Investigative Journalist – Russian Investigative Unit, Riga

About the role

RFE/RL is looking for an Investigative Journalist for its Russian Investigative Unit in Riga, Latvia. You will work on complex original stories about Russia and for Russian-speaking audiences, from long-form investigations and special reports to multimedia projects and breaking investigative leads. The work calls for strong editorial judgment, rigorous verification, source work and data-driven research.

Key responsibilities

• Initiate, research, produce and edit investigative stories and special reports, developing original ideas and turning them into publishable investigations.
• Work with reliable sources, documents, databases, OSINT tools and other digital resources, verifying information and maintaining high editorial standards.
• Conduct interviews remotely, in the studio or in the field, and produce content in multiple formats: written investigations, multimedia stories, live reporting, blogs, podcasts, social media, photography and video.
• Cooperate with the central newsroom, multimedia and digital teams, Russian-language teams, other language services and field bureaus, and work with video producers and editors on multimedia adaptations.
• Review colleagues' investigative work for factual accuracy, documentation and technical consistency, and contribute to editorial planning and feedback sessions.
• Take part in collaborative investigations with partner news organizations and investigative networks, and represent RFE/RL professionally when required.

Required profile

• Substantial experience in investigative journalism, preferably in a major news organization, with a strong track record of original investigations.
• Experience delivering high-quality work under deadline pressure.
• Strong understanding of Russia's political, economic and social environment, and of regional and international affairs.
• University degree in journalism or a related field is desirable; a combination of education and substantial experience will also be considered.
• Russian is required, and English is required with sufficient proficiency for internal communication.

Required skills

• Excellent investigative reporting, research, verification and storytelling skills.
• Ability to build investigations from a network of reliable sources.
• Experience with investigative tools, databases, OSINT platforms and digital research methods.
• Subject-matter expertise in aviation, maritime shipping, transport and logistics analysis, geolocation, satellite imagery and geospatial analysis, profiling individuals, mapping networks and data journalism.

What we offer

• International and friendly working environment.
• Courses for professional development.
• Life and health insurance from the first working day.
• Monthly salary starting from 3,000 EUR gross.

To apply, submit your CV, an application letter and a portfolio of relevant investigative journalism work; applications without these documents may not be considered complete. The recruitment process is competitive and involves several selection rounds.