Amnesty International Technologist Job 2026 – Cybersecurity and Digital Surveillance Research | Multiple Locations

Amnesty International is inviting applications for an experienced Technologist to join its Amnesty Tech Security Lab and help defend human rights through cybersecurity research, digital forensics, and investigations into unlawful surveillance. The position is open to qualified candidates based in several international locations, including Johannesburg, South Africa, Nairobi, Kenya, Colombo, Sri Lanka, Bangkok, Thailand, Mexico City, Mexico, and London, United Kingdom.

The role offers an opportunity for cybersecurity professionals, threat intelligence specialists, and digital forensics experts to use their technical expertise to protect human rights defenders and civil society organisations worldwide. Applications close on 8 November 2026.

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1. Job Overview

• Organisation: Amnesty International
• Programme: Amnesty Tech – Security Lab
• Job Title: Technologist
• Vacancy Reference: 4288
• Job Category: Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics, Technology Research and Human Rights
• Locations: London, Bangkok, Colombo, Johannesburg, Mexico City and Nairobi
• Working Hours: 35 hours per week
• Salary: Location-dependent; the London salary is £65,610 per year, while the advertised international salary range is USD 69,292–USD 93,251 per year.
• Contract Duration: Not specified in the supplied vacancy information
• Application Deadline: 8 November 2026, at 23:59 UK time
• Official Application: https://careers.amnesty.org/jobs/vacancy/technologist-4288/4316/description/

This is a specialist opportunity for professionals with practical experience investigating spyware, phishing campaigns, malware, and other forms of digital surveillance targeting civil society.

2. About Amnesty International

Amnesty International is a global human rights movement working to end human rights abuses and promote freedom, justice, equality, and accountability.

Through research, advocacy, campaigning, and collaboration with civil society, the organisation works to protect people whose rights are threatened around the world.

The Amnesty Tech Security Lab investigates digital threats and develops technical approaches to help protect human rights defenders from unlawful surveillance. The successful candidate will contribute to research that supports the organisation’s wider human rights campaigns and advocacy initiatives.

3. Main Responsibilities of the Technologist

The successful candidate will undertake technical investigations and research into surveillance technologies and threats affecting civil society.

Key responsibilities include:

• Investigating unlawful surveillance: Lead research into targeted surveillance against civil society organisations, journalists, activists, and human rights defenders.
• Tracking spyware and phishing campaigns: Identify and investigate surveillance companies, technical infrastructure, and malicious campaigns targeting civil society.
• Conducting digital forensics: Assist human rights defenders by analysing their devices and investigating potential digital compromises.
• Supporting digital security: Contribute technical expertise to efforts aimed at reducing risks associated with sophisticated digital threats.
• Building partner capacity: Help partner organisations develop the skills and knowledge needed to investigate targeted surveillance.
• Collaborating on research: Work with Amnesty Tech Security Lab colleagues and other teams across the Amnesty International movement.
• Supporting advocacy: Ensure technical findings contribute to wider campaigning, research, and human rights advocacy.
• Strengthening partnerships: Build relationships with civil society organisations working to combat unlawful surveillance.

This role combines cybersecurity research with practical human rights work and requires the ability to handle sensitive investigations responsibly.

4. Qualifications and Experience Requirements

Amnesty International is seeking an experienced technology professional with strong technical investigation skills and a demonstrated understanding of digital threats.

Applicants should review the official job description for the complete requirements.

Technical investigation experience

Candidates should have experience in technical investigations involving spyware, phishing campaigns, threat intelligence, and malware analysis.

An understanding of confidentiality and operational security is particularly important because the work involves sensitive investigations and potentially vulnerable individuals.

Cyber-surveillance research

Applicants should demonstrate a proven ability to investigate cyber-surveillance associated with state actors and the surveillance industry.

Experience researching how surveillance technologies are developed, deployed, and used against civil society will be valuable.

Mobile device forensics

Significant experience conducting mobile device forensics on Android, iOS, or both is required.

Candidates should be able to investigate potential compromises and analyse relevant technical evidence.

Knowledge of digital threats

Applicants should understand how sophisticated digital threats and surveillance affect civil society globally or within a particular world region.

Experience working with human rights defenders, civil society organisations, or related digital security initiatives may be relevant to demonstrating this knowledge.

Publications and research experience

Candidates should have an existing record of publications on digital security or surveillance issues.

Applicants should highlight relevant investigations, technical reports, research publications, and other work demonstrating their expertise.

Programming and risk assessment

Development experience, preferably using Python or Go, will be an advantage.

Familiarity with risk assessment methodologies and the ability to apply them during investigations and research projects are also important.

5. Salary, Benefits and Employment Conditions

The advertised salary depends on the successful candidate’s work location.

