German-speaking Digital Methods Consultant

ISD is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organisation dedicated to safeguarding elections, freedom, national security, public safety and individual rights by reversing the rising global tide of polarisation, extremism, foreign interference and authoritarianism. Combining research and analysis with government advisory work and the design and delivery of training, education and communications programs, ISD works to implement real-world, evidence-based responses to these challenges.

Why work for ISD? 

ISD is not your ordinary think tank. We turn research into action that changes the world. Our insights don't gather dust on shelves - they power the fight to protect democracy and human rights on the front lines. We're committed to delivering real change, from the grassroots to the highest levels of global institutions. And we're looking for passionate individuals who share our commitment to making a difference. Join us and be part of an organisation that's making an impact. 

 
ISD's Guiding Principles of  integrity, collaboration, agility and courage  define who we are as a team and an organisation. These principles reflect our culture and guide the way we work and the choices we make. 

Location 

Germany (preferred), other locations will be considered.

Contract type 

Fixed-term consultant contract until 30 June 2027, for a maximum of 65-85 days during this period.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 

ISD is committed to promoting diversity throughout its workforce and aims for its team to be truly representative of all sections of society. We make a concerted effort to ensure our workplace, employment policies and organisational culture creates an inclusive, positive and progressive environment in which all members of our team are treated with dignity and respect. For further information about this policy or our recruitment practices, please email vacancies@isdglobal.org. 

 
We strongly encourage applications from people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, carers, and people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. 

Consultancy Purpose 

We are seeking a Digital Methods Consultant to lead the digital research and survey components of two parallel research projects, each under its own consultancy contract with its own timeframe and volume. Working alongside the qualitative analysts, the consultant will pull and prepare public social media data, run quantitative analyses, and design and oversee representative surveys.

Project 1 — Information manipulation targeting Germany's economic interests (German Federal Foreign Office).
A 14-month project examining manipulated narratives about Germany — as an economy, employer, trading partner, and destination for skilled labour — circulating in Brazil, India, and South Africa, combining digital ethnography with representative surveys (~1,000 respondents per country).

Estimated volume of work for Project 1: an average of 50-60 days over the project timeframe, starting as soon as possible until 30 June 2027.

Project 2 — Climate disinformation and its impact on public discourse in Austria (BMLUK).
A study mapping the climate-disinformation ecosystem across X, Facebook, Telegram, and Reddit — identifying key actors and narratives and tracing their move from fringe to mainstream — paired with a representative online survey (CAWI) of ~1,000 Austrians measuring how exposure shapes attitudes to climate policy.

Estimated volume of work for Project 2: approximately 1.5–2 days per month (around 15–25 days in total), from July 2026 to March 2027, subject to confirmation of the project start date.

To view full consultancy terms of reference, please click here.