Migration Technology Research Officer At Collective Aid

PURPOSE

The Migration Technology Research Officer (MTRO) will design and implement a 6-week research project to better understand the (mis)use of AI and other technology in migration management on the Serbian-Hungarian border. At the end of the assignment, the MTRO is expected to produce a report (minimum 7000 words) documenting the findings from various primary research (e.g., stakeholder interviews) that bridges BVMN’s understanding of technology at the borders.

Collective Aid is engaged in a two-year research project with the Border Violence Monitoring Network (BVMN) and European Program for Integration and Migration (EPIM) aimed at identifying and reporting on problems in the (mis)use of AI and tech in migration management. The three key project objectives include:

1. Developing a body of open-source evidence backed by independent, verifiable investigations and analyses to demonstrate the use of new technologies in border surveillance.
2. Addressing issues of potential bias and discrimination in surveillance and biometric technologies, data protection and profiling.
3. Advocating for greater transparency in terms of legislation and implementation of new surveillance and biometric technologies in the context of border control and border security.

The MTRO will support these objectives in their 6-week research assignment by collecting testimonies, facilitating stakeholder interviews, and conducting other forms of verifiable investigations along the Serbian-Hungarian border to demonstrate the use of new technologies in border surveillance and migration / asylum contexts. Findings from this investigation will be consolidated into a written report shared with BVMN and EPIM. This report will enable better understanding of technology-use at the border and organisations on the field to enhance monitoring of pushbacks and other human rights violations.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Operate under the Collective Aid policies and Code of Conduct.

Prior to arrival,

1. Define and finalise 6-week research plan based on approach and timelines drafted by Collective Aid and BVMN.
2. Review existing desk research, academic literature, and other publications on AI and other technologies at the Serbian-Hungarian border; identify research and knowledge gaps.
3. Create an interviewee list and design an interview questionnaire, timeline, and evaluation approach.

During the field research stage,

1. Liaise with other field partners on the ground and attend weekly check-ins with Collective Aid and BVMN Coordinators.
2. Organise and conduct interviews with people on the move, Hungarian residents, Serbian residents, and other relevant stakeholders to enhance understanding of AI and other technologies at the Serbian-Hungarian border.
3. Following the field research stage.
4. Consolidate primary and secondary research findings.
5. Draft and finalise report, with input and feedback from Collective Aid and BVMN stakeholders.
6. Organise and transition research findings and other documents to Collective Aid, ensuring all information is accessible to Collective Aid and BVMN.

Living & Working Environment:

The MTRO will have the option to live in a shared room in Collective Aid accommodation. If they choose to do so, rent and daily dinner will be covered by Collective Aid.

The MTRO may also choose to live outside Collective Aid accommodation, in which case they will have a small budget for an apartment of their choosing which they must find independently prior to arrival.

The MTRO will be provided a rental vehicle, physical office space, work phone, SIM card, and data to facilitate their research.

OTHER CONDITIONS

-Time commitment: 6 weeks, 40h/week

-Salary: 600 euros

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Required:

-Bachelor’s degree with two or more years of research experience in forced migration, political science, or a closely related field.

-Excellent research, analytical, and critical thinking skills.

-Knowledge of the Balkan migration route and the European migration context.

-Knowledge of current developments in border and surveillance technologies.

-Oral and written fluency in English; ability to clearly and compellingly write for academic, policy, and activist audiences.

-Conversational fluency in at least one of the following languages: Arabic, Farsi, Pashto.

-Manual driver’s licence.

Desirable:

-Previous field experience in the Balkans.

-Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines.

-Excellent communication skills.

-Demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships and strong interpersonal skills, including cross-cultural communication.