Head of Research

Tech Global Institute is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and experienced researcher to serve as the Head of Research, with a strong track record of research across a range of tech policy issues. The role involves conducting policy research and program management on their efforts around tech accountability, internet and data governance, surveillance and privacy, and artificial intelligence. This full-time, remote position requires 40 hours per week.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and oversight of research initiatives across multiple tech policy domains, including platform accountability, surveillance and privacy, internet and data
  governance, and artificial intelligence.
• Produce and oversee high-quality outputs such as policy briefs, reports, journal articles, and
  advocacy materials.
• Guide methodological design and ensure rigor in both qualitative and quantitative research.
• Monitor global and regional policy developments and assess their implications for the Global
  South, ensuring timely insights for TGI’s strategy.
• Support the Executive Director, and the leadership team, in shaping TGI’s long-term research
  agenda and strategic vision.
• Engage in and oversee multiple research projects simultaneously, ensuring milestones, deliverables, and budgets are met.
• Provide mentorship and supervision to team members, enhancing TGI’s research capacity.
• Lead the design, recruitment, and management of TGI’s annual fellowship program, including
  mentoring fellows and integrating their work into broader organizational priorities.
• Ensure impact tracking and effective knowledge management across research programs.
• Represent TGI in external engagements, including high-level policy forums, academic conferences, multistakeholder dialogues, and media platforms globally and regionally.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with civil society organizations, policymakers,
  international organizations, funders, and academic institutions.
• Support dissemination of research findings through public events, expert roundtables, and media engagement.
• Contribute to thought leadership in advancing rights-based, inclusive, and equitable approaches to technology governance.

Eligibility

• At least 6 years of experience in human rights, platform/tech accountability, internet and data
  governance, and artificial intelligence, or related fields, with demonstrable expertise in conducting qualitative and quantitative research on diverse tech policy issues.
• A minimum of 2 years in a leadership or project management role is required.
• Academic and non-academic publications will be considered a strong asset.
• A minimum of a Master’s degree in law, international relations, political science, public policy, or a related field from a reputed university. A PhD in one of these or related fields may be relevant to assessment but not required
• Strong conceptual and practical understanding of human rights frameworks, tech regulations,
  decolonization theories, internet governance, and the intersection of technology with allied issues like democracy, disinformation, gender justice, and labor rights.
• Knowledge of international frameworks, standards, and benchmarks.
• Familiarity with geopolitical dynamics that both impact and are shaped by technology at local,
  regional, and global levels.
• Candidates with knowledge of transnational, regional, or global tech governance and policies, and experience working within the platform economy and ecosystem, are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to balance conceptual
  understanding and practical application, and to produce outputs are relevant for policy impact,
  advocacy, and addressing knowledge gaps.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable strategies tailored to diverse
  audiences, including policymakers, civil society, and affected communities.
• Exceptional project management and leadership skills, including the ability to manage multiple
  stakeholders and complex, multi-country projects.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively in cross-cultural teams.
• Strong work ethic and a passion for technology policy and human rights.
• Candidates should ideally be based in Asia, Africa, or South America (though the role is fully
  remote)

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit the following documents to careers@techglobalinstitute.com:

• One-page CV highlighting relevant criteria AND a cover letter (max. 500 words) expressing interest
  in the position and explaining your motivation and suitability for joining TGI.
• Two references familiar with your research, writing, and leadership skills (either academic,
  practitioner, or a combination). TGI only needs their names, designation and contact information; no recommendation letters are required at this stage.

For more information, please consult the vacancy: JD – Head of Research – Tech Global Institute