KEY POINTS:
Applications from discreet, well-rounded and enthusiastic individuals are being sought by the nation's Security Intelligence Service. Starting salary is $40,000-$50,000.
Just don't mention you've always wanted to be a spy.
The SIS has taken out newspaper adverts to recruit "intelligence officers", so the Herald on Sunday asked if
intelligence officers could be described as "spies".
"Our job is to gather and report intelligence," an SIS spokesperson said. "Intelligence officers wouldn't be described as spies. Spy is a term used mostly by fiction writers."
So what does an intelligence officer do, then?
"Working for SIS can involve several different jobs. Some deal with analysis of information and some are centred on interactions with members of the public to obtain information."
The SIS said it was seeking people with good interpersonal and relationship management skills, confident, effective oral and written communication skills, energy, drive, enthusiasm, sound judgment, initiative and maturity. They must be a graduate or have "relevant skills and life experience".
What kind of experience is needed?
"We are looking for well-rounded people with life experience."
Would the SIS consider hiring a former journalist?
The spokesperson said it had in the past and would, if the person met the criteria.
The SIS website lists "loyalty to New Zealand and pride in the country" as an essential attribute for applicants. Officers should expect to undertake covert work, including recruiting and managing people who work at the service's direction to obtain information about threats to New Zealand.
Covert methods of collecting information, such as surveillance, interception of communications and operations using undercover agents are used.
The spokesperson said the recruitment process was "lengthy and not for the faint-hearted".
Candidates must survive several interviews, psychological testing and in-depth background inquiries about their personal circumstances.
"It is essential that all of our staff can obtain a high level of security clearance due to the sensitivity of much of our work. All information provided by applicants is carefully considered and verified."
Applicants need to be aware there is a lot of discretion required in working for the SIS and employees are entrusted with "a great deal of sensitive information".
The SIS did not comment on whether there was a shortage of intelligence officers.
"The SIS has similar issues recruiting suitable people as other employers.
"Worldwide, developments since 9/11 have meant intelligence organisations have been required to increase efforts to combat global threats which are multi-faceted but not just focused on terrorism."
The SIS said it was "very satisfied" with the response to its job ads.