Research Associate
Washington, DC jobs
Founded in 1941, Freedom House is an independent watchdog organization dedicated to the expansion of democracy around the globe. Our Research and Analysis division produces cutting-edge reports on topics such as the state of democratic institutions, key tactics employed by modern authoritarians, and how the internet is restricted and increasingly manipulated to undermine human rights, particularly of society's most vulnerable. The flagship of Freedom House's Technology and Democracy initiative is
Freedom on the Net
, which featured in 745 media outlets spanning 99 countries during its 2019 release.
Position Summary
The Research Associate will join a small, supportive, and dynamic team working to assess human rights in the digital age. The position will play a key role in producing
Freedom on the Net
, our annual internet freedom study encompassing issues such as censorship, disinformation, and surveillance. Responsibilities will range from analyzing the impact of complex regulatory proposals on free expression and privacy, supporting project management and logistics, and liaising with a dispersed network of local internet freedom researchers. This is a full-time position based in New York City, reporting to the Research Director for Technology and Democracy.
Key Responsibilities
Strengthen regional and thematic expertise within Freedom House, contribute analysis to
Freedom on the Net
and other written products, and provide substantive input at internal and external meetings
Perform substantive fact-checking, editing, rewriting, and proofreading of reports on internet freedom, many authored by non-native English speakers. In the process of editing, supplement the reports with own research
Assist appropriate team members in designing and facilitating
Freedom on the Net
project plans, goals, and timelines, as well as developing methods to track and evaluate project processes
Develop a network of regional and thematic experts to serve as new contributors, and act as a primary point of contact with external consultants based around the world
Prepare travel and event logistics for in-person review meetings, including booking flights and accommodation for participants, coordinating with venues, and other tasks
Where funding permits, travel internationally to coordinate meetings with local researchers and attend relevant conferences to represent FH research
Draft talking points for senior staff and conduct media interviews as needed
Analyze data and prepare charts, graphics, and other support materials for publication
Assist with funding proposals, donor reports, and monitoring and evaluation of the project's impact
Ensure consultant contracts, payment requests, business expense reports, and other financial documents are in line with Freedom House requirements
Perform other related duties as assigned