CIVICUS Call for Applications: Social Listening and Digital Manipulation 12 month Research Opportunity @Unknown

The CIVICUS social listening and digital manipulation opportunity offers researchers and civil society actors a chance to contribute to critical global work on understanding online disinformation, civic space, and digital threats. This call invites individuals with expertise in digital analysis and research to support efforts aimed at strengthening democratic participation and countering harmful online practices.

About the Program

This opportunity is part of ongoing efforts by CIVICUS to monitor and respond to challenges affecting civic space worldwide. CIVICUS works across more than 190 countries to strengthen citizen action and protect fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and access to information.

The Terms of Reference outline a role focused on social listening and analysis of digital manipulation trends. This includes monitoring online conversations, identifying coordinated disinformation campaigns, and analyzing how narratives spread across digital platforms.

The selected participant(s) will contribute to research that helps civil society organizations better understand how digital environments are being shaped—and sometimes distorted—by various actors. This includes examining tactics such as misinformation, algorithmic amplification, coordinated messaging, and online harassment.

Digital technologies have transformed civic engagement, enabling new forms of participation but also introducing risks such as censorship, surveillance, and manipulation. CIVICUS Monitor findings highlight that digital repression—including disinformation campaigns and coordinated manipulation—is increasingly affecting civic space globally.

Why This Opportunity Matters

The rise of digital manipulation has become a major concern for civil society, governments, and researchers alike. Online platforms are now central to how people access information, organize movements, and engage in public debate. However, these same platforms are also used to spread misleading narratives and suppress certain voices.

Social listening plays a crucial role in identifying these patterns. By analyzing online conversations and trends, researchers can detect harmful narratives early and support efforts to counter them effectively.

This opportunity is particularly important in the context of elections, social movements, and public policy discussions, where misinformation and manipulation can significantly influence outcomes. Research shows that tactics such as coordinated disinformation, censorship, and online harassment are increasingly used to limit civic participation and distort public discourse.

By contributing to this work, participants help strengthen transparency, accountability, and resilience in digital spaces.

What Participants Will Gain

Participants will gain valuable experience working at the intersection of digital technology, research, and civic engagement. This includes developing advanced skills in social listening, data analysis, and identifying patterns of digital manipulation.

They will also contribute to impactful global research that informs civil society strategies and policy discussions. This exposure can enhance professional credibility and open opportunities in fields such as digital governance, policy research, and media analysis.

Another key benefit is the opportunity to work with an internationally recognized civil society network. Participants will engage with experts, practitioners, and organizations working on issues related to democracy, human rights, and digital transformation.

In addition, participants will deepen their understanding of how digital ecosystems function, including how algorithms, coordinated behavior, and content dynamics influence public opinion and civic participation.

Who Can Apply

This opportunity is suitable for individuals with experience or strong interest in digital research, social media analysis, or civic space monitoring. It is particularly relevant for researchers, analysts, and professionals working in areas such as media, communications, public policy, and human rights.

Applicants should demonstrate analytical skills, familiarity with digital platforms, and an understanding of issues related to disinformation and online manipulation.

Application Process and Deadline

Interested applicants should review the full Terms of Reference and submit their application as instructed on the official CIVICUS page. The process typically involves providing relevant professional information, demonstrating experience in research or digital analysis, and outlining suitability for the role.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible and ensure that all required materials are submitted in line with the specified guidelines on the official page.

Application Deadline: 30 March 2026

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