Amnesty International Technologist Job 2026: Johannesburg and International Locations
Amnesty International is recruiting a Technologist to investigate digital surveillance, spyware and cyber threats targeting human rights defenders. The position offers an opportunity for experienced cybersecurity professionals to use their technical expertise to protect human rights and civil society organisations.
The role is part of Amnesty Tech’s Security Lab, which researches surveillance technologies and develops tools to help defend individuals and organisations against unlawful digital surveillance.
Applications are open to eligible candidates based in Johannesburg, Bangkok, Colombo, London, Mexico City and Nairobi, among other locations specified in the vacancy.
Job Overview
- Organisation: Amnesty International
- Position: Technologist
- Job Reference: 4288
- Programme: Amnesty Tech
- Location: Johannesburg, Bangkok, Colombo, London, Mexico City and Nairobi
- Salary: £65,610 per year for London; salaries vary by location
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week
- Application Deadline: 8 November 2026, at 11:59 pm UK time
- Field: Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics and Human Rights
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will work with Amnesty Tech’s Security Lab to investigate digital threats and support human rights defenders.
Responsibilities include:
- Investigating unlawful targeted surveillance against civil society.
- Researching surveillance companies and tracking spyware and phishing campaigns.
- Conducting digital security and forensic investigations of devices used by human rights defenders.
- Supporting partner organisations through technical training and capacity building.
- Collaborating with researchers, campaigners and advocacy teams.
- Building partnerships with civil society organisations working to combat unlawful surveillance.
Requirements and Qualifications
Applicants should have substantial experience in cybersecurity investigations, particularly in identifying and tracking spyware, phishing campaigns and other sophisticated digital threats.
Key requirements include:
- Experience in threat intelligence, technical investigations and malware analysis.
- Demonstrated ability to investigate cyber-surveillance involving state actors and commercial surveillance companies.
- Significant experience in mobile device forensics, particularly Android and/or iOS.
- Understanding of the impact of digital surveillance on civil society and human rights defenders.
- A record of publications on digital security or surveillance issues.
- Knowledge of risk assessment methodologies and their application to investigations.
Programming experience, particularly in Python or Go, would be an advantage.
Salary and Benefits
The advertised salary for the London-based position is £65,610 per annum. Amnesty International indicates that salaries for other locations will depend on the candidate’s location, with a stated range of USD 69,292 to USD 93,251 per year.
The organisation offers a benefits package that includes:
- 37 days of annual leave, inclusive of public holidays and grace days.
- Pension scheme.
- Employee assistance programme.
- Life assurance.
- Additional employee benefits and professional development opportunities.
Benefits and remuneration may vary by location.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is suited to experienced cybersecurity specialists, digital forensic investigators, threat intelligence analysts and security researchers with a strong interest in human rights.
Professionals with experience investigating spyware, monitoring phishing infrastructure and analysing targeted surveillance campaigns may find this position particularly relevant.
Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their technical expertise, investigative experience and understanding of the digital security risks facing human rights defenders.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should review the full job description and submit their applications through Amnesty International’s official recruitment portal.
Application deadline: 8 November 2026, at 11:59 pm UK time.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as the organisation reserves the right to close the vacancy before the advertised deadline.
About Amnesty International
Amnesty International is a global human rights movement campaigning against abuses and advocating for justice, freedom and equality. Through research, advocacy and campaigning, the organisation works to protect human rights around the world.
This position offers cybersecurity professionals an opportunity to contribute directly to investigations and initiatives that defend digital rights and protect civil society.
