Research Associate for Technology and Democracy

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 for Technology and Democracy to advance the organization’s research, advocacy, and policy work on human rights, democracy, and technology. The team member will focus primarily on Freedom on the Net, an annual report analyzing human rights online in 70 countries. They will also provide support to other technology and democracy initiatives, including Election Watch for the Digital Age, whichinvestigates the interplay between human rights, election integrity, and digital platforms. As needed, the team member will also contribute support to other projects under the Research and Analysis division.

Key responsibilities will include fact-checking and editing country reports, analyzing regional internet freedom developments, supporting project management and logistics, liaising with a dispersed network of external researchers, and conducting qualitative and quantitative data analysis. This is based in New York City. Qualified candidates based in Washington, DC will also be considered.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND EXPECTATIONS

• Strengthen regional and thematic expertise within Freedom House, contribute analysis to Freedom on the Net and Election Watch for the Digital Age, and provide substantive input during internal and external meetings
• Perform substantive fact-checking, editing, rewriting, and proofreading of Freedom on the Net country reports for one region (likely Asia or Africa), many of which are authored by non-native English speakers; in the process of editing, supplement the reports with own desk research
• Assist with the development and tracking of a network of regional and thematic experts to serve as new contributors to technology and democracy projects, and act as a primary point of contact with external consultants based around the world
• Assist team members with project management tasks, including designing project plans, setting timelines, and evaluating project progress and processes
• Prepare travel and event logistics for in-person meetings, and where funding permits travel internationally to coordinate meetings and attend relevant conferences to represent Freedom House research
• Assist with funding proposals, donor reports, and monitoring and evaluation of technology and democracy projects’ impact
• Analyze data and prepare charts, graphics, and other support materials for publication
• Process and ensure consultant contracts, payment requests, business expense reports, and other financial documents are in line with Freedom House requirements
• Provide research, writing, and other support to other projects produced by the Research and Analysis division, as assigned
• Perform other related duties, as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, human rights, international law, media/journalism, public policy, or related field, plus a minimum of two years of directly related experience.
• Candidates without a bachelor’s degree but with equivalent training/experience, relevant experience, and a passion for democracy work are also encouraged to apply.

Experience and skills

• 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
• Applicants should note in their application if they have proficiency in a language other than English
• 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, including to manage complex Excel databases and to create infographics and other communication materials for publication

We do not expect applicants to possess every experience or skill listed for this position. 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, strong analytical skills, 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. The salary range for the role is $51,300 to $65,000 per year, 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.

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 less than 10% 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.

Accommodations

If you require assistance in the application or recruitment process due to a disability, please call 202-227-4308 or email [email protected] .