Specialist: Open-Source Intelligence_M&A

JOB PURPOSE

Lead and coordinate the technical execution of highly complex open-source aggregation and analysis to support the detection, investigation and prosecution of financial crimes through technical knowledge and expertise in the gathering, analysing, and transforming of open-source intelligence for strategic intelligence and evidence products in order to support the overall strategic direction and targets of the Monitoring and Analysis division.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

Open-Source Intelligence Data Aggregation and Analysis

• Lead engagements with relevant business units and external stakeholders to understand and scope project requirements.
• Lead the gathering of complex key financial intelligence from relevant and advanced open-source platforms to support strategic intelligence and evidence production.
• Enhance, guide and advise the organisation on highly complex multi-source analysis to gather, analyse, interpret and represent relevant data.
• Determine the relevance and completeness of open-source information and/or evidence and ensure that all gaps in information are addressed.
• Enhance data integrity by ensuring that all data is verified within reasonable parameters and line of sight.
• Lead and perform advanced block-chain analysis, link chart analysis and product visualisation using expert analytical techniques and specialised technology to produce actionable insights for strategic intelligence and evidence-based projects.
• Lead, perform and utilise advanced analytical techniques and methodologies, predictive tools, and appropriate artificial intelligence platforms on open-source data to produce key insights and predictive inferences.
• Lead and conduct advanced end-to-end research from complex multi-sources to analysis, interpret and provide expert inferences as part of proactive and predictive intelligence gathering.
• Lead the analysis and identification of potential risk derived from open-source information associated with relevant financial crime.
• Lead the investigation of discrepancies, patterns and connections between complex financial intelligence information sources to support evidence and intelligence integrity.
• Lead and implement quality checks and validation processes using multi-tool verification methodologies to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Lead and provide support to internal teams when requested for complex open-source searches and intelligence.
• Lead the identification of user specifications for the acquisition of required technical equipment to gather and analyse open-source material relevant to the production of financial intelligence, and the deployment and application of such equipment as per requirements and FIC protocols.

Strategic Intelligence and Evidence Reporting

• Lead the production of complex intelligence and evidence reports for mandated stakeholders by the agreed due dates and in compliance with relevant legislation, policies, procedures, and annual targets to ensure accurate, reliable and admissible evidence.
• Contextualise complex open-source information and/or evidence in support of law enforcement efforts by capturing findings and conclusions in the required reporting format and systems and submit investigation outcomes, trends and recommendations as prescribed by relevant policies and procedure.
• Compile advanced Targeted Strategic Assessment reports, Sector Risk and Threat Assessment reports and Trend and Typology Assessment reports based on complex aggregated intelligence for agreed-upon sectors in collaboration with the Coordinator and Investigative team.
• Lead the presentation of technical open-source information concerning complex analytical issues to relevant audiences including the law enforcement environment to support informed decision-making.
• Lead advanced computerised applications such as spreadsheets, databases, computer models or predictive models to produce charts and graphics to mitigate findings.
• Collaborate with other stakeholders for review and approval of forensic reports.
• Facilitate the handing over of evidence to designated authorities.
• Lead expert analysis and reporting for legal proceedings, including affidavits and testifying in court regarding report findings and prepare visual aids to substantiate findings.
• Provide support in drafting and preparing Section 27A warrant applications, analysing of matters for the issuing of Section 34 directives, and/or preparing applications for Section 35 monitoring orders and drafting and deposing to affidavits.
• Block proceeds of criminal activity as required in terms of Section 34 of the FIC Act.

Open-Source Intelligence and Forensic Evidence Advocacy and Awareness

• Lead and ensure correct responses to highly complex open-source intelligence matters.
• Act as expert and reference to provide technical advocacy, training, mentoring and/or awareness to relevant internal and external stakeholders on complex open-source intelligence findings and components.
• Provide technical input and act as expert advisor for policy formulation regarding open-source intelligence components.
• Lead the transfer of skills to team members to enhance overall effectiveness and capacity.
• Provide specialist input into the compilation of reports and case studies for training purposes and benchmarking as required.
• Advise management of open-source intelligence aggregation and analysis challenges as appropriate.
• Lead the discussions on national and international industry trends, best practices and new technologies in open-source analytics and intelligence reporting and provide expert insights to the FIC for adoption.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, best practices and new technologies in data analytics and intelligence reporting.

Data Governance

• Lead and implement quality checks and validation processes to ensure accuracy and consistency of open-source intelligence.
• Perform quality assurance tests on the information gathering cycle to support data integrity and quality protocols.
• Lead the classification and protection of data assets as per agreed protocols.
• Ensure that outdated information is disposed of or archived as per set data governance protocols.

Stakeholder Management

• Lead the coordination of briefings and presentations with relevant FIC national and international stakeholders to gain insight and determine requirements for financial intelligence and forensic evidence support.
• Ensure continuous stakeholder interface for seeking clarities, closing gaps, and enriching the data integrity of the forensic reports and affidavits.
• Represent the organisation as expert in working groups, forums, meetings, conferences and seminars when required to provide and gain insight into best practice open-source intelligence methodologies.
• Lead and participate in cross-functional projects when required to ensure the execution of planned projects against agreed timeframes.

Risk and Compliance Management

• Act as expert and provide input in the development and enhancement of standards, processes, policies, and roles within the Monitoring and Analysis division.
• Provide input into the strategic direction, tactical plans and targets for the Monitoring and Analysis unit.
• Implement fraud controls, risk prevention principles, sound governance and compliance processes, and tools to identify and manage risks with the business unit.
• Lead the monitoring of changes in the regulatory environment and the implementation of appropriate operational controls to address new requirements.
• Support and provide evidence to internal and external audit requirements when required.
• Maintain quality risk management standards in line with the organisation’s risk management framework.
• Maintain and enforce all related Service Level Agreements to minimise business risk and ensure business continuity.
• Adhere to all relevant laws, policies and Standard Operating Procedures throughout the organisation.

EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Honours Degree in Digital Forensics, Information Technology, Law, Statistics or Cyber Security
• 10 Years in Digital Forensics, Law Enforcement, Intelligence, Cyber Security or Financial/Audit environment
• Certified Ethical Hacker
• Microsoft Security Associate
• Association of Certified Fraud Examiners - ACFE – CFE