Freelancer - OSINT / WEBINT / Intelligence Researcher

The role involves conducting in-depth open-source (OSINT) and web intelligence (WEBINT) research to identify, analyze, and assess a wide range of online threats and harmful activities across platforms. This may include work in Child Safety, focusing on detecting and analyzing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and grooming indicators; Hate Speech and Extremism, involving the tracking of radicalization trends, hate groups, and violent ideologies; Counterterrorism, centered on identifying terrorist propaganda and networks; Organized Crime, which includes investigating illicit trade, fraud, and trafficking operations; and Platform Integrity and Manipulation, aimed at uncovering coordinated inauthentic behavior, influence operations, and misinformation campaigns.

Key Responsibilities 

• Conduct end-to-end intelligence research projects across multiple abuse areas (e.g., hate speech, violent extremism, child safety, platform manipulation, organized crime, fraud, and disinformation).
• Collect, analyze, and contextualize data from a variety of open and closed sources, including social media platforms, chat applications, gaming platforms, forums, and AI tools.
• Apply OSINT/WEBINT methodologies (search, dorking, verification, network mapping, and trend analysis) to identify indicators of online threats and harmful behavior.
• Prepare concise analytical reports and datasets, summarizing key findings, insights, and emerging risks.
• Stay up to date on global online threat trends and evolving tactics across different platforms.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders (e.g., Delivery, Product, and Policy teams) to ensure timely and high-quality outputs.

• 2+ years of experience conducting online research or intelligence analysis (OSINT/WEBINT, investigations, or Trust & Safety) — required.
• Proven ability to manage and deliver research projects independently, from data collection to reporting — required.
• Fluent or native-level English (both written and spoken) — required.
• Strong analytical and writing skills, with ability to synthesize large volumes of data into clear, actionable insights.
• Familiarity with online platforms and digital ecosystems, including social media, messaging, and content-sharing networks.
• Technical literacy: ability to work with spreadsheets, search operators, data collection tools, and AI-assisted workflows.
• Resilience to sensitive or disturbing content, including exposure to violent, extremist, or sexual materials.
• Additional language skills — an advantage.
• Academic or professional background in international relations, political science, criminology, communication, or related fields — an advantage.
• Experience in one or more domains such as Counterterrorism, Hate Speech, Child Safety, Disinformation, or Organized Crime — an advantage.

Additional Requirements

• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities; able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proactive mindset, curiosity, and eagerness to learn about new digital ecosystems.
• Team-oriented, collaborative, and comfortable working in fast-paced, cross-functional environments.
• Capability to maintain professional boundaries and follow data sensitivity and privacy guidelines.