Open-Source Data Collection Specialist

Position description

Founded in 2011, the International NGO Safety Organization (INSO) is an international NGO that supports humanitarian aid workers by establishing safety coordination platforms in insecure contexts. INSO provides registered NGOs with a range of free services, including real-time incident tracking, analytical reports, safety-related data and mapping, crisis management support, staff orientations, and training. INSO provides daily support to more than 1,500 NGOs operating in 24 of the world’s most insecure countries. INSO is registered in the Netherlands, with its headquarters located in The Hague, a city renowned for its international focus on peace and justice.

Job Summary

The Open-Source Data Collection Specialist (OSDCS) supports the Conflict and Humanitarian Data Centre (CHDC) by conducting systematic monitoring, verification, and integration of humanitarian safety and access incidents from publicly available sources.

The Specialist focuses on identifying, verifying, and logging incidents affecting humanitarian actors, particularly in countries where INSO does not have a physical presence. The role combines strong analytical judgement with applied technical skills, contributing to early warning, crisis monitoring, and the continuous improvement of open-source data collection workflows.

This position is suited to candidates with experience in open-source analysis who are comfortable working with data, tools, and technical processes in support of humanitarian decision-making.

Key responsibilities

Open-Source Monitoring and Incident Collection

• Conduct daily, structured monitoring of publicly available sources relevant to humanitarian safety and access.
• Monitor local and regional media, verified social media accounts, and digital civil society platforms.
• Identify incidents affecting humanitarian actors, including attacks, threats, movement restrictions, arrests, and access constraints.

Verification, Classification, and Data Entry

• Verify incidents using open-source techniques such as source triangulation, temporal validation, and location confirmation.
• Assess source credibility and document uncertainty where information is incomplete.
• Classify and log incidents into INSO’s Conflict and Humanitarian Data Centre (CHDC) in line with approved methodologies.

Monitoring of Misinformation and Targeting Trends

• Monitor misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech targeting humanitarian organisations or personnel when relevant to security or access.
• Document and escalate significant trends or high-risk narratives.

Methodology and Quality Assurance

• Apply open-source data collection methodologies consistently.
• Participate in quality control processes and internal reviews.
• Provide feedback on data gaps, source reliability, and technical challenges.

Crisis and Surge Support

• Provide surge open-source monitoring support during acute crises or rapid-onset emergencies, as required.
• Support open-source monitoring for INSO country platforms when additional capacity is needed.

Qualifications

Essential

• Fluency in English and in either Arabic, French, or Spanish, with strong written and verbal communication skills in both languages.
• Professional experience in open-source data collection, data journalism, conflict monitoring, law enforcement, or a related field.
• Proven experience collecting, verifying, and analysing open-source data in complex or high-risk environments.
• Strong technical skills, including:
• Advanced use of Excel and experience with PowerBI
• Basic to intermediate proficiency in programming or scripting (e.g. Python, R, JavaScript) for data analysis or workflow support
• Demonstrated ability to transform raw data into clear, operationally relevant outputs.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and communication skills.
• ⁠Ability and willingness to work at least 2 hours per day in overlap with GMT+1.

Desirable

• Working proficiency in additional languages.
• Experience in geospatial analysis.
• Experience using AI-enabled tools to support data maintenance or analysis.
• Experience training users in data collection tools.
• Data-science or analytic methodology credentials.
• Prior experience in humanitarian safety, security analysis, or access coordination.

Core Competencies

• Ethics – upholds humanitarian principles, data ethics, and responsible use of information.
• Integrity – acts with honesty, discretion, and strict respect for confidentiality.
• Judgement – demonstrates strong analytical thinking, sound decision-making, and attention to detail.
• Collaboration – works effectively with both technical and non-technical teams to achieve shared goals.
• Initiative – is proactive, adaptable, and solution-oriented when addressing challenges.
• Prioritization – manages multiple tasks efficiently and delivers results under pressure.
• Cultural Awareness – respects diversity and works effectively in multicultural environments.

Application instructions

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