Human Rights Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Work:

The Junior Technology and Human Rights requires to provide advice, guidance, research, and written materials related to issues pertaining to human rights, emerging technology and export controls, surveillance, Internet freedom, business and human rights, and other similar issues of concern to the client.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide policy and technical guidance to MNL’s Tech for Good Team.
• Responsible for managing strategic engagements, supporting public diplomacy efforts, tracking issues, initiatives, and policy developments related to issues surrounding Internet freedom, emerging technology, and the protection of human rights online, including around export controls, human rights and technology, surveillance, and the targeting of civil society advocates for their work in the digital sphere.
• Raise awareness about these trends, and developments through engagement with other Department offices, embassies abroad, the interagency, civil society, think tanks and industry, and feed into relevant reports.
• Provide policy and technical guidance on the human rights considerations around technology and human rights, including but not limited to export controls, and commercially available spyware and other surveillance issues.
• Monitor and analyze developments in this space; provide expert analysis and policy guidance; coordinate within the Department and inter-agency to seek alignment on these policy areas; cultivate relationships with external experts; and identify unique and impactful ways to advance U.S. leadership.
• Contribute to the Team’s policies and diplomatic engagement around issues pertaining to export controls and emerging technology, including human rights considerations around surveillance and commercial spyware.
• Monitor and analyze developments in this space; provide expert analysis and policy guidance; coordinate within the Department and inter-agency to seek alignment on these policy areas; cultivate relationships with external experts; and identify unique and impactful ways to advance U.S. leadership.
• Foster and collaborate with a network of contacts and experts in foreign governments, academia, civil society, the private sector, and the interagency that examine emerging technology and human rights.
• Participate in and represent the client in human rights, business, and tech fora including, for example: RightsCon, the Internet Governance Forum, and the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights.
• Brief and prepare materials for Bureau leadership when engaging on issues described above; Draft public communications, including speeches, articulating policy.
• Other Duties as Assigned.

Qualifications – Here’s What You Need:

• Ability to analyze and synthesize large amounts of information into coherent and cogent materials for Bureau leadership.
• Superior research, writing, and briefing skills are a core requirement for this position.
• Top Secret clearance is required.
• Must be able to pass a background check. May require additional background checks as required by projects and/or clients at any time during employment.

Minimum Skills:

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate in a clear, professional, and articulate manner.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with high-level attention to detail.
• Proven ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast past environment with changing priorities; adaptable to change and a quick learner.
• Must be self-motivated and able to work well independently as well as on a multi-functional team.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately
• Proficient in MS Office, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Our Commitment to you / overview of benefits:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance; Wellness Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability options
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Company Provided)
• Voluntary Life and AD&D options
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with matching after one year
• Paid Time Off

Reports to: Program Manager

Working Conditions:

• Professional office environment, with the ability to work onsite in the main office.
• Must be physically and mentally able to perform duties extended periods of time.
• Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed to meet the demands of this position.
• Must be able to establish a productive and professional workspace.
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time looking at computer screen.
• May be asked to work a flexible schedule which may include holidays.
• May be asked to travel for business or professional development purposes.
• May be asked to work hours outside of normal business hours.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.