Open Source Investigations Specialist

The Human Rights Center (HRC) is  looking for an Open Source Investigations Specialist to help shape and oversee the research conducted in the center’s Investigations Lab, and provide professional-level research and related support to HRC’s and its partners’ investigations. 

The Investigator will work closely with the Lab’s co-founder/faculty director, as well as other members of the Human Rights Center team, including but not limited to the Investigations Lab Manager and Training Manager. The Open Source Investigations Specialist will also work with external practitioners, policymakers, and other academics to promote evidence-based policies as well as practice-focused research and investigations.

The Open Source Investigations Specialist’s work will include;

• Designing, implementing and reporting on original studies and methodological advancements that add to existing knowledge about ways that digital technologies can be used to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of human rights investigations. Outputs may include workshops, blog posts, social media threads, reports, white papers, book chapters, amicus curiae briefs, implementation tools, practitioner papers, and other appropriate means for sharing and advancing information relative to digital open source investigations.
• The Open Source Investigations Specialist is will be expected to stay informed about the latest digital open source investigation methodologies, conduct research and publish his/her research findings–including guidance for the digital open source investigations community. The Open Source Investigations Specialist may be expected to travel domestically and internationally for field work, conferences, research, trainings, workshops and other meetings.
• The Open Source Investigations Specialist may conduct training of students and practitioners in close coordination with the Human Rights Center’s Training Manager, as well as speak as an expert on investigations-related findings and methods with the media, funders, and other strategic partners.
• The Open Source Investigations Specialist will be expected to provide investigations support to teams of researchers, including professional research staff and students. The Open Source Investigations Specialist may also work alongside diverse independent contractors who may be hired to provide additional research, training and other support.

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)Bachelor’s degree or equivalent international degree

Preferred qualifications

• Minimum three years of work experience related to digital open source investigations
• Experience in human rights, international law, cybersecurity and/or related research
• Familiarity with the Berkeley Protocol on Digital Open Source Investigations
• Intermediate to advanced understanding of digital open source investigation methods and knowledge of digital open source investigation ethics
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of physical, digital and psychosocial security
• Working understanding of international law and/or practice
• Familiarity with basic coding languages (such as Python or other)
• Familiarity working with visual media, including media production and/or Adobe Suite
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to think creatively and independently on problem-solving
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups to achieve results and to work well as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Ability to design, implement and oversee complex investigations
• Ability to mentor graduate and undergraduate students
• Facility in Spanish, French, Arabic, Russian or another language, in addition to English

Learn more here about the role and apply.