Intelligence Analyst

Full Vacancy Description

Job description         Regional Intelligence Development and Support Officer   

Job Purpose:         

Under the general direction of the Regional Enforcement Manager, through the overarching direction of the North East Trading Standards Association (NETSA) Regional Tasking Group (RTG), and working with and alongside the Regional Intelligence Analyst (RIA):

1.         Provide research and intelligence development activities within the Regional Intelligence function; cutting across local authority boundaries covered by NETSA.

2.         Work together with, at times at the direction of and occasionally deputising for, the RIA in the compilation of reports and briefings to support and underpin the delivery of intelligence products to partners across the NETSA area (including Local Authority Trading Standards Services (LATSS)), the Regional Intelligence Group (RIG), the Regional Tasking Group (RTG), the NETSA Executive and, as appropriate, National Trading Standards and partnership groups.

3.         Assist in the upkeep of the National Intelligence Management Database (NIMD/ Memex); offering personal and collective support to NETSA partner authorities as required.

Relationships:

Accountable to:        Regional Enforcement Manager

Accountable for:       N/A 

General Contacts:    To maintain effective relationships with LATSS and other partners in respect of matters falling under the remit and activities of the Regional Intelligence function.

Key duties and responsibilities:

1.         To obtain, research, collate, evaluate, assess and report upon information acquired from open and closed source information resources such as the internet, relevant intelligence databases (internal and external) and partner agencies; with a view to supporting the actions of the Regional Intelligence function and, by implication, those of Trading Standards partners tackling fraudulent and malicious trade practices that cause serious consumer detriment and / or unfair competition.

2.         To provide intelligence support and development, including the production of information and statistics, together with the production of Intelligence products such as association charts, subject, problem and sector profiles, to all partners involved within the Regional Tasking Process (particularly the RIA, RIG and RTG); to assist with the progression of individual investigations and other related activity aimed at minimising the harm associated with fraudulent and malicious trade practices. 

3.         To collate and develop information for analysis and review; evaluating and prioritising it as to its relevance, usefulness and legality for subsequent action: including the manipulation of large data sets, both numerical and textual and the production of reports in formats suitable for further analysis.

4.         Assist in the interpretation of trends and patterns to identify and highlight areas for further intelligence development and or investigation.

5.         As necessary and appropriate, liaise, co-operate and maintain close links with LATSS and other agencies (particularly the Police and other regional / national enforcement partners) for the effective and efficient delivery of activities within the Regional Intelligence function across the NETSA region.

6.         As necessary assist with the production of the Regional Tactical Assessment.

7.         To maintain detailed records and provide relevant data required by associated parties with a view to sharing information and intelligence for the better performance of the Regional Intelligence function and its partners (within the boundaries of Data Protection legislation and any requirements of criminal investigations or civil actions).

8.         To actively assist in the maintenance of the integrity and security of the National Intelligence Management Database (NIMD - Memex) through the creation, update and sanitisation of intelligence reports (in accordance with the required minimum standard applicable at the time) and the provision of feedback on its use including, where appropriate, making recommendations for areas of improvement.

9.         As necessary and appropriate, liaise, co-operate and maintain close links with those working to deliver the National Trading Standards Intelligence Operating Model (IOM) to ensure appropriate communication, data sharing, analysis and the creation and distribution of best practice.

10.       Assist with training delivered through the Regional Intelligence function to promote the benefits of an intelligence-led approach to enforcement activity.

11.       When working on behalf of or in partnership with other NETSA authorities, to comply with any local Health and Safety requirements above and beyond those required by the Council

General/Corporate Responsibilities:

1.         To undertake such duties as may be commensurate with the seniority of the post 

2.         To ensure that the Council’s corporate Health & Safety policy is followed and training is undertaken in all pertinent health and safety procedures

3.         To partake in the Council’s and Directorate’s staff training and development policies as well as the Council’s system of performance appraisal

4.         To treat all information gathered for the Council and Directorate, either electronically or manually, in a confidential manner

5.         All employees are required to demonstrate a commitment when carrying out their duties which promotes and values diversity and the equality of opportunity in relation to employees and service users which is in line with the Council’s Equality & Diversity Policy.

6.         To be responsible for identifying and managing all risks associated with the job role through effective application of internal controls and risk assessments to support the achievement of Corporate and Service objectives

7.         To ensure the highest standards of customer care are met at all times

8.         To ensure the principles of Value for Money in service delivery is fundamental in all aspects of involvement with internal and external customers

9.         To ensure that the highest standards of data quality are achieved and maintained for the collection, management and use of data.

10.       To positively promote the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and ensure that it is recognised that Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility; and to engage in appropriate training and development opportunities which enhance an individual’s knowledge and skill in responding to children, young people and vulnerable adults who may be in need of safeguarding.

Necessary Requirements           

Experience  

Significant experience within a research,  intelligence analysis or other similar role whether in the public or private sector

Proven ability to conduct research, identify, interpret complex data and analyse it from a variety of open and closed sources and produce clear and concise intelligence packages and reports verbally and in writing

High level of personal integrity and discretion – post holder will have access to Official and Official-Sensitive information associated with Criminal and Civil investigations

Good working knowledge of intelligence principles, including knowledge of the production and sanitisation of Intelligence Reports, the government protective marking scheme, and the ethos behind the National Intelligence Model / Trading Standards Intelligence Operating Model. Previous experience working within an enforcement environment (trading Standards, Police, HMRC etc.) and a knowledge of law enforcement techniques and practices

Knowledge of the National Trading Standards Intelligence Operating Model and its associated intelligence products          

Skills and Abilities 

Good oral and written communications skills including evidence of preparing formal reports and verbal briefings

An ability to interpret and apply relevant legislation in respect of intelligence and information management

Good problem solving, analytical and decision making skills with the ability to make informed decisions and / or recommendations based upon available intelligence / evidence

High level of competence of standard software packages including Microsoft Office applications (Word/Excel/PowerPoint)  

Good creative thinking skills to assist with identification of responses to complex problems and the interpretation of large data sets

Understanding / experience in use of research based IT tools and software

Education/ Qualifications/ Knowledge

A high standard of learning in research and / or analytical techniques inclusive of evidence of good literacy and numeracy

Commitment to further training to maintain/improve competencies in relevant legislative and operational areas 

A relevant qualification in intelligence research / analytical techniques

Knowledge of Trading Standards / Consumer protection enforcement activity and legislation   

Other Requirements         

Flexible approach to work by responding to the needs of the services including, at times, requirements to work beyond normal working hours

Commitment to own continuous personal and professional development

Strong team player, committed to an ethos of continuous improvement

Proven ability to work under pressure against tight deadlines in achieving success against set targets and direct resources (operational not financial)

Proven ability to respond to internal and external pressures of the job including complex partner concerns      

Evidence of own continuous personal and professional development

Commitment to Equal Opportunities   

Commitment to equal opportunities and the ability to recognise the needs of different service users   

Evidence of having completed training in equality and diversity awareness          

Commitment to Service Delivery/ Customer Care    

Commitment to provide a customer-focussed service

Evidence of surpassing customer expectations or service targets / goals