OSINT Investigator - War Crimes and Human Rights Abuses (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 War Crimes and Human Rights Abuses Investigator will work in a team dedicated to investigating war crimes and human rights abuses associated with the conflict in Ukraine. They will use open-source tools, techniques and methodologies to monitor, collate, verify and analyse information obtained from both open and semi-open sources. The analyst will lead and contribute to complex OSINT investigations designed to support accountability efforts, including by producing reporting to an evidentiary and analytical standard suitable for use by active war crimes investigations, legal experts, and international justice mechanisms.  

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: The candidate must be normally physically located in Kyiv, Ukraine. This role can be performed in a hybrid pattern, combining remote working with occasional travel within Kyiv as well as other areas of Ukraine. The candidate may make use of CIR’s office premises in Kyiv.

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, with a focus on alleged war crimes and violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. 

• Produce high-quality investigative reports, research outputs, and analytical briefs, ensuring accuracy, rigour, and clear evidentiary standards in line with CIR's editorial guidelines.  

• Analyse incidents such as attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, forced displacement, and other potentially unlawful conduct, ensuring findings are well-evidenced and responsibly framed. 

• Engage with external stakeholders as required, including researchers, partner organisations, journalists, and policymakers, to support collaborative investigative and accountability efforts.  

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

• Contribute to the design, development, and assurance of investigative products, including shaping methodologies, review processes, and quality-control procedures appropriate to sensitive legal and accountability contexts.  

• Communicate findings through written reports, presentations, briefings, and expert discussions, tailored to specialist audiences involved in accountability, justice, and policy processes. 

• 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. 

• Proficient Russian and Ukrainian language skills. 

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

Desirable Criteria: 

• Prior experience of working in law enforcement, criminal investigation, military, investigative journalism, 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.