Technology Advocacy Manager

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is seeking to hire a Technology Advocacy Manager who would be responsible for leading CPJ’s advocacy on technology and press freedom issues.

The Technology Advocacy Manager will identify emerging challenges and monitor fast-moving developments, providing context and analysis to drive and inform organisational decision-making. Whether with a national, regional, or international focus, the Technology Manager’s portfolio would range from negotiations on the UN Cybercrime Treaty to stemming the use of surveillance to proposed changes in relevant policies by social media platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead in the development and implementation of a multi-year strategy for CPJ’s research, advocacy, and engagement with technology companies, policymakers, regulators, governments, and other external stakeholders regarding tech and press freedom issues.
• Provide strategic advocacy advice and policy and trends analysis to ensure CPJ is positioned and equipped to deliver on its mission.
• Craft timely, comprehensive, accurate, compelling, evidence-based advocacy messages or other related materials to advance CPJ’s research, positions, and proposed solutions.
• Support technical interventions directed at governments, policymakers, companies, and multilateral institutions; contribute to report writing; and prepare presentations for briefings and other meetings with external stakeholders.
• Represent CPJ in relevant coalitions and initiatives (e.g., #KeepItOnCampaign and Global Network Initiative) and participate in conferences and events.
• Maintain regular contact with external actors and partners working directly on relevant issues; nurture relationships and enhance CPJ’s ability to deliver relevant proposals to policymakers and companies to influence outcomes that benefit journalists.
• Conduct a landscape assessment of initiatives and partnerships relevant to the nexus of tech and press freedom and contribute.
• Develop systems to monitor and report on key developments in policy, legislation, corporate practice, and legal actions related to the nexus of press freedom and technology. This includes, for example, surveillance and threats to privacy, online safety and harassment, Internet shutdowns and censorship, digital forensic technologies, and the emergent threats and opportunities posed by AI for press freedom.

Required qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in digital rights, online censorship, online harassment, tech surveillance, and internet shutdowns, among others that impact free expression and the free flow of information in the digital age. A regional or international focus is preferred.
• Excellent knowledge of cutting-edge issues at the intersection of press freedom and tech, with a solid grasp of relevant geopolitical dynamics and the broader media freedom landscape.
• A sound understanding of international human rights frameworks, especially the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and tools such as export controls, and familiarity with prominent industry and issue-related human rights and ethical guidelines or initiatives.
• A rich network of contacts with digital rights groups, security researchers, and tech companies.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing advocacy strategies, plans, and materials with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative and consultative environment.
• Experience working within international and geographically diverse issues and environments, including through coalitions and campaigns.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Additional qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must have an exceptional ability to translate technical concepts into real-world language and to explain the threats or opportunities they may present to the lives and work of journalists.
• Excellent research skills, including desk-based research and interviews.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing complex research and advocacy projects and plans.
• Critical thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable toggling between working independently and excelling in a fast-paced environment while engaging with a global team across different time zones and cultures.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality and with a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and anti-oppressive values.
• Fluency in Arabic, French, or Spanish is a plus.

How to apply

The application deadline for this position is May 4, 2024. To learn more and apply, please click here.