Fact-checking & OSINT journalist - Freelance contract

EBU; Remote; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading public service media organization in Germany is seeking a freelance Fact-checking & OSINT journalist. The role involves monitoring global platforms for news verification, collaborating with an international network to counter misinformation, and providing OSINT training to EBU Members. Candidates should be proficient in digital research tools, possess a strong understanding of OPSEC, and have an excellent command of English, with additional language skills welcome. This is a remote position, preferably within CET +/- 2 hours.

Qualifikationen

• Excellent command of English is required; fluency in French, German, or Arabic is welcome.
• Experience handling sensitive or graphic UGC with psychological resilience.
• Independent external contractor status will be required.

Aufgaben

• Monitor global platforms to identify and verify emerging news stories.
• Collaborate with international partners on investigations into misinformation.
• Develop tutorials and workflows for enhancing OSINT capabilities.

Kenntnisse

Expert-level proficiency in digital research tools

Comfortable navigating complex digital footprints

Strong understanding of OPSEC and digital hygiene

Jobbeschreibung

Overview

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is looking for a freelance Fact-checking & OSINT journalist.

About Eurovision News

Eurovision News is the leading distributor of high-quality news content and a trusted advocate for public service journalism. We bring together more than 70 EBU Members, sublicensees and other media partners in over 50 countries. Built on principles of editorial integrity, solidarity, and collaboration, the News Department is at the heart of the EBU’s mission to serve its Members with reliable, impartial, and timely news coverage from around the world.

About the Networks

• Eurovision Social Newswire: The EBU’s digital verification unit, providing public service media with real-time, verified news coverage and forensic user-generated content (UGC) analysis.
• Eurovision News Spotlight: A collaborative network designed to counter misinformation through cross-border OSINT investigations, resource sharing, and professional training.

Principal Responsibilities of This Position

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is seeking a proactive fact-checking and OSINT journalist to join a dual-mission unit. You will work at the heart of the Eurovision Social Newswire, providing real-time verification, and Eurovision News Spotlight, a collaborative network of 29 public service media organizations dedicated to countering online falsehoods.

• Monitor global platforms (X, Telegram, TikTok, Meta) to identify and verify emerging news stories and viral content using forensic analysis and geolocation.
• Act as a key contributor to the Spotlight network, collaborating with 29 international partners on large-scale investigations into coordinated misinformation.
• Develop tutorials, tool-guides, and workflows to help EBU Members (e.g., CBC, RTÉ, SVT) enhance their own internal OSINT capabilities.
• Identify and track disinformation narratives targeting European audiences, producing high-accuracy reports under tight deadlines.
• Share insights, data, and debunking resources across a remote, multi-organizational environment.

Your Skills and Experiences

• Expert-level proficiency in digital research tools.
• Comfortable navigating complex digital footprints and using social monitoring software.
• Strong understanding of OPSEC (Operations Security) and digital hygiene. Experience handling sensitive or graphic UGC with psychological resilience.

Language

Excellent command of English is required; knowledge of and fluency in other languages such as French, German or Arabic are welcome.

Mandatory Requirement

• Independent external contractor status will be required.
• Remote (Preferably within CET +/- 2 hours).

Notes for Candidates

Note: Candidates are strongly encouraged to include a link to a portfolio or a brief work-along (e.g., a X/Twitter thread or blog post) demonstrating a past geolocation or forensic verification success.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to work at the center of public service media in Europe. You will not only be reporting the news—you will be building the infrastructure that protects the integrity of public service journalism across Europe and beyond.

On Once On Board You Will

Be part of an outstanding diverse and inclusive multicultural and international team. Work with accomplished and engaging professionals coming from a wide variety of backgrounds and covering an impressive range of professions both in and outside of the broadcasting realm.

About the EBU

Discover more about the EBU at www.ebu.ch.

Additional Information

We will not accept any applications after the closing date and we will contact only the candidates who correspond to the requirements. The EBU is an equal opportunities organisation committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels heard, safe and valued through a culture free of discrimination, we welcome applications from all communities. Only applications via our recruitment portal will be considered.