Iraq: Coordinator At Internews Network

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Consultant for Iraq provides technical and administrative assistance for Greater Internet Freedom (GIF) activities under the supervision of the Chief of Party, while working closely with the Technical Advisors for Internet Governance and Policy, and Digital Security. The Consultant is a full-time position and will be expected to perform tasks requiring specialization in digital safety and digital rights. The consultant will also be expected to have prior experience in organizing and conducting trainings.

Internews is seeking an experienced digital safety technologist and/or an experienced digital rights and internet freedom advocate with a background in direct support to join Internews’ Greater Internet Freedom (GIF) initiative to provide mentoring, training, and ongoing support for our beneficiaries in Iraq. The Consultant will lead the in-country implementation of GIF’s Iraq activities, which focus on supporting local beneficiaries to proactively mitigate the impact of and advocate against the most pressing digital safety and digital rights issues in the region. The Consultant is also responsible for the day-to-day management and implementation of the program on the ground, making sure the project is on track with the workplan, coordinating with local beneficiaries, organizing timely completion of high-quality deliverables, drafting regular project and activity reports, reporting success stories, and collecting additional M&E data with the support of GIF’s MEL Specialist. The Consultant reports to the GIF Chief of Party and will closely coordinate with GIF’s global team consisting of Digital Safety and Digital Rights Experts, a MEL Specialist, and the remainder of the program team.

This position will specifically support a global Internet Freedom initiative funded by USAID. Based on the belief that Internet freedom benefits everyone, the global Internet freedom consortium has launched a 3-year initiative to enhance digital safety for civil society and media organizations, and to engage citizens in internet governance debates, and advance human rights online. By supporting localized Internet freedom initiatives within a global, community-based Internet freedom strategy, the Consortium will construct strong local and regional bulwarks against a rising wave of digital authoritarianism. The effort will place regional and local organizations at the forefront of the fight to preserve an open, interoperable, reliable, and secure Internet.

Note: Depending on the profile of candidate(s), the GIF team may elect to move forward with one candidate skilled in both digital rights and digital security, or move forward with two candidates, one focused on digital rights and the other on digital security.

LOGISTICS

This is a remote-based position, but the ideal candidate is located in Iraq or in the Middle East and North Africa region.

All remote candidates will be considered. However, you must have work authorization in your location that does not require sponsorship from Internews. Additionally, there are locations in which Internews is not able to support fully remote work.

Wherever possible, we work to try to find solutions for international hiring that work for both the company and the candidate. This means that some of the particulars around the offer for a role will be dependent on several factors, and that the benefits and salary structure that apply to a position will ultimately be based upon the candidate’s location and where the role is hired. We will also consider remote applicants; however, you must have work authorization in your location that does not require sponsorship from Internews. Additionally, there are locations in which Internews is not able to remote work.

This position has a closing date of 21 March 2022.

SCOPE OF WORK

General

• Conduct digital rights and digital safety activities as laid out in the GIF workplan for Iraq
• Conduct research, develop advocacy strategies, and train beneficiaries in the region on digital rights issues.
• Help in selection, procurement, and support of beneficiaries.
• Carry out 1-to-1 or group trainings, either remotely via video, or in-person in Iraq, and develop tutorials, guides and other sharable resources.
• Help translate materials into the local language and/or adapt for the local context.
• Assist in programmatic development and project support for future programs.
• Link partners/beneficiaries with the GIF team for support on issues related to digital security and/or digital rights threats in the country.
• Collaborating with GIF team on documentation of processes and in extending training materials.
• Lead monitoring, evaluation and learning in Iraq, and adapt program activities as necessary in coordination with the GIF MEL Specialist.
• Carry out research as assigned and in support of ongoing projects and new initiatives.
• Manage vetting, vendor codes, and stipends for participants attending in-person trainings.
• Participate in stakeholder and international Internet Freedom meetings and forums as requested.
• In all duties, an understanding of and demonstrated commitment to upholding Internews’ Core Values.

QUALIFICATIONS WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

Required

• Fluency in English and Arabic
• Ability to travel to or within Iraq, upon request.
• Excellent knowledge of and passion for Iraq’s freedom of expression and Internet freedom (including digital safety and digital rights) landscape.
• Ability to explain technical concepts in plain language for individuals and groups with different levels of digital experience and understanding.
• Able to provide support remotely, working with those who may have technical difficulties.
• Experience with delivering technical support over Internet chat, voice or video calls, or in creating documented how-to lessons and resources.
• Understanding and experience with end-to-end encryption in communications and file transmission.
• Experience with using digital security tools and practices.
• Strong writing skills for research and project documentation.
• Ability to work with colleagues in different time zones.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Superior communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work well with others, meet deadlines, and respond to changes in priorities.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a multicultural environment.

Preferred

Note: Candidates who do not have these preferred qualifications, but are interested and willing to learn, are encouraged to apply.

• Knowledge of Kurdish
• Experience in supporting advocacy campaigns.
• Experience in organizational security assessments (SAFETAG or other frameworks).
• Experience or interest in working with charities and NGOs, nonprofits, media, human rights and/or civil society groups.
• Familiarity with US Government rules and regulations.
• Experience with event planning and/or arranging logistics for project implementation abroad.
• Experience with online project management tools such as Airtable, Trello/MS Planner, Miroboard, etc.
• Experience with communications platforms such as Slack or MS Teams
• Experience managing complex travel arrangements

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please submit a CV (preferably under three pages in length) that summarize your knowledge and experience, indicating if you are applying for a digital rights and/or digital security position.

Note: This position is posted in a High or Extreme Physical Risk location. Conditions in the field may include, but are not limited to, the following: compound living quarters, limited mobility outside of designated areas, limited in-country medical care or pharmacy, limited access to fresh fruit and vegetables, limited access to high speed internet, dress code requirements, unaccompanied posting, and required advanced safety and security training. If selected for an interview for this position, ensure you discuss the specifics of living and working in this unique operating environment and consider them at length during the recruitment process.

This position is being offered and hired by Internews Network. Benefits will be consistent with Internews Network’s offerings and will be reviewed during the hiring process. Additional information can be found on our About Working for Internews page.

Internews Network is an EEO/AAP/OFCCP employer. Every qualified applicant will be considered for employment. Internews does not discriminate based on race, gender, gender identity or orientation, genetic information, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, political ideology, military or protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.