Human Intelligence Officer

Job Summary

CSIS is looking for dedicated individuals to staff the Human -Intelligence Officer position in its various regional offices across Canada.

Intelligence Officers play a central role at CSIS. Human -Intelligence Officers conduct intelligence collection as regional investigators connecting with people across communities.  Human -Intelligence Officers are at the heart of the CSIS mandate as the country’s foremost HUMINT intelligence organization and are the driving force behind CSIS operations, collecting the raw intelligence required to meet the Government of Canada’s intelligence priorities.  The role of a Human -Intelligence Officer is unique, and it is key to shaping the future of national security.  These Intelligence Officers are responsible for investigating threats to national security and managing challenging and complex situations in the face of ambiguity. They work in collaboration with colleagues, other agencies and our international allies to find opportunities to disrupt these threats.  Whether it is to stop a terrorist or catch a foreign spy, no two days are alike.

Human -Intelligence Officers come from diverse social and educational backgrounds, and they require a common set of skills in order to be successful in their role. This includes intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, the ability to analyze and make sense of large amounts of information, as well as the ability to write clearly and concisely with a high level of accuracy, even while under pressure and time constraints. Human -Intelligence Officers have very strong interpersonal and communication skills, including a natural ability to build rapport and trust with people. They require high levels of emotional intelligence, empathy, and the ability to understand and motivate others. Human -Intelligence Officers are often required to make their own difficult tactical decisions in the field, all while respecting the rule of law and human rights. Additionally, they must be resilient, comfortable with the unknown, persistent in the face of challenges, and able to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced work environment. By virtue of their work, Human -Intelligence Officers have access to highly classified and controlled information, and are involved in sensitive intelligence operations. As such, their honesty, integrity, and reliability must be beyond reproach.

Statement of Qualifications

Education

• Completed Undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree

The educational program must be from an accredited learning institution recognized in Canada.

If you completed a program outside of Canada, you will be required to obtain proof of a Canadian equivalency at your expense through a recognized credential assessment service.

Experience

Work experience in each of the following:

• Conducting complex assessments. Complex is defined as comprising several factors which make the situation difficult.
• Handling difficult situations. Difficult situations are defined as challenging or unexpected circumstances, conflicts, or problems.
• Working in a team.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the CSIS mandate, the CSIS Act, and the Government of Canada’s intelligence priorities regarding the security of Canada.
• An awareness of both national and international current events and an understanding of how they relate to the CSIS mandate.

Competencies

• Critical Thinking
• Communication (oral and written)
• Collaboration
• Adaptability
• Integrity

Assets

An asset qualification is a qualification which can enhance the ability to perform the work based on current and future business requirements, but which is not strictly required. Positions will be staffed based on the selection decision principle and operational priorities.

• Previous experience in areas of including working for the Government of Canada, particularly in the fields of national security, intelligence, enforcement, or defense;
• Previous experience in client service roles which entail interacting with the public, social work and related fields.
• Previous experience conducting investigations
• Knowledge of language (s) other than French and English
• Knowledge of the second official language (*unilingual regions only)  
  • *Unilingual regions: Knowledge of the second official language is an asset, not a requirement.
• Personal experience travelling or residing abroad or interacting with people from different backgrounds

Conditions of Employment

• Human -Intelligence Officers must be comfortable working flexible work hours and being physically out of the office and in the communities with which they work, sometimes not reachable for periods of time. 
• Training: Candidates must successfully complete entry training in Ottawa prior to working as a Human -Intelligence Officer. During this period, candidates will travel to Ottawa for training and then back to their home region for integration of skills for a period. All travel will be paid for by CSIS. This is a pass/fail course and candidates have only one opportunity to participate in the training. This is an intensive training program that will have varied working hours throughout the training schedule.
• Mobility: Intelligence Officers must be willing to relocate within Canada during their career. CSIS may transfer an employee anywhere within the organization in order to meet its organizational requirements.  Intelligence Officers must also be willing to travel as required. Assistance and financial support will be provided in line with policy.
• Candidates must complete a minimum of 2 years in their first regional placement.
• Driver’s License: A valid Canadian driver’s license* is a prerequisite to apply. Obtaining and maintaining a valid Canadian driver’s license is the sole responsibility of each applicant.

*A valid Canadian driver's license is defined as a G Class (Ontario) or minimum of a Class 5 (remainder of Canada). G1, G2, Class 7, Class 6, Learner's etc. will not be accepted.

• Occupational health evaluations will be required for the following categories:
  • Vision (corrected vision accepted)
  • Hearing (corrected hearing accepted)
  • Physical mobility
  • Psychological health

*A confirmation of results for the vision and hearing evaluations must be provided to the Service prior to taking part in the Assessment Centre.

• Please note that the following position may entail exposure to abhorrent material. 

Official Language (OL) Proficiency

Various Language Requirements:

• Bilingual Imperative (various profiles; Capital Region (CR) and Quebec Region (QR))
• English Essential

This selection process may be used to staff anticipated vacancies or other similar positions with various language requirements. Therefore, we encourage all interested candidates to apply. Second language evaluations may be offered to candidates. For more information on language requirements: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/gc-jobs/language-requirements-candidates.html

How To Apply

You are invited to visit Canada.ca for tips on how to submit a powerful application: www.canada.ca/en/security-intelligence-service/corporate/csis-jobs/how-to-submit-a-powerful-application

Although the entry training course will take place at National Headquarters in Ottawa, applicants should apply to the Regional Office of their preferred geographical location. Applicants interested in working in our Gatineau office, should apply to Capital Region.

Available regional offices: St. John’s, Halifax, Fredericton, Quebec City, Montreal, Gatineau, Toronto, Hamilton, Windsor, Niagara, Winnipeg, Regina, Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver.

Applicants should clearly demonstrate the following in their cover letter:

• Education Requirement
• Experience Criteria
• Assets Criteria (if applicable)

Examples can include, but are not limited to, work experience, student placements, paid or unpaid internships, community experience, life experience or travel experience.

Please limit your cover letter to a maximum of two (2) pages. Failure to do so will result in the applicant being screened out of the career opportunity. 

Assessment Process

The assessment process involves numerous steps, including completing a series of standardized tests, psychometric tests, competency-based interview(s) and a written assignment. If successful, you will be invited to complete additional job specific exams as well as attend our in-person Assessment Centre (AC) for evaluation prior to undergoing a security clearance process.

Eligible applicants will be invited to participate in a full day assessment process in Ottawa. This day will include writing tasks, scenarios, role plays and table top exercises. Assistance and financial support will be provided in line with policy

Notes

While we continue to explore opportunities for flexible work arrangements, most roles in our organization require an in-office presence. However, alternative options may be available for certain positions, depending on their specific requirements.

CSIS is committed to diversity and inclusion and the equitable participation of all Canadians. Should you require accommodation, please tell us at the beginning of the selection process. This information will be kept confidential.

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