Експерт/ка з дезінформації, FIMI / Проєкт ATHENA

Expert on Disinformation, FIMI / The ATHENA Project

ISSP as a consortium member implementing the ATHENA project is looking for an Expert on Disinformation / FIMI.

An exposition on THe forEign informatioN mAnipulation and interference, the ATHENA project launched in November 2023. This €3 million, three-year project represents a strategic response by the European Union to the escalating threat of foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). With recent events, particularly the increase in cyber-attacks and disinformation campaigns from Russia and China, ATHENA is more crucial than ever. Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) describes a pattern of behaviour that threatens or has the potential to negatively impact values, procedures, and political processes. Such activity is manipulative in character, conducted in an intentional and coordinated manner, by state or non-state actors, including their proxies inside and outside of their own territory. 

The project’s primary goal is to scrutinize at least 30 instances of FIMI, analyzing the tactics, techniques, and procedures used by perpetrators. By understanding these methods, ATHENA aims to develop robust countermeasures and assess their societal impacts. The project’s innovative approach includes creating a disinformation analysis toolbox, a comprehensive knowledge graph, and a dynamic dashboard to monitor FIMI activities and counter-strategies.

ATHENA will also conduct a comparative legal and regulatory analysis of how eight EU Member States deal with FIMI and identify areas where policy can be improved. The consortium will also develop an accessible questionnaire for public use, empowering individuals and citizens to identify encounters with FIMI in their own lives.

The ATHENA project is not just a response to current threats but a proactive step towards a secure digital future for Europe. Comprising a consortium of 15 experienced partners from various fields, including SMEs, universities, cybersecurity companies, and fact-checkers, ATHENA extends from Ukraine to Ireland and Sweden to Cyprus. This diverse team reflects Europe’s united front against digital threats.

Role’s Purpose:

The FIMI Expert will provide subject matter expertise to advise ISSP ATHENA Project Team and ensure successful implementation of ISSP deliverables and Work Packages under ATHENA.

Tasks / Responsibilities: 

The FIMI Expert will be responsible for the following key areas and related tasks: 

• Provide input into ATHENA data management.
• Provide input and guidance to all ISSP related tasks in ATHENA.
• Develop, monitor and report on deliverables, results and indicators.

Subject Matter Expertise: 

• Advise ISSP ATHENA Project Team, serve as subject matter and technical expert.
• Engage Ukrainian public sector and private sector stakeholders, academia and other relevant entities in expert-level discussions on disinformation / FIMI. 
• Monitor developments in Ukraine and globally as related to disinformation / FIMI.
• Lead the completion of data collection, development of FIMI toolbox, assessments, dissemination, and educational activities on ATHENA.
• Attend meetings and events, serving as ISSP representative and subject matter expert in ATHENA activities.
• Provide input to the ATHENA Project Management Committee and lead discussions or presentations as needed. 

Output/deliverables:  

At a minimum, the FIMI Expert will deliver the following: 

• Explore manifestations of FIMI. This will include: 1) Conducting a literature review of scholarly research, journalistic coverage, stories in the press and of reports from research institutes, blogs, and other sources; 2) Organizing and conducting interviews with relevant stakeholders; 3) Selecting and provision of examples of case studies of foreign information manipulation and interference incidents.
• Source and collect FIMI data, participate in development of FIMI toolbox and development of the ATHENA dashboard and briefing logic.
• Disseminate techniques and best practices and organise dialogue with policymakers and other targeted stakeholders.
• Conduct public awareness campaigns on FIMI.
• Participate in development and implementation of the ATHENA data management plan.
• Arrange and attend meetings and events related to ATHENA.

Qualifications and Competences: 

• The FIMI Expert should demonstrate strong experience working in/on the media sector or political analysis, research, notably on disinformation / FIMI.
• An advanced degree in public policy or administration, communications, information policy, journalism, political science, computer science, information systems, or other relevant field, and at least five years of experience working on activities of similar technical scope.
• At least three years of experience serving in a technical leadership position, preferably with donor-funded activities.   
• Strong English drafting skills.
• Understanding cybersecurity and information security principles is valuable. Familiarity with digital forensics and tools for analyzing online activities may be beneficial.
• Strong analytical skills to assess and interpret information in the context of potential foreign manipulation or misinformation campaigns.
• Ability to conduct in-depth research and analyze data to identify patterns, trends, and potential manipulation efforts.
• Understanding how social media platforms work and how information spreads online is crucial.
• General knowledge of recent innovations and approaches in disinformation / FIMI.
• Strong interpersonal skills and written/oral communication skills. 
• Fluency in English and Ukrainian.
• Results driven highly motivated expert with sound judgement and maturity.
• Strong ethics, well-balanced and mature personality, and positive attitude to the job.
• Strong organizational skills, and ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Citizen of Ukraine.

Qualified candidates should send their CV and cover letter with the name of the position in a subject line to [email protected] by February 18, 2024, 6:00 pm Kyiv time. Only short-listed candidates will receive a notice requesting additional information.

About ISSP:

ISSP (Information Systems Security Partners) is a private cybersecurity company founded in 2008 in Ukraine. Since 2012, it has been operating internationally while maintaining its position as a leader in the Ukrainian cybersecurity industry. 

ISSP offers a comprehensive range of professional cybersecurity services, addressing the cyber and information security needs of both private and public sector organizations in over 20 countries, and continues to expand its international reach. 

The ISSP Training Center is an authorized and certified provider of over 40 international professional certification training courses, alongside in-house developed foundational and upskilling programs for cyber and information security professionals.

Beyond comprehensive corporate cybersecurity services, ISSP offers a range of specialized solutions. Our expertise covers network, system, and data protection; identity management; cybersecurity operations; risk and compliance; as well as consulting, engineering, and managed security services. Additionally, ISSP develops and implements value-added services to enhance cybersecurity capacity. These include infrastructure hardening, industry-specific cybersecurity solutions, professional upskilling, cybersecurity governance, and comprehensive service packages tailored for SMEs and startups.

ISSP actively promotes international cooperation in cyber and information security capacity building. We participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives, engage with industry associations, contribute to collaborative ecosystems, and invest in cybersecurity startups, reinforcing our dedication to innovation in cyber and information security.

For more information visit https://www.issp.com