Open Source Analyst - Violent Extremist Organisations - Pakistan Specialist

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.

Contract Type: Contractor

Contract length: 4-5 months

Hours needed: Full hours or part‑time.

Location: Remote.

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

Closing date: Tuesday 19th May 2026 at 23:55pm.

About the project: The OSINT Investigator utilises their open‑source intelligence (OSINT) investigation skills to conduct research and analysis of open‑source information in support of CIR’s Terrorism research project objectives. As an OSINT Investigator, you will use your expertise to acquire and analyse information from open sources, extracting the key pieces of information to write high‑quality narrative reports and project products that are comprehensive, verified, accurate, and placed correctly within the context of Pakistani affairs. You will work with and support the Investigations Lead and Senior Project Manager, ensuring that your analysis is focused effectively to meet project tasking and product priorities. You will also provide assistance to the team to understand the cultural, political, and social dynamics of Pakistan.

Main responsibilities:

• Provide subject‑matter expertise on Violent Extremist Organisation (VEO) ecosystems in Pakistan, guiding analytical direction and helping translate complex open‑source intelligence (OSINT) and social media intelligence (SOCMINT) findings into clear, decision‑relevant insights for stakeholders and donors.
• Employ OSINT and SOCMINT tools, techniques and methodologies to conduct analysis of trends, and issues related to Violent Extremist Organisation (VEO) activity in Pakistan.
• Conduct research and analysis as directed in support of project reporting objectives.
• Mentor and support analysts by offering guidance on methodologies, reporting standards, and best practices in monitoring and propaganda analysis.
• Track and analyse propaganda, messaging trends, and narrative shifts from VEOs in Pakistan, including across public platforms (TikTok, Facebook) and niche or encrypted platforms (Telegram, Rocket.Chat, Element), including semi‑closed communities where accessible.
• Conduct propaganda analysis (themes, narratives, key influencers, and dissemination networks) and track changes over time.
• Identify emerging platforms, communication trends, and shifts in VEO platform usage to maintain collection relevance.
• Assist with the development, writing, and review of analytical outputs, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and timely delivery across products, while identifying new lines of inquiry and investigation.
• Assist with translation of collected content (required languages: Pashto and Urdu; Dari would be beneficial).

Experience needed:

• Proven ability to analyse Violent Extremist Organisation activity, including propaganda, narratives, and platform usage trends within the regional context in Pakistan.
• Experience using open‑source and social media intelligence tools and techniques to collect, analyse, and interpret complex data into actionable insights.
• Ability to identify trends, assess messaging shifts, and produce high‑quality, accurate, and timely analytical outputs that inform decision‑making.

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