Open Source Investigator
Position:
Open Source Investigator
Location:
Remote
Contract Type:
Contractor- international
Compensation:
Commensurate with experience
Term:
1 year
About Project Expedite Justice
Project Expedite Justice (PEJ), founded in 2016, is a United States-based NGO with 501(c)(3) charitable organization designation.
PEJ's mission is to use all available legal options to seek justice for individuals inadequately protected under the law, who cannot access legal resources, and who are exploited by governments, corporations, or others.
PEJ applies a novel, victim-centered approach to addressing mass atrocities. PEJ's 3-step model includes training, mentoring, and providing independent legal consulting. We partner with and train local lawyers and investigators to collect, analyze, and preserve evidence according to international legal standards. Without evidence, there can be no accountability. We further build local capabilities and advance the justice process through case-specific mentoring and strategic guidance to local legal practitioners and investigators. Finally, we partner with local NGOs, pro bono law firms, and legal clinics to represent victims of international crimes and serious human rights abuses in court or alternative judicial mechanisms.
PEJ has projects in several countries. Our inclusive team includes people working remotely from Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, and the US. We are deeply committed to increasing opportunities for lawyers and other human rights defenders from the global majority or global south to participate in international rule-of-law-based nonprofit work.
The Opportunity: Open Source Investigator
Job Summary:
Under the overall supervision and strategic guidance of the Legal and Program Director (Ukraine) and the daily coordination of the Program Coordinator, the Open Source Investigator will work directly with the Senior Lead Investigator to support the investigation and analysis work of the team. The Investigator will be responsible for conducting in-depth research using open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques to support investigative efforts and assist PEJ partners in Ukraine. This role will involve collecting, analyzing, organizing, reporting, and archiving information and evidence from various online sources, adhering to PEJ SOPs and working procedures, as well as to standards outlined in the Berkeley Protocol on Digital Open Source Investigations, identifying international standards for conducting online research of alleged violations.
Key Responsibilities
Information Collection and Archiving:
Source Identification and Verification: Identify reliable and credible sources, assessing their trustworthiness and potential biases.
Data Collection and Organization: Collect relevant data from various online sources, including social media, news articles, government databases, and dark web, including telegram bots and other automatized research tools and methods.
Cybersecurity: Knowledge and understanding of potential security risks related to open source research and investigations, and of mitigation measures to be strictly implemented to preserve personal safety and PEJ data integrity.
Data Preservation and Archiving: Preserve collected data in a structured and organized manner, as defined by PEJ SOPs, ensuring its integrity and accessibility for future reference and potential use in international criminal proceedings.
Knowledge of Berkeley Protocol: Conduct OSINT investigations in accordance with the Berkeley Protocol's guidelines, ensuring ethical, legal, and robust methodologies.
Analysis and reporting:
Legal Framework Understanding: Understanding of the Ukrainian law system and relevant international laws, human rights norms, and ethical guidelines related to OSINT investigations.
Report Structure and Content: Structure reports in accordance with PEJ's SOPs and reporting standards, including clear methodology, evidence chain, and analysis.
Team Collaboration and Communication:
Effective Teamwork: Collaborate effectively with the investigation team, including lead investigators and investigators, legal colleagues, analysts, and the data manager.
Training capacities: Ability and experience in sharing experience and knowledge with others, including during internal training with colleagues or external training with PEJ partners.
Clear and Concise Communication: Communicate findings and insights clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
Profile: Qualifications and Attributes
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Strong understanding of open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques and tools.
Proven experience conducting online investigations, preferably in conflict or human rights contexts.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Proficiency in relevant software tools (e.g., social media analysis tools, data management tools).
Knowledge of Ukrainian law and international human rights law.
Fluency in English (Ukrainian is a plus).
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience working with international NGOs or human rights organizations.
Knowledge of digital forensics and data preservation techniques.
Familiarity with specific OSINT tools and databases (e.g., Maltego, X-Ways Forensics, Intel Techniques).
Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
Understanding of cybersecurity best practices and threat intelligence.
Cultural Fit:
Alignment with PEJ’s values and mission to be a service-driven entity.
Demonstrated commitment to the principles of the rule of law and social justice.
Ability to work remotely within a diverse team.
How to Apply:
Email recruitment@projectexpeditejustice.org with "Application: Open Source Investigator" in the subject line, and attach:
CV/resume (maximum of two pages); and
Cover letter.
By submitting your application, you consent to a reference check, where we will contact up to three professional references you provide.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.