Counter-Terrorism Analyst Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the complex world of global security, the role of Counter-Terrorism Analysts has never been more critical.

As threats evolve and expand, so does the need for skilled professionals who can understand, predict, and help prevent acts of terrorism.

But what exactly does a Counter-Terrorism Analyst do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the fundamentals of this role,
• A hiring manager constructing a profile for the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricate field of counter-terrorism analysis,

You’ve landed in the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive Counter-Terrorism Analyst job description template, tailored for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Counter-Terrorism Analyst Duties and Responsibilities

Counter-Terrorism Analysts are professionals who use various sources of intelligence to prevent terrorist activities.

They use their extensive knowledge of geopolitical contexts, cultural nuances, and technical tools to predict and combat terrorist threats.

Their primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Gathering and analyzing information from various sources, including human intelligence, satellite surveillance, and cyber intelligence to develop comprehensive understandings of potential terrorist threats
• Developing threat assessments based on collected data and presenting findings to security stakeholders
• Monitoring current geopolitical events and assessing their potential to incite terrorism
• Working closely with other intelligence agencies to share information and coordinate responses
• Using predictive modeling to forecast terrorist activities and assisting in the development of counter-terrorism strategies
• Studying and understanding the ideology, motivations, and tactics of different terrorist groups
• Preparing comprehensive reports and briefings on specific terrorist threats for higher-ups
• Continually upgrading knowledge of international and domestic terrorism trends, evolving tactics, and current threats
• Providing recommendations for changes in protocol or policy based on analysis

 

Counter-Terrorism Analyst Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an analytical, detail-oriented Counter-Terrorism Analyst to join our team.

In this role, you will be responsible for gathering, analyzing and interpreting large and complex data sets relating to terrorist activities, threats and operational capabilities.

Your main duties will include developing comprehensive reports, identifying potential threats, and working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that accurate and relevant intelligence is disseminated effectively.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of international politics, religious extremism, and is capable of conducting deep analytical studies and presenting findings clearly.

 

Responsibilities

• Collect and analyze intelligence data on terrorism trends, patterns and threats
• Prepare comprehensive written reports, presentations, maps, or charts based on research, collection, and analysis of intelligence data
• Develop and apply profiling techniques to assess potential threats
• Communicate findings to superiors, policymakers and law enforcement agencies
• Study activities and relationships of terrorists to predict future behaviors and threats
• Stay current with changes in technology and its impact on potential threats
• Collaborate with representatives from other government and intelligence organizations
• Conduct risk assessments and present potential security enhancements

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Counter-Terrorism Analyst or related position
• Strong knowledge of international relations, politics and religious extremism
• Experience with data analysis and profiling techniques
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and make quick decisions
• Proficiency in foreign languages is advantageous
• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Criminal Justice, International Relations or a related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k) plan
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuous training and development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Counter-Terrorism Analyst
• Work Environment: This position may require you to work in a high-security office environment. Occasional travel may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Counter-Terrorism Analysis Manager or Director of Security.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Counter-Terrorism Analyst Do?

Counter-Terrorism Analysts work primarily for government agencies, intelligence organizations, and private security firms.

Their primary role is to predict and prevent acts of terrorism before they occur.

They closely monitor and analyze information about terrorist activities and threats, which include scrutinizing various data sources, such as intelligence reports, wiretap results, foreign government documents, and open sources.

These analysts are also involved in developing terrorism threat assessments, which includes evaluating the capabilities and intentions of terrorist groups.

The assessments are then used to inform government policy decisions and security measures.

Counter-Terrorism Analysts often collaborate with other intelligence professionals to share information and coordinate responses.

They may also liaise with international counterparts to gather and share intelligence.

Another crucial part of their job is to prepare comprehensive written reports and briefings on their findings for senior leadership.

This might include presenting trends, patterns, or potential threats.

In the face of a terrorist threat or incident, Counter-Terrorism Analysts may be called on to support response operations and contribute to investigations.

Their role demands meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work under pressure, given the serious nature of the threats they are tasked with neutralizing.

 

Counter-Terrorism Analyst Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Counter-Terrorism Analyst should have the skills and qualifications necessary to perform a thorough and precise analysis of potential security threats, including:

• Analytical skills for understanding and interpreting complex data about potential threats and terrorist activities.
• A deep understanding of global politics, religion, and culture to properly contextualize potential threats and their origins.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to create detailed reports and briefings and to effectively communicate findings to other team members and superiors.
• Strong research skills to gather and validate information from a variety of sources, such as social media, intelligence databases, and news reports.
• Knowledge of counter-terrorism strategies and the ability to make recommendations based on the findings.
• Ability to work well under pressure in potentially stressful situations, maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving skills to interpret complex issues and find potential solutions.
• Understanding of relevant technology and software to analyze data and create visual representations of findings.

