Open-Source Investigator - Eyes on Russia - Contractor

Centre for Information Resilience; Greater London; Remote; GBP 46,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The Centre for Information Resilience invites applications for an OSINT investigator to support the Eyes on Russia project. You will conduct open-source investigations, geospatial and social media research, and draft detailed reports for journalists and partners.

Remote and internationally distributed work with a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. English proficiency required; Russian or Ukrainian language desirable.

Qualifications

• Experience in open-source investigations and OSINT techniques.
• Experience with geospatial analysis and satellite imagery.
• Ability to write concise, accurate reports and briefs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct open-source investigations using a range of OSINT methods.
• Perform geospatial analysis including geolocation and satellite imagery review.
• Apply social media research techniques to case work.
• Produce clear, concise short and long-form reports.
• Adapt quickly to fast-paced, challenging investigations.
• Collaborate with Eyes on Russia team and CIR colleagues.

Skills

OSINT investigations

Geospatial analysis

Social media research

Report writing

Team collaboration

Tools

QGIS

Geospatial analysis tools

Job description

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 x8

Closing date: 18th October 2026at 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 inEnglish. 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.

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.
• Experience presenting to and briefing senior stakeholders, including external partners and leadership teams.
• 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 atany stageof its recruitment process. All applications are reviewed, and decisions are made, by trained members of staff.

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