Vaco is seeking discerning individuals plugged into internet technologies at the intersection of crisis, geopolitical and user harm issues. You will be working on the leading edge of fast-developing issues like characterizing the spread of online content trends, researching dangerous organizations and movements, and analyzing geopolitical issues.
This is a vendor role with Vaco for a client's team, a Fortune 100 company. This position is on-site at our North Austin location.
Candidates can expect a fast-paced, high-energy environment working on a team that delivers high-impact investigations of culture-shifting trends. Successful candidates will be able to coalesce, through discernment, writing, and technical research, information from a variety of sources and ensure our client's global team can get up to speed on the latest developing trends. Strong writing and communication skills are essential for this position.
Key Deliverables:
● Investigate, analyze and report on identified trends and incidents on a weekly basis.
● Synthesize multidimensional information and data sources clearly and concisely for different audiences, including executives.
● Evaluate, analyze, and conceptualize strategic risks and threats to trust in the client and its users.
● Analyze geopolitical developments, social issues, and other events with an online nexus to identify emerging trends and forecast new forms of abuse.
● Monitor, measure, and report on forecasted trends, ideally including quantitative analysis.
● Translate how global developments could have a potential adverse impact to the client's users.
● Generate ad hoc research products on a range of topics with an online or client's nexus.
Minimum Qualifications:
● Degree in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Data Science, Journalism, Anthropology or related field.
● 2+ years of experience in intelligence, security analysis, threat or risk management, strategic or geopolitical forecasting, or a related field (as an Academic scholar, Researcher, NGO member or worked with Security/Intelligence teams)
● Deep understanding of global violent extremist groups and dangerous organizations and movements (DOM), including methods of spreading messages as well as tactics, techniques, and procedures to evade detection and enforcement.
● Excellent writing and drafting skills in English.
● Strong understanding of international and geopolitical events and how they impact Global businesses and/or Relevant work experience in a research-based role.
● Ability to identify and solve complex problems and carry out responsibilities with little or no supervision, at times under adverse and stressful conditions.
● Fluency and experience in using Word/Excel/PPT or Google Workspace.
● Calm under pressure, with an ability to function well in urgent, developing situations. ● Comfortable juggling multiple projects at once.
● High degree of initiative and deadline-driven productivity.
Preferred Qualifications:
● The ideal candidate will have a degree in political science, data science, international relations, journalism, digital media or a related field, or have a technical or advanced degree such as a PhD.
● Ability to infer how current events will manifest online and evolve over time. Experience developing strategic or geopolitical forecasts is desirable.
● Understanding of how international and geopolitical events may impact a global company.
● Proven track record of an investigative, data-driven approach to answering complex questions.
● Strong interest in online content, news media, and current events.
● Familiarity with Internet technologies and related policy and regulatory environments is a plus.
Schedule Requirements:
● Monday to Friday, 9 am - 5 pm with 30 min lunch break (flexible schedule within business hours)
This role offers:
● Full Time (40 hrs/week), salary
● Paid Time off, holidays, parenting leave
● Health benefits with low premiums
● Access to a comprehensive well-being program with resources to support physical and mental health: Employee Assistance Program, Live and rec