 

Counter-Terrorism Analyst Experience Requirements

Counter-Terrorism Analysts typically require a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in areas such as International Relations, Political Science, National Security Studies, or a related field.

Entry-level Counter-Terrorism Analysts may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships or part-time roles in security or intelligence agencies.

These professionals can also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Intelligence Research Specialist, Crime Analyst, Homeland Security Officer, or other related roles in security and intelligence services.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their analytical skills and knowledge in entry-level Counter-Terrorism Analyst roles or related positions.

At this level, they are expected to have a good understanding of international politics and terrorism trends, and the ability to use different analytical tools and techniques.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience and may be ready for a senior analyst or managerial position.

They are also expected to have a deep understanding of terrorist groups, their motives and operations, and the regional dynamics that influence these groups.

Moreover, some roles may require further qualifications or clearances, such as Top Secret Security Clearance, or language skills relevant to the region they will be focusing on.

 

Counter-Terrorism Analyst Education and Training Requirements

To become a Counter-Terrorism Analyst, a bachelor’s degree is typically required, with majors such as criminal justice, international relations, political science, or a related field being particularly relevant.

In addition to this, a deep understanding of global politics, languages, and cultures, as well as knowledge of terrorist networks and strategies, is vital.

Proficiency in a foreign language, particularly languages prevalent in regions known for terrorist activity, may also be beneficial.

Some positions may require a master’s degree in intelligence studies, international relations, national security studies or a related field.

The master’s degree often allows candidates to specialize in areas like intelligence collection, terrorism studies, or intelligence analysis.

Work experience in law enforcement, the military, or federal intelligence can be beneficial.

This can provide practical experience and understanding of terrorism threats and response strategies.

Analysts may also pursue professional certifications in intelligence analysis or counter-terrorism, which can highlight their commitment to the field and increase their employability.

Finally, all Counter-Terrorism Analysts must pass an extensive background check, as the position often requires a security clearance due to the sensitive nature of the work.

 

Counter-Terrorism Analyst Salary Expectations

A Counter-Terrorism Analyst can expect to earn an average salary of $85,230 (USD) per year.

The actual income can greatly vary depending on factors such as the level of expertise, years of experience in the field, and the location of employment.

Furthermore, those working for private sectors or international organizations may have a higher income potential.

 

Counter-Terrorism Analyst Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Counter-Terrorism Analyst need?

A Counter-Terrorism Analyst should possess strong research and analytical skills to process a large amount of data and information.

They should be detail-oriented and have problem-solving skills to draw meaningful conclusions from the data.

Proficiency in foreign languages, understanding of political landscapes, and knowledge of different cultures can also be beneficial.

Strong communication skills are also essential to present findings effectively to various stakeholders.

 

Do Counter-Terrorism Analysts need a degree?

Most Counter-Terrorism Analysts hold a bachelor’s degree in fields like political science, international relations, security studies, or related fields.

Some roles may require a master’s degree or significant work experience in a related field.

Knowledge in areas like geopolitics, international relations, and terrorism studies can be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Counter-Terrorism Analyst resume?

Look for a strong educational background in relevant fields and any professional experience related to security, intelligence, or counter-terrorism.

Proficiency in a foreign language or experience living or working abroad can be advantageous.

Also, look for evidence of strong analytical, research, and communication skills.

 

What qualities make a good Counter-Terrorism Analyst?

A good Counter-Terrorism Analyst should have a keen eye for detail, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under pressure.

They should have strong ethical standards and integrity, as the nature of the work often involves handling sensitive information.

They should also be culturally sensitive, have a good understanding of global politics, and be able to communicate complex information effectively to non-experts.

 

What are the daily duties of a Counter-Terrorism Analyst?

On a typical day, a Counter-Terrorism Analyst may review intelligence reports, identify potential threats, conduct research on global events, and assess the risk of potential attacks.

They may also collaborate with other analysts, law enforcement agencies, and government officials to share findings and coordinate responses.

Additionally, they might prepare briefings and reports to communicate their findings to decision-makers.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true nature of the role of a counter-terrorism analyst.

And guess what?

It’s not just about analyzing intelligence.

It’s about shaping a secure future, one piece of crucial information at a time.

With our comprehensive counter-terrorism analyst job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to advance.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating razor-sharp listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every piece of intelligence is a part of a larger strategy.

Let’s secure that future. Together.

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