Consultant Research Analyst (Swedish)

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

Ideally based in the UK, Germany or other European countries with the ability to work within a European time zone.

Contract type

Fixed-term consultant contract of 4 months between mid- June to mid-October, for a maximum of 80 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 [email protected].

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

For the delivery of a new project, ISD is seeking to engage a Swedish speaking research consultant to contribute to the analysis and write up of reports monitoring online platforms responses to online risks to civic discourse and electoral disinformation in the context of the 2026 Swedish parliamentary elections. Analysis will be conducted in Swedish. The consultant will need to be available to start as soon as possible from mid-June, for a maximum of 80 days over a period of four months. The consultant will be expected to fully integrate with the project team on working days and keep regular working hours (9am - 5pm CET).

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

Key responsibilities include:

• Research & Analysis (100%)
• Conduct original research on the online spread of electoral disinformation and influence operations, in the context of the 2026 Swedish parliamentary elections, using both qualitative and quantitative digital research methods (tools and training provided).
• Contribute to the development of risk assessments and research briefings on threats to civic discourse and electoral disinformation, in the context of these elections.
• Lead the creation of seed and keyword lists in Swedish (in collaboration with ISD's Digital Analysis Unit).
• Oversee the regular monitoring, classification, and flagging of relevant content across social media platforms, leveraging proprietary tools (training provided) and supplementing this with manual analysis when necessary.
• Collaborate with other analysts to ensure a comprehensive and cohesive approach, recognising that this work cannot be conducted in isolation.
• Attend regular team meetings, inception sessions, and ad hoc trainings.

The ideal candidate

The ideal candidates will have demonstrable professional experience in social media research with expertise in online risks to civic discourse electoral disinformation. We are looking for analysts who have working proficiency in Swedish.

Please review our consultancy terms of reference for essential criteria, and keep in mind that no candidate will meet every requirement in the advert. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified, but you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to hear from you.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted by 19th April 2026. ISD reserves the right to conduct interviews and make appointments prior to the stated deadline. Applications may be submitted in English.

If you have any further questions about this vacancy or want to speak to a member of our recruitment team, please contact [email protected].