Professionals with expertise in digital research, social listening, and civic space analysis have an opportunity to contribute to global democracy efforts through a new consultancy with the CIVICUS Global Alliance. The organisation is seeking a highly experienced consultant to support research under its Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI), focusing on how digital manipulation impacts civic space and democratic processes worldwide. This is a remote, global consultancy with a duration of 10 to 12 months, and applications are open until 30 March 2026. About CIVICUS The CIVICUS Global Alliance is an international network of civil society organisations and activists committed to strengthening citizen action and defending civic freedoms. Through research, advocacy, and collaboration, CIVICUS works to expose threats to democracy, influence policy, and support civil society actors—particularly in contexts where civic space is under pressure. About the Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI) The Digital Democracy Initiative was established to address the growing challenges facing democracy in the digital age. It emerged from Denmark’s Tech for Democracy initiative and is implemented through a global consortium of partners, including organisations such as Access Now and the European Partnership for Democracy. The initiative focuses on protecting and expanding inclusive civic space, particularly for civil society actors operating in restrictive environments across the Global South. One of its core projects, Enable & Amplify, aims to strengthen how digital tools are used for civic engagement and democratic participation. Role Overview The selected consultant will lead the design and implementation of social listening research to produce insights into digital manipulation and its impact on civic space. The role involves developing methodologies, analysing online narratives, and generating data-driven insights that will inform CIVICUS research outputs in 2026. This is a high-impact, technical role requiring both analytical expertise and a strong understanding of digital ecosystems, disinformation, and democratic processes. Key Focus Areas of the Research The consultancy will produce three major research outputs (data packages), focusing on themes such as: Algorithmic Bias and Polarisation Examining how digital platforms amplify certain narratives and influence public discourse. Digital Manipulation During Elections Monitoring online conversations and identifying patterns of manipulation or platform bias during electoral cycles. Early Warning Indicators Detecting digital signals and narratives that may precede civic crackdowns or restrictive legislation. Core Responsibilities The consultant will be responsible for delivering work across three main areas: 1. Research Design and Methodology Develop a robust social listening framework, including keyword and network identification Recommend appropriate tools and platforms (e.g., Brandwatch or similar) Ensure ethical and legal compliance, especially when handling sensitive civic data 2. Data Collection and Analysis Conduct structured social listening across selected contexts Produce clean, well-documented datasets Perform sentiment, narrative, and network analysis Create data visualisations and analytical summaries 3. Capacity Building Deliver at least three training sessions for CIVICUS staff Provide ongoing technical advisory support Recommend strategies to help CIVICUS internalise social listening capabilities Expected Deliverables The consultancy includes several key outputs: Inception Report outlining methodology and tools Three Research Data Packages, each including datasets, insights, and visualisations Capacity Building Package with training materials and recordings Final Report summarising lessons learned and future recommendations Ideal Candidate Profile CIVICUS is seeking a consultant or team with strong expertise in digital research and civic space analysis. Applicants should demonstrate: Proven experience in social listening and digital disinformation research Strong skills in quantitative and qualitative data analysis Experience using digital tools for research and monitoring online narratives Background in democracy, elections, or civic space work Experience delivering training and capacity-building programmes Experience working with international civil society organisations, especially in Global South contexts Application Requirements Interested candidates must submit the following: A technical proposal (maximum 7 pages) A methodology outline A financial proposal with detailed cost breakdown CVs of key team members 2–3 relevant work samples Applications should be submitted via email before the deadline. Application Deadline 30 March 2026 Given the technical nature of the role, early preparation and submission are recommended. Why This Opportunity Matters As digital platforms increasingly shape public discourse, understanding how narratives are formed, manipulated, and amplified is critical to protecting democratic spaces. This consultancy with the CIVICUS Global Alliance offers a unique opportunity to contribute to global efforts aimed at safeguarding civic freedoms and strengthening democratic participation in the digital era. For experts in social listening, data analysis, and digital democracy, this role provides both a challenging and meaningful platform to influence research and policy on a global scale. APPLY NOW For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this scholarship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. 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