Senior Associate, Strategic Intelligence

Who we are 

S-RM is a global intelligence and cyber security consultancy. Since 2005, we've helped companies, governments and private individuals solve some of their most complex challenges.

We've been able to do this because of our outstanding people. We're committed to developing sharp, curious, enthusiastic people who want to think critically, solve complex problems, and achieve success.

But we also know that work isn't everything. It's about the lives and careers it helps us build. We're immensely proud of this culture and we invest in our people's wellbeing, learning, and ideas every day.

We're excited you're thinking about joining us.

The role 

As a Senior Associate, you’ll be responsible for managing a small team of analysts who maintain S-RM’s Global Security Insight (GSI) platform, a proprietary platform focused on providing security-focused intelligence and analysis – as well as broader political and geopolitical thought leadership and insights – to a range of users, including risk managers and crisis responders. You will be responsible for ensuring the overall continued quality and timely output of all the platform’s key deliverables, and report to an Associate Director to liaise on overall strategy and management of the GSI, including, for example, the development of quarterly strategies for site or content improvement, or scheduling and content for analyst training.

Your key areas of responsibility will include, but may not be limited to:

• Direct line management for analysts dedicated to maintaining GSI outputs, including:

- Editorial oversight for 220+ country risk reports and scores on at least a quarterly basis;

- Quality assurance for multiple security alerts sent out to clients as part of a Daily Digest email;

- Coordination of two quarterly thought leadership bulletins focused on political violence, security and geopolitical risks

• Ongoing management and training of analysts to support their professional and technical skills development.
• Editorial oversight of ad hoc threat intelligence and analysis requests to support clients globally.
• Coordination and management of a rota for 24/7, time-sensitive intelligence support for crisis responders handling cases globally, as needed.
• Coordination and oversight of presentation and analytical support for key stakeholders, including S-RM’s Crisis Response team, as well as occasional presentation of key findings to stakeholders.
• Liaising with S-RM’s technical support team to maintain GSI platform functionality and implement improvements.
• Support on additional ad hoc client work as needed, including case management support, management of threat monitoring engagements, or analytical contributions as needed.

The role will be based in our Cape Town office, and is hybrid with a minimum of two days a week in office.

What we're looking for

We are looking for the following experience and qualifications:

Minimum qualifications and experience

• Postgraduate degree or equivalent
• Minimum 4 – 6 years in a similar role, and at least two years of experience in managing a team
• Experience in threat intelligence research, writing and analysis
• Experiencing in coordinating, managing and editing analytical and intelligence outputs
• Experience delivering analysis through structured methodologies, such as threat assessments, scenario assessments, horizon scanning.

Preferred qualifications and experience

• Language skills besides English are desirable but not a must
• Experience in delivering 24/7 threat monitoring
• Risk management qualifications

Successful candidates are also likely to show the following skills and competencies:

• Strong research, analysis and writing skills
• Excellent planning and organisational skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• A proven ability to work unsupervised
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• A proactive approach and a willingness to work outside the job specification when required
• Excellent interpersonal skills

All candidates must have permission to work in South Africa by the start of their employment.

Our benefits 

• We offer thoughtful, balanced rewards and support to help our people do their best work and live their lives outside it, this includes but is not exhaustive of:

  • 23 days holiday per year in addition to public holidays (+1 day for every day of service up to a maximum of 28 days);
  • Matching pension contribution up to 7% (up to a maximum of 14% combined), and financial education;
  • Hybrid working and flexible working hours

  Parental Support:

  • Fertility treatment leave – 5 days of leave per cycle of treatment per year;
  • Maternity leave – 26 weeks of full pay followed by 13 weeks of half pay;
  • Paternity leave – 6 weeks of full pay.

  Various Health and Medical Benefits including:

  • Medical Aid and Gap Cover Policy (taxable benefit) with Discovery Health for you and your family;
  • Free access to the world-famous mindfulness app Headspace;
  • EAP programme for you and your immediate family.

The application process 

To apply for this role, please submit a CV and cover letter to: Job Application for Senior Associate, Strategic Intelligence at S-RM

We nurture a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion and we are dedicated to developing a workforce that displays a variety of talents, experiences and perspectives.