Researcher, OSINT Investigations

ABOUT

Equis is a set of organizations working to create a better understanding of Latinos, innovate new approaches to reach and engage them, and invest in the leadership and infrastructure for long-term change and increased engagement. Since 2019, we have served as a hub of Latino polling, qualitative insights, and data, with analysis based on a large set of interviews, focus groups, online journals, ethnographies, and vote simulations.  Equis is a leader in digital innovation, focused on message testing and experiments, anti-disinformation tracking, and digital capacity-building for grassroots groups. Equis is also committed to developing Latino leaders across the progressive space, serving as a convener of organizations and individuals leading Hispanic-focused programs. In 2022, Equis launched Moonshots, a set of bold, ambitious initiatives to massively increase Latino power, influence, and belonging in the US.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Counter-Disinformation Strategies, in consultation with the Lead Disinformation Researcher, Equis is seeking an open-source investigator to support the research of disinformation, misinformation, and propaganda affecting Latino communities through analysis of content, networks, amplification, and coordination on social media and the web. The OSINT Research Associate will support the team’s efforts to leverage short- and long-form investigations to tell a more accurate and nuanced story about how false and misleading information circulates in English, Spanish, and Portuguese in Latino spaces online. The ideal candidate will have attention to detail, and experience with OSINT tools and methodologies. The ideal candidate will also have cultural fluency and will be fluent in English and Spanish. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyze disinformation and misinformation narratives on key social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, using Crowdtangle, Newswhip, and other technologies.
• Use OSINT tools to collect and organize data and analyze networks and coordinated behaviors online.
• Build out internal systems to organize, streamline and automate the tracking of narratives online.
• Create and analyze network graphs using social media data and APIs.
• Draft a variety of reports for internal and external audiences that lay out trends, narratives, and coordinated inauthentic behavior affecting Latino communities. 
• Translate research findings into preparatory resources for discussions and briefings with relevant stakeholders and partner organizations. 
• Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 3+ years of experience using open-source tools and methodologies to track the spread of disinformation, misinformation, propaganda, or extremist content online and to analyze and identify patterns on social media.
• Demonstrated experience turning open-source investigative research findings into reports, publications, or briefing documents.
• Demonstrated experience handling large unstructured data sets; programming experience with Python or R a plus.
• Outstanding collaboration skills with diverse audience groups.
• History and understanding of political nuances and familiarity with the societal, cultural, and political landscape of Latino communities in the United States.
• Demonstrated a history of proactive attitude and a high degree of self-direction.
• Strong written and oral communication skills. 
• The ability to communicate fluently in English and Spanish, Portuguese is a plus.
• A commitment to Equis's mission and values. 

THIS POSITION REPORTS TO

Director, Counter-Disinformation Strategies

LOCATION

Remote

EQUIS CONTRACTOR STATUS

Consultant, Part-Time, with potential for extension, funding permitting  

Must be authorized to work in the United States, if applicable.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer 

• The ability to communicate with colleagues, partners, and clients via phone, video call, and email.

COMPENSATION

This is a fully remote consultant position that will offer $4,500 - $7,000 per month, requiring 20-30 hours of commitment per week, for the starting duration of up to 4 months, with the potential for extension. This compensation range represents a good-faith estimate of what Equis may pay for this position at the time of posting. The compensation offered to the selected candidate will be commensurate with the selected candidate’s experience.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your resume and cover letter here or via our career page.

Equis is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Equis is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the recruitment process, please contact Equis.