Senior Open-Source Trainer - 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 1

Closing date: 28th 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.

Primary Responsibilities: 

We are looking for an adaptable, experienced Senior OSINT Trainer to lead the development and delivery of high-quality technical OSINT capacity strengthening programmes for Ukrainian Justice and Accountability institutions including: 

• Work collaboratively with Project Leadership and Capacity Building Team to jointly draft long-term delivery plans for technical capacity strengthening programmes. Conduct needs assessments to determine the topics and format. 

• Adapt technical training content and delivery methods to the needs, experience levels, and professional contexts of different audiences, ensuring sessions are practical and engaging. 

• Act as a professional, trustworthy, and reliable focal point liaising between partner institutions and the wider Eyes on Russia team. This includes participating in meetings to foster strong, trusting, and collaborative relationships. 

• Lead the design, coordination, and delivery (both online and in person) of training and capacity strengthening activities, including mentorships, digital training and resources, accompaniment, supported interventions, and supported research projects on topics including open-source research, digital security, data management, etc. 

• Keep written notes of observations during and after capacity strengthening activities, including progress, requests, success stories, and areas for development. This will support project monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) efforts and the continued improvement of the project’s support to partner institutions. 

• Deliverables include training curricula and session plans, PowerPoint presentations, practical exercises, digital learning resources, written notes of training and mentorship sessions, participant feedback summaries, and training and mentorship sessions delivered.  

• Deadlines: to be determined by Project Leadership and Capacity Building Team based on donor requests, partners’ requests, and project priorities. 

Additional Responsibilities: 

• Work collaboratively with team members, including quality assuring outputs by peers, sharing expertise on training techniques, and joining weekly and ad hoc team meetings. 

• Support the project’s leadership in identifying and mitigating risks to the delivery of the project, and to the reputation of both the project and CIR. 

• Contribute to internal reviews of effectiveness and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and impact of project activities. 

• Regularly update CIR on progress delivering the Scope and Requirements and any risks to successful implementation. 

• Interact with CIR employees, other contractors, or project stakeholders in compliance with CIR’s Code of Conduct and related policies, and in accordance with good industry practices of independent contractors. 

• The ability to create training materials in Ukrainian is not necessary but desirable.  

Requirements

Essential Criteria: 

• Experience in designing, developing, and delivering technical trainings and capacity strengthening programmes, both online and in person.
• Strong pedagogical skills, including the ability to structure learning objectives, develop practical exercises, and adapt teaching methods to different audiences, professional backgrounds, and levels of experience.
• Good understanding of the Ukrainian context and Ukrainian justice and accountability institutions.
• Experience presenting to and briefing senior stakeholders, including Ukrainian external partners.
• Ability to create engaging and accessible training materials, using different tools and platforms.
• Strong practical OSINT skills and knowledge of investigative techniques, with the ability to effectively teach these to others.
• You must be able to work proficiently in English.

Desired Criteria:

• Experience developing video-based learning materials, recorded tutorials, or self-paced online courses.
• Experience mentoring other trainers or delivering training-of-trainers programmes.
• Proficiency in Ukrainian.

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.