Open-Source Gender Investigator - Contractor (MENA region)

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

Closing date: 26th October 2026 at 23:55pm

Contract length:  ASAP until 31st March 2027

Hours needed for this role:  Full time, 19-20 days a month. Part time roles may also be considered.

Location: Remote

About the Project

CIR specialises in rigorous, ethical, and impact-driven research on technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), translating evidence into accountability, advocacy, and practical interventions.

For this project, CIR’s is seeking to recruit an open-source researcher to investigate how gender norms and identity can be weaponised to escalate conflicts. We are seeking someone with experience in conducting narrative and network analysis in the MENA region, including analysing online narratives surges to verified online incidents, to test whether and how gendered identity content precedes, accompanies or follows escalation.

Main Responsibilities

• Employ open-source intelligence (OSINT) and social media analysis (SOCMINT) tools, techniques, and methodologies to conduct research into the MENA information environment.

• Use SOCMINT tools to conduct audience analysis and gather audience insight.
• Analysing and documenting evidence of Ethnic, Religious and Gendered Hate speech, coordinated Inauthentic behaviour and other violations of platform terms and conditions and standards.
• Contribute to CIR’s investigations into how gender and identity are exploited on social media in relation to ongoing conflicts in the MENA region.
• Input information into the project’s databases and code that data to pre-set information fields as required. Ensure that all data is preserved and archived according to project and organisational standards.
• Work with other investigators to analyse data from multiple sources and create comprehensive analytical reports on gendered hate speech and narratives, trends, and dynamics.
• Support the design and production of high-quality reports that effectively explain insights and the evidence and methodology underpinning them.

Essential Criteria:

• Proven experience with open-source intelligence (OSINT) and social media analysis (SOCMINT) tools and techniques.
• Expertise in monitoring of ethnic, religious and gendered hate speech.
• Expertise in narrative tracking and social media research techniques.
• Proven experience with the development of GESI framework and lexicons.
• Ability 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 project team and the wider CIR.

Desirable skills

• Experience on conflicts in the MENA region
• Ability to speak and/or integrate multiple languages
• Use of network mapping and data visualisation tools

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 at any stage of its recruitment process. All applications are reviewed, and decisions are made, by trained members of staff.

When applying for a role, please do use AI for:

• Plan your ideas and thoughts
• Check the spelling and grammar of your CV and cover letter
• Research CIR
• Generate mock interview questions for you to practice before your interview
• Use AI as a support tool, not as a substitute for your own thinking or judgement

Don’t use AI to

• Invent or misrepresent your skills and experience
• Complete any tests provided by CIR
• Assist you during an interview to help answer the questions being asked by the panel

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.