• London: £65,610 per year.
• International salary range: USD 69,292–USD 93,251 per year, depending on location.

Candidates should confirm the applicable salary and employment terms for their chosen location with Amnesty International.

Employee benefits

Amnesty International advertises a competitive salary and benefits package that includes:

• 37 days of annual leave, inclusive of public holidays and grace days.
• Pension scheme.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Life assurance.
• Employee development opportunities.
• A professional and collaborative working environment.
• Additional benefits designed to support employees’ personal lifestyles.

The vacancy specifies 35 working hours per week. The precise contract duration and any location-specific benefits are not disclosed in the supplied information.

For additional information, visit the official benefits page

6. Job Location and Work Arrangement

The vacancy identifies London as the primary location while also considering applicants based in several other cities.

Eligible locations listed in the vacancy include:

• London, United Kingdom
• Bangkok, Thailand
• Colombo, Sri Lanka
• Johannesburg, South Africa
• Mexico City, Mexico
• Nairobi, Kenya

The vacancy description also mentions Berlin among locations considered, although Berlin is not included in the summary location list. Applicants based in Berlin should confirm eligibility directly with the recruitment team.

This is a location-based position rather than a vacancy explicitly advertised as fully remote. The supplied information does not confirm a remote-working arrangement, so candidates should check the official job description for the working arrangements applicable to their location.

7. Who Should Apply?

This opportunity may be suitable for experienced professionals working in:

• Cybersecurity and threat intelligence.
• Digital forensics and incident investigation.
• Spyware and phishing campaign analysis.
• Malware research and technical investigations.
• Digital rights and online privacy.
• Surveillance technology research.
• Security research supporting civil society.
• Technology and human rights advocacy.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate relevant technical expertise rather than relying solely on general IT experience.

Candidates from Africa, including professionals based in South Africa and Kenya, may find the listed locations particularly relevant. However, applicants must meet the role’s technical requirements and confirm the applicable location-specific employment conditions.

Amnesty International states that it welcomes suitably qualified applicants regardless of background and is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and an accessible recruitment process.

8. How to Apply for the Amnesty International Technologist Job

Interested applicants should apply through Amnesty International’s official recruitment website.

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official vacancy page: https://careers.amnesty.org/jobs/vacancy/technologist-4288/4316/description/
2. Read the full job description and confirm that your preferred location is eligible.
3. Prepare an up-to-date CV highlighting relevant technical investigations, spyware or phishing research, malware analysis, and mobile device forensics.
4. Include evidence of relevant digital security or surveillance publications.
5. Highlight any useful programming experience, particularly Python or Go, and experience conducting risk assessments.
6. Explain how your technical expertise relates to protecting human rights defenders and civil society.
7. Submit your application through the official Apply Now section before the deadline.

Applicants can also download the detailed job description from the vacancy page to review the full responsibilities and selection criteria.

For recruitment accessibility support or requests for information in another format, contact recruitment@amnesty.org.

Important: Amnesty International warns applicants about recruitment scams. The organisation does not provide interview or job-related training before interviews and does not engage external suppliers to provide such training. Use the official recruitment website and report or ignore suspicious communications.

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9. Application Deadline

The closing date is 8 November 2026 at 23:59 UK time.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early because Amnesty International reserves the right to close the vacancy before the advertised deadline if it receives an overwhelming response or its recruitment priorities change.

Do not wait until the final day to prepare your application.

10. Official Application Link

Apply directly through the official Amnesty International careers portal:

Technologist – Amnesty International

https://careers.amnesty.org/jobs/vacancy/technologist-4288/4316/description

Review the vacancy details carefully before submitting your application.

11. Related Career Opportunities

Professionals interested in this vacancy may also explore opportunities in the following fields:

• Cybersecurity research and threat intelligence.
• Digital forensics and incident response.
• Digital rights and online privacy.
• Human rights research and advocacy.
• Security engineering and malware analysis.
• Technology policy and civil society protection.

For additional vacancies, internships, fellowships, and international career opportunities, visit Career Global Connect

Final Thoughts

The Amnesty International Technologist job is a specialist opportunity for experienced cybersecurity professionals who want to apply their technical skills to human rights protection. The position combines investigations into spyware and unlawful surveillance with mobile device forensics, research, and support for civil society organisations.

With opportunities listed in Johannesburg, Nairobi, and other international locations, this vacancy may appeal to qualified professionals seeking to combine cybersecurity expertise with meaningful global impact.

If you have the required technical investigation experience and a strong interest in digital rights, review the official requirements and submit your application before 8 November 2026.

Apply through the official Amnesty International careers website to ensure your application reaches the recruitment team.