Open-Source Investigator - Eyes On Russia - Contractor

Centre For Information Resilience; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Centre for Information Resilience is seeking a remote OSINT contractor to join the Eyes on Russia project. You will lead open-source investigations, geospatial analyses, and social media research while delivering clear reports for journalists, NGOs and policymakers.

Ideal candidates have experience in war crimes or human rights investigations, strong English, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative CIR team environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in investigating war crimes and/or human rights violations.
• Deep knowledge of Russian and Ukrainian social media datasets.
• Experience in a specific skill such as munitions analysis, business/financial investigations, crime scene analysis, or using QGIS.

Responsibilities

• Conduct open-source investigations using diverse OSS techniques.
• Perform geospatial analysis including geolocation and satellite imagery.
• Research social media for credible sources and context.
• Write short and long-form reports with clear, precise language.
• Stay adaptable in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
• Collaborate with Eyes on Russia team and CIR partners.

Skills

Open-source investigations

Geospatial analysis

Social media research

Report writing

Adaptability

Team collaboration

Tools

QGIS

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 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.
• Experience presenting to and briefing senior stakeholders, including external partners and leadership teams.
• Russian or Ukrainian language is desirable

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.

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.