Senior Security Analyst (Ottawa (Downtown), ON, CA)

Senior Security Analyst

Take a central role

The Bank of Canada has a vision to be a leading central bank—dynamic, engaged and trusted—committed to a better Canada. No other employer in the country offers you the unique opportunity to work at the very center of Canada’s economy, in an organization with significant impact on the economic and financial well-being of all Canadians. You will be challenged, energized and motivated to excel in our environment. 

Building on the principles that have always guided us – excellence, integrity and respect – we strive to be forward-looking and innovative, to welcome people with diverse perspectives and talents, and to earn trust by living up to our commitments and by clearly explaining the intent of our policies and actions.  

With our defined-benefit pension plan, benefits, and high flexibility for work life balance - find out more about why we are annually ranked as one of Canada's top employers:  Working Here - Bank of Canada

Find out more about the next steps in our Recruitment process. 

In addition to the position being staffed, this competition may be used to fill similar opportunities (Regular or Term) that become available at the same job grade. If you’re interested in this type of role, we encourage you to apply.

What you will do
Reporting to the Senior Manager, Security Threat Monitoring, Screening and Access Programs, you will be the Bank's senior technical specialist for complex personnel security assessments and risk analysis. You will handle highly sensitive information with discretion and sound judgment, following privacy, confidentiality, information-handling and need-to-know requirements.

You will assess high-risk screening cases, including adverse information, unresolved security concerns, Resolution of Doubt, Reviews for Cause and enhanced screening.

You will provide expert advice to support personnel security decisions, working alongside Screening Analysts and the Screening Manager. You will also support Threat Monitoring and incident response when demand increases.

Specifically, you will: 

Lead Complex Personnel Security Assessments 

• Assess complex, escalated personnel security cases involving adverse information, elevated risks or unresolved concerns.
• Gather, verify and analyze information from authorized internal and external sources to identify concerns, credibility issues, vulnerabilities and mitigating factors.
• Evaluate risks based on duties, access and organizational exposure, and provide evidence-based recommendations to management.

Conduct Security Interviews

• Plan and conduct fair, objective security screening and Resolution of Doubt interviews tailored to identified risks.
• Verify information, assess the credibility and consistency of responses, and document findings for assessments and recommendations.

Support Resolution of Doubt  

• Analyze criminal, financial, association, credibility and behavioural concerns to support Resolution of Doubt.
• Develop assessment and interview plans, and coordinate information gathering with internal and external partners.
• Ensure assessments follow applicable policies, standards, procedural fairness and personnel security principles.

Conduct Advanced Open-Source Intelligence Research and Analysis

• Conduct advanced open-source intelligence (OSINT) research to verify information and identify personnel security concerns and emerging risks.
• Evaluate source credibility, reliability and limitations, and document research methods, findings and conclusions.
• Provide OSINT expertise for personnel security, threat assessments and complex work across teams.

Prepare Findings, Assessments and Recommendations

• Prepare clear, accurate and defensible assessment reports, case summaries and briefings that meet applicable policies and standards.
• Present balanced, evidence-based recommendations to decision-makers on risks, mitigation measures, conditions, monitoring and organizational impacts.

Provide Technical Leadership

• Advise analysts and management as the technical expert on complex personnel security assessments, interviewing and risk analysis.
• Review complex, sensitive or precedent-setting files, identify quality gaps and improve standards, procedures and tools.
• Mentor and coach Screening Analysts to strengthen analytical, interviewing and risk assessment skills.

Support Threat Monitoring and Incident Response

• Support Threat Monitoring during heightened threats, major events, incidents, employee safety concerns or increased demand.
• Use OSINT and internal and external information to assess emerging threats, actors and behaviours affecting the Bank, its employees, operations, assets and reputation.
• Prepare threat assessments, intelligence reports and briefings, and provide rapid analysis, escalation and decision support during incidents and crises.
• Stay current on evolving threats and tactics, and improve monitoring, analytical methods and intelligence sharing.

What You Need to Succeed 

You are an experienced security professional with expertise in personnel security screening, assessing adverse information, risk analysis and security interviews.

You use sound judgment to balance security risks, organizational needs, privacy, procedural fairness and risk-management principles when making recommendations.

You demonstrate: 

• Advanced knowledge of personnel security screening processes, standards, and practices.
• Advanced knowledge of personnel security risk assessment methodologies.
• Experience supporting Resolution of Doubt activities, enhanced screening reviews, and Reviews for Cause processes.
• Experience conducting security screening interviews and fact-finding interviews.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking abilities.
• Advanced OSINT research and analytical capabilities.
• Experience preparing assessment reports, security assessments, risk assessments, briefing notes, and recommendations for management.
• Strong written communication, briefing, and presentation skills.
• Exceptional judgment, discretion and attention to detail, with a demonstrated ability to protect highly sensitive personal and security information and share it only on an authorized need-to-know basis.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills. 
• Ability to mentor and provide technical guidance to others.  
• Ability to influence decisions through expertise, rigorous analysis and professional credibility, without formal authority.

Nice-to-Have

• Experience conducting complex personnel security assessments.
• Experience supporting Reviews for Cause and other personnel security review processes.
• Experience conducting OSINT activities related to personnel security or threat assessment matters.
• Knowledge of Government of Canada security screening standards and best practices.
• Experience working with law enforcement, intelligence, regulatory, or security partners.
• Experience developing assessment methodologies, procedures, or analytical frameworks. 

Education and Experience 
This position requires a bachelor's degree in Criminology, Security Studies, Intelligence Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Law, Public Administration, Political Science, International Relations, Business Administration or a related discipline and a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in personnel security screening or assessments, security risk assessment, intelligence analysis, threat assessment, law enforcement, regulatory investigations or related security functions. An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered.

Innovative Mindset

We value candidates who demonstrate adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to learn new technologies, including AI and digital tools. We seek individuals who can think critically about data, question existing processes, and find ways to simplify our work while embracing change and new ways of doing things.

Language requirement
The Bank’s work environment is conducive to the use of both of Canada’s official languages - English and French.  The position language requirement is Level 5 (Fully Functional).  If a qualified candidate who meets the language requirement of the position is not found, a qualified candidate who does not meet the language requirement may be considered. Training may be provided to help reach the required level.  Both bilingual and unilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. 

What you need to know

• • Priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents
  • Security level required: Be eligible to obtain Top Secret 
  • Relocation assistance may be provided, if required
  • Please save a copy of the job poster. Once the closing date has passed, it will no longer be available. 

Hybrid Work Model

The Bank offers work arrangements that provide employees with flexibility, enable high-performing teams, and support an excellent workplace culture. Most employees can telework from home for a portion of each month as part of the Bank’s hybrid work model, and they are expected on site at the Bank location a minimum of 12 days per month to help build connections between colleagues. You must live in Canada, and within reasonable commuting distance of the office.  

What you can expect from us
This is a great opportunity to join a leading organization and be part of a high-performing team. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet your needs at every stage of your life and career. For more information on key benefits please visit A great deal to consider. 

• • Salaries are based on qualifications and experience and typically range from $111,051 to $130,649 (job grade 17)
  • The Bank offers an incentive for successfully meeting expectations at  7 to 10% of your base salary. The Bank offers additional performance pay (5%) for those who exceed expectations. Exceptional performers who far exceed expectations may be eligible for higher performance pay.
  • Flexible and comprehensive benefits so you can choose the level of health and dental coverage that meets your needs
  • Extra vacation days (up to five each year) that you can purchase to add to your vacation entitlement
  • Option to join the indexed, defined-benefit pension plan after 24 consecutive months of service

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.