Consultant Research Analyst (Latvian)

ISD is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organisation dedicated to safeguarding elections, freedom, national security, public safety and individual rights by reversing the rising global tide of polarisation, extremism, foreign interference and authoritarianism. Combining research and analysis with government advisory work and the design and delivery of training, education and communications programmes, ISD works to implement real-world, evidence-based responses to these challenges.

ISD is not your ordinary think tank. We turn research into action that changes the world. Our insights don’t gather dust on shelves – they power the fight to protect democracy and human rights on the front lines. We’re committed to delivering real change, from the grassroots to the highest levels of global institutions. And we’re looking for passionate individuals who share our commitment to making a difference. Join us and be part of an organisation that's making an impact.

ISD’s Guiding Principles of integrity, collaboration, agility and courage define who we are as a team and an organisation. These principles reflect our culture and guide the way we work and the choices we make.

Location: Ideally based in the UK, Germany or other European countries with the ability to work within a European time zone.

Contract type: Fixed-term consultant contract of 4 months between July to November, for a maximum of 80 days during this period. Full time or Part time candidates will be considered. Please detail preference on role application form.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: ISD is committed to promoting diversity throughout its workforce and aims for its team to be truly representative of all sections of society. We make a concerted effort to ensure our workplace, employment policies and organisational culture creates an inclusive, positive and progressive environment in which all members of our team are treated with dignity and respect. We strongly encourage applications from people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, carers, and people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

Consultancy Purpose: For the delivery of a new project, ISD is seeking to engage a Latvian speaking research consultant to contribute to the analysis and write-up of reports monitoring online platforms responses to online risks to civic discourse and electoral disinformation in the context of the 2026 Latvian parliamentary elections. Analysis will be conducted in Latvian. The consultant will need to be available to start from the beginning of July, for a maximum of 80 days over a period of four months. The consultant will be expected to fully integrate with the project team on working days and keep regular working hours (9am – 5pm CET).

Key responsibilities include:

• Conduct original research on the online spread of electoral disinformation and influence operations, in the context of the 2026 Latvian parliamentary elections, using both qualitative and quantitative digital research methods (tools and training provided).
• Contribute to the development of risk assessments and research briefings on threats to civic discourse and electoral disinformation, in the context of these elections.
• Lead the creation of seed and keyword lists in Latvian (in collaboration with ISD’s Digital Analysis Unit).
• Oversee the regular monitoring, classification, and flagging of relevant content across social media platforms, leveraging proprietary tools (training provided) and supplementing this with manual analysis when necessary.
• Collaborate with other analysts to ensure a comprehensive and cohesive approach, recognising that this work cannot be conducted in isolation.
• Attend regular team meetings, inception sessions, and ad hoc trainings.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrable professional experience in social media research with expertise in online risks to civic discourse and electoral disinformation. We are looking for analysts who have working proficiency in Latvian. Please review our consultancy terms of reference for essential criteria, and keep in mind that no candidate will meet every requirement in the advert. If your experience looks a little different from what we’ve identified, but you think you can bring value to the role, we’d love to hear from you.

How to apply: Applications should be submitted by 28th May 2026. ISD reserves the right to conduct interviews and make appointments prior to the stated deadline. Applications may be submitted in English. If you have any further questions about this vacancy or want to speak to a member of our recruitment team, please contact vacancies@isdglobal.org.