International intelligence officer
The international intelligence officer collects information from various sources (internet, magazines, satellite image conferences, radio intercepts, etc.), analyzes it and distributes it to decision-makers. This function may also be referred to as competition watch.
What does an international intelligence officer do?
- Maps search tools according to the objectives of the watch undertaken
- Develops studies, analyses and summaries based on this information to maintain a documentary database.
- Monitors specific themes: by country or situation, strategic, geo-political and geo-economic analyses, risk analyses, specific strategic issues, security assessments, etc.
- Produces press reviews and documentary files.
- Reactively alerts the manager in charge of the mission as soon as sensitive information emerges.
- Identifies contact organizations, experts or contacts.
- Keeps a permanent watch on the emergence of new sources or new modes of access.
- Contributes to briefings or memos for the management of the organization or other authorities.
What is his/her main know-how?
- Knowledge of geopolitics or international relations
- Writing skills
- Mastery of several languages
- Ability to analyze and summarize
What are his/her main soft skills?
- Analysis
The intelligence officer must have a critical view that allows him/her to select information with discernment and to take a step back from the information, placing it in context in order to make the most relevant analysis. - Reactivity
The intelligence officer must recognize as quickly and efficiently as possible information considered as sensitive in the context of his/her unit’s activities and inform his/her superior or any responsible contact person speedily. - Discipline
The intelligence officer must collect and analyze information with discipline, precision and care, as this information may be critical, strategic or sensitive and/or have a direct impact on the organization’s operations, in particular on sales or production activities.
Working environment
- International organizations
- Non-profit or humanitarian organizations
- Ministries
- Armed forces
- Embassies
- Monitoring firms
- Audit and consulting firms
- Lobbying activities
- Consular organizations
Career prospects
Salary range for first job: between 30 and 35 K€ (depending on the sector and the type of organization).
Career prospects: the intelligence officer can move within his/her unit towards positions such as liaison officer or mission manager. He/she can also change status and become a consultant, or change field, moving from geopolitical watch in a ministry to strategic economic watch in a large company or a consulting firm.
What training course to become an international business intelligence officer?
We offer our students the opportunity to train as an international business intelligence officer through our master’s degree in international strategies and diplomacy.