Head of Open-Source Data Collection

About INSO

Founded in 2011, the International NGO Safety Organization (INSO) is an international NGO that supports humanitarian aid workers by establishing safety coordination platforms in insecure contexts. INSO provides registered NGOs with a range of free services, including real-time incident tracking, analytical reports, safety-related data and mapping, crisis management support, staff orientations, and training. INSO provides daily support to more than 1,500 NGOs operating in 24 of the world's most insecure countries. INSO is registered in the Netherlands, with its headquarters located in The Hague, a city renowned for its international focus on peace and justice.

Job Summary

The Head of Open-Source Data Collection will create and run a new function that brings open-source information into INSO's services. The role focuses on designing and implementing the systems, standards, and tools needed to collect and verify online data on humanitarian security and access incidents, including in countries where INSO does not have a physical presence.

You will build and lead a small team of specialists responsible for monitoring online sources, verifying information, and integrating data into INSO's architecture. The position works across technical and analytical units and ensures that data is accurate, ethical, and methodologically sound.

This is a role for someone who wants to set up a function from scratch, manage a team, and advance the use open-source information to improve humanitarian decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Establish and lead INSO's open-source data collection function

• Design and implement systems, processes, and tools for open-source information collection and verification.
• Identify and procure suitable open-source data collection and monitoring software.
• Develop and maintain protocols for ethical data capture, verification, and integration.
• Ensure compliance with INSO's data protection and quality assurance standards.

Lead open-source data collection and integration

• Oversee structured open-source monitoring in countries without INSO presence.
• Supervise data scraping, tagging, verification, and logging activities.
• Ensure data quality and compatibility with INSO's Conflict and Humanitarian Data Centre architecture.

Support INSO country offices

• Build capacity of INSO field teams to integrate open-source techniques into safety and access analysis.
• Provide remote and on-site training, technical assistance, and guidance.

Monitor NGO operating context and reputational environment

• Develop dashboards to track online sentiment and misinformation trends affecting humanitarian actors.
• Produce alerts and analytical briefs on reputational or security risks.

Enhance incident verification and data benchmarking

• Strengthen INSO's verification methodology using open-source techniques.
• Conduct regular dataset benchmarking.

Manage and develop the team

• Recruit, mentor, and supervise 2 Open-Source Data Collection Specialists.
• Plan workloads, set objectives, and support staff professional growth.

Key Requirements

Essential

• Fluency in English, with excellent writing and communication skills.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in open-source data collection within the humanitarian, journalism, law enforcement, private, or conflict monitoring sectors, including at least 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Proven experience using advanced open-source data collection and analysis tools (e.g., for social media monitoring, online forum analysis, network mapping).
• Demonstrated ability to transform raw data into clear, actionable insights.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and project management skills.

Desirable

• Working proficiency in French, Arabic, or Spanish.
• Data-science or analytic methodology credentials, or familiarity with data science tools (e.g., Python, NLP, entity recognition).
• Prior experience in humanitarian safety, security analysis, or access coordination.
• Experience developing verification methodologies or standard operating procedures.

Key Competencies

Integrity -Upholds humanitarian principles and ethical conduct in all tasks.

Confidentiality -Handles sensitive information securely and with discretion.

Analytical Approach - Applies sound judgement and strong attention to detail.

Collaborations -Works effectively with diverse technical and non-technical teams.

Initiative- Acts proactively and adapts quickly to changing needs.

Prioritization - Manages multiple demands and delivers reliably under pressure.

Cultural Sensitivity - Engages respectfully and effectively in multicultural settings.

INSO's Safeguarding Policy

INSO is fully committed to the safe recruitment, selection, and vetting of all potential new staff, trustees, and volunteers. We will ensure rigorous compliance with our Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policy throughout the recruitment process.

Terms & Conditions

This is a full-time, fixed-term (renewable) position based in The Hague, Netherlands, with office presence required. The monthly salary is EUR 6,400, plus 8% vacation pay (vakantiegeld) and 2.5 days of annual leave per month. INSO provides Basic Premium ONVZ health insurance for the staff member and dependents. The position is eligible for a Highly Skilled Migrant visa and a relocation allowance. Please be aware that the application deadline is 30 November 2025.