Consulting Scientist (Child Exploitation over Social Media)

Job Title: Consulting Scientist (Child Exploitation over Social Media)

Location: Remote

Reports To: Panel Chair  

Contract Type: Fixed-term (12 months), Part-time

About the International Panel on the Information Environment (IPIE):

The International Panel on the Information Environment is a multidisciplinary research organization dedicated to improving the global information landscape. IPIE fosters rigorous scientific research and policy analysis to address the challenges of misinformation, digital policy, and information integrity across various domains. The organization operates through specialized research panels, each focusing on a distinct aspect of the information environment and its dynamics. Each panel produces its own reports, with oversight and guidance from the IPIE Science and Methodology Committee.

About the IPIE’s Panel on Child Exploitation over Social Media

The IPIE’s Panel on Child Exploitation over Social Media will investigate the ways that current information infrastructure, in particular social media platforms, support the global economy of human trafficking and child exploitation, and make recommendations for public policy oversight and technology design that can diminish and disassemble the information infrastructure used for child exploitation.

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Job Description

Under the guidance of the Panel Chair, the Consulting Scientist will develop and draft the research outputs of the Panel on Child Exploitation over Social Media. The role requires a blend of research and coordination tasks aimed at enhancing the Panel's impact on policy and public understanding of critical issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and draft two scientific reports directed by the Panel Chair, building on discussions within the Panel, of at least 10,000 words each.

• Conduct literature reviews, perform data analysis, and undertake additional research-related tasks as directed by the Panel Chair.

• Organize and schedule Panel calls and learning sessions in coordination with the Panel Chair and other members.

• Actively participate in and contribute to the dissemination of the Panel's findings and recommendations by providing input to IPIE’s communications team.

• Ensure that all outputs adhere to IPIE's ethical guidelines, research production and dissemination standards, style guides, and fulfill the Panel's research mandate.

• Provide periodic updates to the Panel Chair, the IPIE Science and Methodology Committee and, upon request, to the IPIE Secretariat on the progress and preliminary findings of research activities.

Required Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in a field relevant to the Panel’s focus, such as the social sciences (sociology, psychology, criminology, economy, communication), computer and data science, public health, and law.

• Proven track record of relevant research and publications.

• Strong analytical skills and experience in qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies.

• Experience conducting systematic reviews, gap-analysis and/or meta-analysis.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a remote and culturally diverse team spanning multiple time zones.

• Proficiency in English.

Desirable Attributes

• Given the complexity of the issue, a candidate with a strong interdisciplinary background, combining multiple domains of inquiry, would be particularly valuable.

• Knowledge of the specific challenges and opportunities in child exploitation over social media.

• Experience in policy analysis and development of actionable recommendations.

• Experience working in international and multidisciplinary teams.

• Prior involvement in significant research projects with policy impacts.

• Working knowledge of languages other than English.

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This position offers an opportunity to be at the forefront of addressing some of the most pressing issues in the information environment through rigorous research and impactful policy recommendations.

This is a part-time position and the expected time commitment is between 60-70 days of work across 12 months.  

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We recognize that diversity in our team's backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences is not only a moral imperative but also enhances the quality and impact of our research. The IPIE is dedicated to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and ensuring that no individual faces discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. We strive to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to our mission.

The IPIE is committed to attaining the highest ethical standards. The IPIE’s Ethics Committee is responsible for ensuring and enforcing that commitment. Therefore, the Consulting Scientist is expected to maintain the highest standards of independence and objectivity in their research activities. This role requires a commitment to unbiased scientific inquiry, free from undue influence from any interest group, funding body, or political pressure. Members of the Panel on Child Exploitation over Social Media are required to disclose their interests, and the Consulting Scientist will also be required to declare any potential sources of conflict of interest.

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‍How to Apply

We invite suitable candidates to send CV, cover letter, and one writing sample to recruitment@IPIE.info by August 16^th 2024. Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a rolling basis. In your email please indicate your interest in the Child Exploitation over Social Media Consulting Scientist role, and also include the name and contact information of two people who can provide a reference for your suitability for the consultancy. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the interview stage.