OSINT Investigator - Investigative Reporting for Public Engagement (Ukraine)

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. 

We're always looking to connect with experienced investigators who specialise in collecting, analysing, and interpreting open-source data to generate actionable intelligence. Whether you're currently working in the private sector, law enforcement, journalism, or national security, we want to hear from you. 

Role details 

The role: 

The OSINT Public Engagement Investigator will support’s CIR’s objective to grow its engagement with public audiences and media by sharing its investigative reporting on the war in Ukraine. The Investigator will work in a team dedicated to investigating war crimes and human rights abuses associated with the conflict in Ukraine. They will translate investigative analysis into compelling public-facing reporting for public audiences to support awareness, advocacy, and international engagement around war crimes and human rights violations in Ukraine. The candidate will play a leading role in helping to establish and build effective partnerships with international and domestic Ukrainian media. The successful candidate will be able to blend established OSINT investigative skills with a flair for compelling storytelling, narrative development, and communication skills. The candidate will produce accurate, engaging and insightful content, underpinned by OSINT investigative analysis, that tells the story of the people and places impacted by the war in Ukraine. 

Contract Type: Contractor 

Contract duration: Until 31 March 2027. Immediate start available. 

Hours needed for this role: Full time. 

Languages: You must be able to speak and write English and have working proficiency in both Russian and Ukrainian languages. 

Location: While this role can be performed remotely, strong preference will be given to candidates who are normally physically located in or near Kyiv, Ukraine. The candidate may make use of CIR’s office premises in Kyiv, Ukraine.  

Closing date: Monday 27th April 2026. 

Requirements

Main Responsibilities 

• Lead and conduct open-source investigations using advanced OSINT methodologies, including digital forensics, geolocation, chronolocation, media verification, and pattern-of-life analysis. 

• Translate complex investigative findings into compelling narratives based on clear, evidence‑based findings designed for public audiences, media reporting, advocacy campaigns, and international engagement. 

• Produce high‑quality written reports, long‑form articles, briefings, and explanatory content suitable for publication, media release, or campaign use, in line with CIR’s editorial guidelines. 

• Work closely with CIR’s central media team to shape stories for maximum clarity, impact, and audience engagement, including the use of visuals, maps, timelines, and data visualisations. 

• Engage with journalists, editors, advocates, policymakers, and external partners to support dissemination and amplification of investigative findings. 

• Contribute to interviews, background briefings, and public presentations to explain CIR’s findings to non‑specialist audiences. 

• Deliver training, mentoring, and capacity-building sessions for colleagues, partners, or external audiences in OSINT tools, methods, and best practices.  

• Uphold CIR’s standards for ethical, safe, and secure investigative practice, ensuring compliance with organisational policies and safeguarding requirements.  

Essential Criteria: 

• Proven track record in OSINT-driven investigations. 

• Working proficiency in Russian and Ukrainian languages. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate technical terminology for lay audiences and to support clear, concise and timely reporting. 

• Established body or proven track record of published reporting, articles, video, blogs, podcasts, or other long- or short-form content for public audiences. 

Desirable Criteria: 

• Prior experience of working in investigative journalism, media, advocacy, or justice and accountability environments. 

• Prior experience of delivering training, skill-sharing, or capacity-building, particularly in OSINT contexts. 

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 encourages applicants from under-represented communities. 

CIR is an equal opportunities employer. If you require adjustments or additional support to complete this process, please let us know in your application.