Jr. National Security Research Analyst

Systems Planning And Analysis - Alexandria, VA

Full-time - Entry Level

Alexandria, VA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) is seeking a Junior National Security Research Analyst to join our team in Alexandria, VA. This position is integral to supporting the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), which aims to establish industrial and international partnerships for the development and commercialization of emerging and disruptive technology areas. The Junior Analyst will play a crucial role in fostering public trust in NATO's alliance and creating a high-integrity environment to mitigate risks while focusing on collaboration to execute DIANA's mission. The Junior National Security Research Analyst will be responsible for conducting thorough due diligence screening services, performing research and risk assessments for entities based on business transactions, financial health, and reputational risks. This role requires the candidate to investigate and analyze financial and national security risk factors associated with potential investments and support for Programme Challenges involving Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDT). The analyst will provide business and financial analysis, including anti-money laundering and financial crimes assessments, in accordance with DIANA's due diligence risk framework. In addition, the candidate will track foreign investment risks, develop written recommendations, and report findings. Adherence to standard procedures for identifying, analyzing, and tracking foreign investment and related risks is essential. The role also involves capturing lessons learned and supporting quality control reviews for deliverables. This position is contingent on contract award and offers a unique opportunity to contribute to national security efforts through innovative solutions and analytical support.

Responsibilities

• Perform research and risk assessments for entities based on business transactions, financial health, and reputational risks.
• Investigate and analyze financial and national security risk factors associated with potential investments.
• Provide business and financial analysis, including anti-money laundering and financial crimes assessments.
• Track foreign investment risks and develop written recommendations and reports to characterize findings.
• Support adherence to standard procedures for identifying, analyzing, and tracking foreign investment and related risks.
• Capture lessons learned and support quality control reviews for deliverables.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizen
• Active Secret clearance
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or Economics
• 1+ years of analysis experience in national security, counterintelligence, political, global markets, finance, or personal and criminal activity risk
• Ability to analyze complex datasets and provide clearly written assessments with attention to detail and accuracy
• Minimum level IV (“Very Good”) proficiency in English
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, MS Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive)

Nice-to-haves

• 3+ years of analysis experience in national security, counterintelligence, political, global markets, finance, or personal and criminal activity risk
• Knowledge of NATO's institutional framework, policies, and procedures
• Knowledge of current and emerging defense technologies and their applications in military contexts
• Proficiency in one or more major European, Russian, and Mandarin languages