Investigative Researcher on Technology and Human Rights
Amnesty International
Job Purpose
Working as part of the Big Tech Accountability Team, the Investigative Researcher on Technology and human rights will lead research projects aimed at holding major technology corporations to account for their human rights impacts globally. You will play a vital role in the struggle for an internet that protects and promotes human rights.
You will investigate corporate abuses in the technology sector and expose the human rights harms linked to the invasive surveillance-based business model, which underpins companies like Meta, Google, and TikTok. You will work closely with campaigners, communities, and partner organisations to undertake cutting-edge research aimed at exposing and challenging human rights abuses.
Please note that this is a fixed-term contract opportunity running through to 31st October 2026.
LOCATION:
This role is advertised as based in London, but other locations with an Amnesty International Secretariat office can be considered; however, this will depend on several factors.
ABOUT YOU
We are looking for a candidate who has sufficient experience in conducting investigative research on relevant issues in civil society or journalism. The candidate will have strong knowledge of the international human rights legal framework gained from working in or on the field.
The successful candidate will have expertise in Big Tech, platform accountability, and/or corporate accountability.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
- Coordinate, develop, implement, and lead desk and field-based human rights research on the impact of big tech corporations (particularly social media platforms and search engines) on human rights, with a particular focus on the communities most impacted by human rights harms, e.g. racial, ethnic, and religious minorities, LGBTIQ people, women, refugees and migrants, and people affected by conflict globally.
- Deploy a combination of traditional and experimental research methodologies and centre the voices of communities impacted by tech harms in all outputs, employing participatory methods wherever feasible, and applying an intersectional, decolonial, anti-racist, and justice-oriented lens throughout.
- Develop innovative investigative research methodologies and outputs which effectively respond to opportunities for impact, and which meaningfully advance the BTAT's goal of overturning the invasive surveillance-based business model which underpins many major technology corporations.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Excellent political judgement, strong analytical skills and the ability to think and plan strategically.
- Strong interpersonal skills including advocacy, negotiating and influencing skills.
- Experience in campaigning and/or activism will be an additional advantage.
- Ability and self-driven interest to keep up to date with emerging tech and human rights trends.
- The ability to produce clear, persuasive, and concise research documents, policy positions and strategy papers.
Please see the attached job description for more information on responsibilities, skills and experience required.
Even if you do not meet all our desired qualifications, we would like to hear from you – particularly if your background is underrepresented in the NGO or technology sectors.
What We Offer:
At Amnesty International, we are passionate about what we do and we are proud of our achievements as a movement. To compensate our employees for the critical work they do, we reward them through a combination of an attractive and sector competitive salary and benefits package, high levels of engagement and involvement, and a commitment to employee development.
- 37 days annual leave (inclusive of public holidays and grace days)
- Hybrid working environment - The standard working week at Amnesty International is 35 hours
- Pension Contribution Scheme – with an employer contribution of 8% of your gross annual salary, in addition Amnesty International will match individual contributions of up to 3%. Making a total employer contribution of 11%
- Life Assurance
- Annual salary review
- Opportunity to join our cycle-to-work scheme
- Interest-free season ticket loans for travel to work
- Contribution towards the cost of eye tests and glasses
- Access to Linkedin Learning
- Employee Assistance Programme
WHAT WE HOPE YOU WILL DO NEXT
If you are talented, passionate about human rights and want to use your skills, knowledge and experience to change the world then we would encourage you to click ‘Apply for this Role' below.
Freedom, Justice, Equality. Let's get to work.
N.B. We reserve the right to close a vacancy BEFORE the closing date in the event of an overwhelming response or a change in business priorities, therefore we recommend you apply now if you are interested.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
Amnesty International believes in a world that is fair, inclusive and equitable. Together, we're committed to being an anti-racist organisation with a diverse workforce that can better tackle the global human rights challenges that face our world today. We know that different voices, ideas, perspectives, experiences and knowledge, working together will enable us to better the lives of people around the world.
We are committed to building and sustaining an anti-racist, culturally diverse and inclusive organisation, where all employees feel valued, have a sense of belonging and an equal opportunity to fulfil their potential. We therefore strongly welcome applications from suitably qualified people regardless of their background; including underrepresented groups, LGBTQI+ individuals and those who may have or are living with a disability.
To see our full statement please visit this link: Racial equality, equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion policy - Amnesty International
Amnesty International is committed to being an inclusive employer and providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for all. If you would like to receive any information in a different way or would like us to do anything differently to help you apply for our roles, please get in touch with the team by emailing_ _recruitment@amnesty.org
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