This role requires a strong background in media, press freedom, and human rights in the ECA region, excellent research and writing skills, a solid understanding of journalistic standards, and the ability to work independently and proactively across the region. The Researcher collaborates with team members and other departments, following CPJ’s established guidelines and frameworks.

This position is based in the Europe/Central Asia region and will be hired via an Employer of Record.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitor, document and respond to press freedom abuses throughout the ECA region, with a focus on Western and Northern Europe.
• Maintain and build relationships with journalists, human rights organisations, policymakers and other regional stakeholders.
• Propose, direct and conduct research on press freedom issues in the ECA region.
• Develop and execute advocacy strategies to advance press freedom in ECA, in coordination with Program Coordinator and Regional Director.
• Initiate and write reports, advocacy documents, engaging social media content and other materials on press freedom issues in the region.
• Review and assess requests for assistance from journalists in the region, in coordination with the Emergencies team.
• Represent CPJ at conferences and meetings with authorities, journalists, partners, policymakers and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with CPJ’s global teams, including Advocacy, Research, and Assistance, to ensure coordinated organizational impact.
• Provide translation of interviews, documents, and other materials between English and relevant local languages, as needed.
• Perform other duties within the scope of CPJ’s research and advocacy mandate as requested by the Program Coordinator or Regional Director.

Qualifications & Competencies:

Required:

• Minimum of five years experience in researching, reporting, and publishing on global human rights and politics, or equivalent experience in advocacy and humanitarian assistance.
• Strong understanding of Europe and Central Asia issues, including media and human rights.
• Excellent English writing and reporting skills.
• Proficiency in at least one other language relevant to the position.
• Excellent interpersonal, organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Significant experience working with governments and other policymakers.
• Knowledge and skill in using social media tools effectively.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, including Gmail, Google Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and Drive, with basic working knowledge of its tools and functionalities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong commitment to press freedom.
• Capacity to work independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of additional regional languages is desirable.
• Strong networks of regional contacts.
• Expertise in online/digital harms.
• Experience of policy development.
• Multimedia and data journalism experience.
• Experience supporting trauma‑related or journalist assistance cases.

Physical Requirements:

This position’s physical demands reflect work in a typical office setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Location:

This position is located in Europe and is classified as fully remote. Availability to work and attend meetings on the US Eastern time zone as needed is required.

Compensation:

Compensation for this position will be based on experience, skills, and location. As a point of reference, the expected salary range for this position if hired in the UK is 45,700 - 51,500 GBP. Specific compensation rates will be determined based upon candidate location in order to align with local market conditions and cost of living differences.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

CPJ provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.