Lead Open Source Information Analyst

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and, at the same time, promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.
 
Within the Department of Operations and its Protection and Essential Services structure, the Protection of Civilians Unit develops strategic direction and provides advice and operational support to achieve protection outcomes for civilians affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence in the following areas of activity: ICRC's prevention approach, monitoring, documentation and analysis of violations of IHL and other bodies of law, strengthening operational interventions - including community-based approaches - to prevent, avoid or mitigate civilian harm, notably in the context of the conduct of hostilities, and other situations of violence, internal displacement, migration and risks linked to the use and development of digital technologies. The Unit is also responsible for the production of methodological and policy guidance documents and relevant training in its areas of expertise.
 

Purpose

Sitting within the Protection of Civilians Unit, this position will lead on the use of open source information (OSI) and analysis methods to directly support protection documentation, dialogue, and operational planning, particularly in response to crises. Working directly with ICRC delegations in the field, the Lead Open Source Information Analyst will ensure the effective and consistent use of open-source information, alongside traditional methods, as part of multidisciplinary, all-source approach to protection analysis and evidence-based decision-making. The position will apply a rigorous methodological approach and the latest advanced methods for the collection, verification, and analysis of open source information to document and report on potential IHL violations and other situations of concern. The Lead Open Source Information Analyst will be responsible for providing capacity building, designing processes, and implementing workflows to improve the integration of OSI into protection analysis and activities within delegations, including through deployments to the field. The position will also support in the drafting of internal guidance and delivery of institutional trainings on the use of OSI analysis within the ICRC’s Protection department.

Accountabilities & Functional responsibilities

•    Leads on application of open source information analysis methods to support Protection teams in the field, including by providing intensive support during crises and emergencies, to enhance the ICRC’s documentation and dialogue. 
•    Applies latest and most effective methods for the identification, verification, authentication, and analysis (e.g. geolocation, chronolocation and other advanced methods) of digital content, working proactively and independently to provide both verbal and written reports in support of protection documentation.
•    Leads on the delivery of OSI analysis support during emergencies, including potentially extended working hours, unconventional schedules, and field missions to ensure adequate support to delegations facing acute OSI analysis needs. This includes identifying and responding to the particular needs of a delegation, developing general guidance and approaches to use of OSI during emergencies, and potentially engaging in preparedness activities prior to the onset of crises.
•    Works directly with Protection coordination in the field to ensure the complementary integration of OSI analysis across Protection métiers, and designs systems and processes to facilitate this, including developing internal workflows, data collection and storage tools, capacity building and guidance.
•    Supports the delivery of training, both at HQ and in the field, including coordination and periodic updating of course materials.
•    Works across métiers to develop collaborative, all-source approaches to protection analysis and documentation, and generate innovative outputs that test new methods for effectively using OSI to enhance the implementation of the ICRC’s protection mandate.
•    Review reports by OSI analyst positions at HQ and in the field and advise them on their work to ensure quality and consistency with institutional practices and guidelines.
 

Relationships

•    Position will report to Open Source Information and Analysis Manager and interacts with other Protection advisers as required
•    Coordinates with other relevant analysis units and programmes on the documentation of protection concerns and support to ICRC operations
•    Coordinates with Protection Coordination at delegation level as well as Protection Operations Partners on support needs/requests, team workflows and approaches to OSI integration, as well as providing technical advise 
•    Works with Protection Training team to support the coordination and delivery of OSI training courses
•    May be asked to engage with external actors to represent ICRC’s work on OSI best practices and methodologies
 

People management responsibilities

•    Position has no direct people management responsibilities but may lead on specific areas of work or outputs with other in-house OSI analysts supporting.

Education & Experience required

•    A University degree or equivalent working experience in a relevant field is required.
•    7+ years overall professional experience including a minimum of 5 years working in the field open source information analysis
 

Desired profile

•    Expert knowledge of the techniques, tools and methodologies for carrying out rigorous, safe, and ethical open source research and analysis.
•    Substantial experience in the identification, preservation, verification, and analysis of digital open source information in-line with international standards and best practice
•    Proficiency in geospatial analysis methods and software, including geolocation, satellite imagery analysis, and mapping
•    Experience utilizing and integrating open source research methodologies alongside traditional, field-based approaches
•    Experience using open source research methodologies to document and analyze potential violations of international law or other protection concerns in the context of complex humanitarian crises, armed conflict, or widespread violence.
•    Demonstrated experience as trainer and understanding of capacity building and skills transfer
•    Experience working with graphic and/or distressing content and deploying effective strategies to mitigate its negative impact
•    Outstanding interpersonal and organization skills with strong attention to detail
•    Ability to clearly communicate research methodologies and findings in both oral and written form for non-technical audiences
•    Ability to adapt to changing priorities, shifting deadlines and deliver excellent work under tight timelines and crisis situations
•    Experience in managing multiple competing tasks and working as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team
•    Strong initiative and capacity to work independently under minimal supervision
•    Excellent communication skills (oral and written) in English; working knowledge of other languages (Arabic, Russian, Chinese, Spanish, French, etc) is preferred
 

Additional information

•    Location: Geneva

•    Type of contract: maximum-term contract
•    Length of assignment: 12 months (extendable)
•    Activity rate: 100%
•    Grade: C1

•    Salary Range: starting from 103,000 CHF 
•    Target starting date: March 2025
•    Application deadline: 6 January 2025

Our Values

At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this