Open-Source Investigator - Eyes on Russia - Contractor

About CIR

The Centre for Information Resilience (CIR) is an independent organisation dedicated to exposing human rights violations and threats to democracy. We achieve this through open source research, digital investigations, capacity-building with local partners, and collaboration with media to amplify our impact.

CIR was born out of a determination to expose those spreading harm – online and offline – around the world, particularly in areas of violent conflict, such as Ukraine, Sudan and Myanmar. Our projects are at the forefront of efforts to investigate and document human rights abuses, war crimes, harms targeting women and minorities, and influence operations. We work closely with multilateral and national justice accountability bodies.

Role details:

Contract Type: Contractor x 7

Closing date: 18th October 2026 at 23:55pm

Contract length:  ASAP until 31st March 2027

Hours needed for this role:  Full time, 20 days a month

Location: Remote 

Languages: You must be able to work proficiently in English. Russian or Ukrainian language is desirable

About the Project

In January 2022, CIR launched the Eyes on Russia project to collect and verify videos, photos, satellite imagery and other media related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Our objective was to provide journalists, NGOs, policymakers and the public access to verified, trustworthy information. You can find more information on the project, work and achievements on the CIR website.

The investigations will vary in topic and scope. The complexity of the cases in a fast-paced environment will require a creative approach to OSINT investigations, developing new frameworks and working alongside a highly experienced team to solve the most complex cases.

Main Responsibilities

• Proven experience conducting open-source investigations, applying a wide range of open-source techniques and methodologies.
• Experience in geospatial analysis, including geolocation, chrono location and satellite imagery analysis.
• Expertise in social media research techniques.
• Capacity to write short- and long-form reports using concise, clear and accurate language.
• Flexibility and capacity to adapt to fast-paced changing, and sometimes high-pressure, environments.
• Proactivity and willingness to work, learn from, and collaborate with members of the Eyes on Russia team and the wider CIR.

Requirements

Essential Criteria: 

• Experience in investigating war crimes and/or other human rights violations committed in Ukraine or other jurisdictions.
• Deep knowledge of Russian and Ukrainian social media and country-specific datasets.
• Experience in a specific skill such as: munitions analysis, business/ financial investigations, crime scene analysis or tools such a QGIS.
• Russian or Ukrainian language is desirable

Recruitment Process

To apply, please submit your CV and complete the application form questions. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, which can be conducted remotely unless specified otherwise.

CIR is an equal opportunities employer. If you require adjustments or additional support to complete this process, please let us know in your application. 

A candidate’s guide to artificial intelligence (AI) in recruitment at CIR

CIR does not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated decision-making tools at any stage of its recruitment process. All applications are reviewed, and decisions are made, by trained members of staff.

When applying for a role, please do use AI for:

• Plan your ideas and thoughts
• Check the spelling and grammar of your CV and cover letter
• Research CIR
• Generate mock interview questions for you to practice before your interview
• Use AI as a support tool, not as a substitute for your own thinking or judgement

Don’t use AI to

• Invent or misrepresent your skills and experience
• Complete any tests provided by CIR
• Assist you during an interview to help answer the questions being asked by the panel

Declaration: By submitting this application, you confirm this represents your own work and experience. Misuse of AI may result in your application being withdrawn from the process.