The phrase "covert operative" refers to a secret agent or spy who works undercover, pretending to be someone else, often gathering information or carrying out missions without being detected by others. Full definition
Now an experienced covert operative, Adam Jensen is forced to operate in a world that has grown to despise his kind. (shortpause.com)
Phelps feared that if the list of covert operatives in the countries of Eastern Europe was sold, it would be bid upon by «third world terrorists, arms dealers, drug lords, any and everybody who'd love to get rid of long - term coverts like us. (filmsite.org)
Thus possessed of their identity, knowing themselves to be in but definitely not of the academy, these biblical people might then become one community of ongoing spiritual energy and moral insight for all those who are working to expose the academy's covert operative values and searching for new academic purpose. (religion-online.org)