Associate – Technology & Democracy

Job Summary

Every employee of IRI is responsible for carrying out the Mission of IRI and demonstrating the Core Values in their day to day operations. The Core Values, which are IRI’s foundational building blocks include:

Excellence– We believe in quality results delivered by investing in people. Freedom– We believe in exploration and experimentation to be agile and responsive. Respect- We believe in trust, empathy and empowering people. Teamwork- We believe in diversity, inclusion and the power of global collaboration. Transparency– We believe in open communication and clear decision. -making. Accountability- We believe in personal responsibility as the foundation of success.

The Associate for Technology & Democracy is an entry level position that provides administrative and programmatic support to the Technology & Democracy team within the Center for Global Impact. The rapid adoption of digital technology has transformed every aspect of people’s lives for both good and ill, including how governments operate; how citizens engage and what they expect of leaders; how elections take place; what political campaigns look like; and the threats that democratic actors face. Whether the digital revolution supports or unravels democracy depends in large part on the capacity of democratic actors to deploy digital technologies in ways that advance transparency, inclusion, accountability, responsiveness, and citizen engagement. IRI’s Technology & Democracy team seeks to equip democratic actors with the digital skills, tools, and understanding to tilt those systems in ways that further the democratic cause.

Position Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations or related field such as information integrity, digital literacy, digital forensics, threat intelligence, and disinformation research or programming.
• 0-1 year of experience in democratic governance, technology, digital media or international development.
• Excellent writing, research and communication skills.
• Experience working with USG-funded projects, including relevant OMB rules and regulations is preferred

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Work closely with IRI’s Technology & Democracy team on programs related to disinformation, digital authoritarianism, information manipulation and other related topics.
• Create resources, design approaches, and build partnerships that improve IRI’s capacity to support democratic actors in their efforts to shore up information integrity globally.
• Manage implementation of specific programs and grant(s) under IRI’s Technology & Democracy team:
  • Tracks and follows-up on pending procurement requests, approvals and monitoring once approved, including processing payments
  • Compiles and facilitates submission of contract packages
  • Assist in monitoring project spending and projecting costs
  • Ensures that Accounting requests are submitted correctly per IRI policy and procedure, and that requests are accompanied by appropriate back-up documentation
  • Ensures compliance with internal and external regulations
  • Drafts quarterly, semi-annual, final and other relevant reports for funders
  • Assists with program monitoring and evaluation (M&E), including participating in regular M&E calls, tracking compliance with Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan, and identifying where adjustments need to be made
• Provides logistical support for DC meetings and events for the Technology & Democracy team.
• Participates in business development, such as in writing proposal portions, assisting in program design and drafting budgets.
• Travel as needed for program oversight and implementation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.