Research Associate

ABOUT FREEDOM HOUSE

Established more than 80 years ago on the core conviction that freedom flourishes in democratic nations where governments are accountable to their people, Freedom House is a nonpartisan non-profit organization that works to defend and expand freedom globally to help secure a world where all are free. Around the world, repressive regimes are preventing billions of people from exercising their fundamental rights. We identify and analyze threats to freedom, mobilize decision makers to respond to those threats and seize opportunities for progress, and support activists and organizations working to defend and expand freedom. We are dedicated to ensuring that the United States serves as a positive model of democratic practice at home and a consistent champion of freedom globally. By gathering authoritative data and leveraging our global networks, Freedom House is an unwavering beacon in protecting human rights and promoting democratic governance.

Our Research and Analysis division produces cutting-edge reports on topics such as the state of democratic institutions, media and internet freedom, and key tactics employed by authoritarian states at home and abroad. Freedom House’s research has been featured in hundreds of media outlets and dozens of languages, reaching millions of readers and informing news coverage, public debate, and policymaking in countries around the world.

POSITION SUMMARY

Freedom House is seeking a Research Associate to advance the organization’s research, advocacy, and policy work on human rights, democracy, and technology. The team member will work across Freedom House’s two flagship annual reports: Freedom in the World and Freedom on the Net. Freedom in the World assesses civil liberties and political rights in 210 countries and territories, while Freedom on the Net analyzes human rights online in 70 countries, with a particular focus on free expression, censorship, surveillance, and privacy. Responsibilities will include supporting project management and logistics, liaising with a dispersed network of external researchers, conducting data analysis, maintaining a large database in Excel, analyzing regional political developments, and fact-checking and editing country reports. This is a full-time position, ideal for someone who is early/mid career, based in New York City or Washington, DC.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND EXPECTATIONS

• Strengthen regional and thematic expertise within Freedom House, contribute analysis to Freedom in the World and Freedom on the Net as well as other written products, and provide substantive input at internal and external meetings
• Perform substantive fact-checking, editing, rewriting, and proofreading of Freedom on the Net country reports, many of which are authored by non-native English speakers. In the process of editing, supplement the reports with own desk research
• Assist team members with project management tasks, including setting timelines, coordinating with external researchers, and moderating and organizing score review meetings
• Assist with the development and tracking of a network of regional and thematic experts to serve as new contributors, and act as a primary point of contact with external consultants based around the world
• Analyze data and prepare charts, graphics, and other support materials for publication
• Manage, including by updating and analyzing, Freedom in the World’s database of global freedom scores and indicators
• Prepare travel and event logistics for in-person review meetings, and where funding permits travel internationally to coordinate meetings and attend relevant conferences to represent FH research
• Assist with funding proposals, donor reports, and monitoring and evaluation of the project’s impact
• Process and ensure consultant contracts, payment requests, business expense reports, and other financial documents are in line with Freedom House requirements
• Perform other related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, journalism, human rights or a related field, plus a minimum of two years of directly related experience; or equivalent combination of advanced education and experience.

Experience and Skills:

• Knowledge of and interest in different political systems and human rights issues, including debates about democratic consolidation and strategies for countering authoritarianism.
• Grasp of important internet policy and regulatory debates, interest in technical mechanisms underpinning online censorship and surveillance, and knowledge about the ways in which the internet and technology undermine human rights, particularly as they apply to Africa or Asia
• Outstanding English writing and editing skills and a knack for drafting concise, eloquent, and media-friendly communications
• Command of Microsoft Word and demonstrated experience with data analysis and management using Excel
• Experience conducting project management and coordinating multiple tasks on a 3-12 month timeline
• A desire to develop into an internally and externally recognized expert on issues related to democracy and internet freedom
• Some experience with donor reporting, monitoring & evaluation, and financial reconciliations
• Some experience with using quantitative data and qualitative information to create infographics and other communication materials for publication
• Applicants should note in their application if they have proficiency in a language other than English

We do not expect anyone to tick every single box for this position, and if you have relevant experience not listed here, please apply and tell us about it.

Personal Attributes and Characteristics:

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in a workplace setting
• Emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills needed to communicate with and facilitate cooperation between people with divergent views and from different cultural backgrounds
• Comfort working with limited supervision on long-term tasks, finding solutions to problems as they arise, and taking responsibility for own work
• Superb attention to detail and an ability to produce error-free work on tight deadlines
• Enthusiasm for collaborative work and a desire for professional development via knowledge and skills acquisition

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Diversity makes our work stronger. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds—particularly Black, Indigenous, and people of color, individuals from the LGBTI+ community, and people living with disabilities—to apply.

• Freedom House provides a competitive benefits package, including a 403(b) retirement account with generous matching, commuter benefits, flexible hours, floating holidays, high employer contributions to medical, dental, and vision programs, basic and voluntary life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, flexible spending account, and more.
• Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization. Salary range for this position is $51,300 to $65,000 per yea r dependent upon experience.
• Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States.
• As part of our standard hiring process for new employees, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Freedom House is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors. If you require assistance in the application or recruitment process due to a disability, please call 202-227-4308 or email [email protected].

WORKING CONDITIONS:

General Working Conditions:

• General working office environment or telecommuting.
• May require some long hours including evenings and weekends to complete tasks.
• Potential travel to field offices less than 5% of the time

Work Environment and Physical Demands:
Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting or telecommuting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.