issues are dealt with in a timely manner
• Be self-motivated and able to work autonomously to achieve results
• The ability and confidence to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels in a professional manner
• Have an understanding of the function of intelligence
• You will have a high level of attention to detail
• You have a natural curiosity and talent for finding patterns and anomalies
• Have sound judgement and levelheadedness - you'll be able to handle sensitive information and situations well, and stay calm and composed in challenging situations
• Be able demonstrate previous coaching, mentoring and leadership ideally within an investigations/enforcement environment

This role is intellectually challenging and requires individuals who are conscientious, adaptable with multiple workloads and comfortable interpreting legislation. Senior Customs Officers must take responsibility in managing their own and others' skills, knowledge and expertise to ensure a multi-skilled team / agency approach.

What's involved…
As part of the recruitment process, you will need to pass a medical test and the NZ Police Physical Competency Test (PCT). The PCT is a timed obstacle course, requiring you to do a variety of tasks from climbing a wall, to dragging a weight, to jumping through a window.

To join Customs in any role you must be a New Zealand citizen or New Zealand permanent resident* and for this role, be able to obtain and maintain an Organisational Security clearance along with being able to obtain and maintain security clearance to 'Top Secret' level.
(*) A New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last ten years, (including ten years ago from the date of this application) and resides in New Zealand at time of application;
OR
A New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last ten years, (including ten years ago from the date of this application) and resides in New Zealand at time of application who has travelled out of New Zealand for short periods of time i.e. > 6 months in one of the following countries: Australia, United Kingdom, United States or Canada and can provide police certificates from those countries for the period of absence.

You must have a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service towards a recommendation of suitability for security clearance at a higher level. Already having Top Secret clearance is a benefit, but not a requirement.

Due to the nature of Customs work you must have a clear Police record. Successful applicants are also required to pass a medical assessment and drug test and must hold a full NZ Drivers' licence.

Working at Customs | Mahi ki te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa
Our people get on-the-job training, formal courses and leadership programmes, and the chance to move across diverse roles. We foster an inclusive and supportive team environment with vibrant social and cultural groups. We also support flexible working - talk to us about how we can help you achieve your flexible working goals, within our operational requirements. Our people get discounted health insurance, free on-site gyms (in some locations) and three days of service holidays in addition to four weeks of annual leave.

How to apply | Me pehea te whakauru
Please apply online. Please submit a cover letter which outlines your suitability and motivation for this role. You will be asked to outline your relevant skills and experience and answer some competency based questions. The online application process takes a bit of time and requires you to provide examples of previous work - specific questions are asked in the online process. It's best to set aside some time when you won't be interrupted.

If shortlisted, you will be asked to complete online psychometric testing as part of the process.

If you have any queries, please contact our recruitment team: recruitment@customs.govt.nz

Applications close on Wednesday 30th October 2024 at 5:00pm.

New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa is a member of Diversity Works New Zealand and is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role. We also support flexible working arrangements.