Would-be spies get career opening on SIS website

By STUART DYE

Would-be James Bonds take note: the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service wants the next generation of spies. The service is seeking "career intelligence officers" to start work next January.

The life of a spy has been glamorised recently with TV shows Spooks from the UK and Alias from the US. Alias star Jennifer Garner, who plays the beautiful agent Sydney Bristow, is fronting a real-life commercial for the CIA in the US.

New Zealand's security service has not gone to such lengths to advertise its recruitment drive, but still hints at a life of undercover intrigue.

The website features a picture of a file marked "Top Secret" sitting in a desk inbox. Another picture shows an office with a mysterious silhouette in the background. Others, strangely, show a whiteboard with no writing and a blank computer screen.

The jobs push comes at a time when the SIS is in the media spotlight with the Ahmed Zaoui affair and Mossad passport-stealing allegations.

Junior spies can expect a $50,000 salary after 18 months in the service. But the work does not sound quite as exciting as in the movies: "Intelligence officers collect information, analyse and assess it, and prepare intelligence reports and advice."

However, while analysis and assessment may be desk-bound, in collection work "You could also expect to undertake covert work, including recruiting and managing undercover agents, who work at the service's direction to obtain information about threats to national security".

Successful applicants need to have imagination and initiative, tempered with proven good judgment. And successful intelligence agents tend to be mature and well-educated with a keen interest in current affairs, says the website.

Those hoping for a life of international travel and high-tech gadgets may have to think again, but at least there are perks. "The work is important and people at all levels work hard. But there are lighter moments too. Those in the Wellington head office have access to a gym - and there is a cafeteria where you can catch up with colleagues from your own and other branches over a coffee."

The SIS has around 140 staff, made up of intelligence officers, support staff and specialists.

Training takes a year and the pay is around $42,000 for that period. Applicants must be citizens who have a degree and clean criminal record.

Director of Security Richard Woods said it was the first time recruitment had been advertised on the website.

"It allows us to offer more detailed information about the job and what it entails," he said.

The SIS had advertised for the past three years and had recruited some "excellent staff".

Applications, available at www.nzsis.govt.nz, close on May 19.