Consultancy Opportunity at Bellingcat: Open Source Analyst (Justice & Accountability Team)

26 August 2024

We are looking for an open source analyst to join our Justice & Accountability team on a part-time consultancy contract basis. You will join other members of this team identifying, collecting and analysing information from open sources regarding the conflict in Palestine and Israel which will be used for accountability purposes. Rather than being published as journalistic work, output from this project will be aimed at informing court cases and fact-finding mechanisms at a national and international level.

Who We Are

Bellingcat is an independent collective of international researchers, investigators and citizen journalists using open source and social media investigations to probe conflict, corruption, crimes, misinformation, disinformation, extremist groups and much, much more. We have received multiple awards for our research and publications that shine a light on wrongdoing. Our community (which includes staff, contributors and volunteers around the world) works in a unique field where technology, forensic research, journalism and the advancement of justice and accountability come together.

Who You Are

The ideal candidate should have experience planning and conducting ethical open source investigations, both as an individual and as part of a team. You must have excellent skills in discovering, verifying and presenting open source information in a clear and precise manner. You must also have a deep understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 

You are enthusiastic about working for an international nonprofit organisation that uses publicly available data and open source analysis to investigate a variety of topics that are in the public interest and which advance justice and accountability. You must have the utmost integrity. 

Responsibilities

  • Conduct rigorous, accurate and ethical open source investigations, both independently and as part of a wider team
  • Contribute to research planning and identification of innovations which increase the effectiveness of investigations
  • Be able to present factual findings to external partners in a clear and methodological manner
  • Collaborate with colleagues who conduct investigations with techniques such as remote sensing and data analysis
  • Maintain a high level of operational and personal security including an understanding of cyber hygiene and potential threat actors
  • Be prepared to travel within Europe for meetings and training sessions
  • Perform other responsibilities as required

Skills and Experience

Education

The candidate must have a level of education which allows for clear communication, assessment and organisation of information. Relevant academic degrees are certainly a plus but are not a requirement.

Experience: The candidate must have a record of conducting and presenting effective, rigorous, innovative and ethical open source research.

Related Knowledge and Skills

  • Experience planning and conducting online open source investigations is required
  • Demonstrated knowledge of photo and video verification techniques is required
  • The ability to speak either Hebrew and/or Arabic at a native level is required
  • Fluency in English is required
  • In-depth understanding of social media platforms in the context of Israel and Palestine is required
  • Demonstrated knowledge of geolocation methods is required
  • The ability to clearly communicate methods and conclusions orally, in writing and in graphic formats is required
  • The ability to work collaboratively and respectfully in a multicultural team with people from diverse backgrounds and in different timezones is required

What We Offer

Bellingcat is a young, innovative and diverse international team with a flat organisational structure and a lot of flexibility. We look at results, not office hours. Our distributed model of work encourages initiative, a high degree of responsibility and ownership of both your successes and challenges. We value and reward the drive for excellence and don’t put up with the bare minimum.

The position is based on 90% (36 hours per week) consultancy contract with a duration of one-year.

The consultancy fee  is within the framework of the non-profit sector and is €3,300  per month (based on 36 hours per week), depending on experience, track record and place of residency.

How To Apply

Bellingcat is committed to a diverse working environment. Our team is international, from a wide range of backgrounds and we always welcome and appreciate new perspectives and life experiences. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, colour, origin, religion, age, gender or sexual orientation. Your formal education is less important to us than your previous experience in the field.Please apply by filling out this online form, where you can upload a CV and cover letter explaining your suitability for this role and examples of your work. If you have any questions about this role please contact accountability@bellingcat.com with “Open Source Analyst Role” in the subject line. The deadline to apply for this role is September 8, 2024. Given we expect to receive a high number of applications, it will not be possible to respond to all applicants.