Digital Policy Research Officer, CIMA

The digital governance specialist is a key member of the National Endowment for Democracy’s Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA), a research and knowledge unit. CIMA’s mission is to build a foundation of knowledge for international development agencies, media sector stakeholders, and civil society actors working to protect and promote vibrant news media around the world. The digital governance specialist works as an integral part of CIMA within the overall framework of NED and plays a key role in efforts to gather and build knowledge that can shape the digital environment for the good of independent journalism and democratic information environments. The digital policy specialist will help advance CIMA’s mission on digital governance and news media policy issues, manage publications in conjunction with CIMA’s deputy director and senior director, foster institutional relationships with other media development and digital governance stakeholders, contribute to strategic learning at the NED, and help coordinate and guide junior staff and interns.

Responsibilities: 

• Manage CIMA’s research and knowledge portfolio related to internet governance, digital media policy, and media development, including supporting the production of research reports and convening events and workshops.
• Collaborate with CIMA’s deputy director in the development, editorial oversight, and production of reports and blogs focused on the intersection of digital rights and independent media, including by liaising with authors and research institutions, data analysts, designers, and other contributors to CIMA publications.
• Collaborate with CIMA staff in the planning and execution of panels, workshops, roundtable discussions and other events.
• Stimulate learning among NED programs staff and NED Core Institutes on best practices and emerging trends in digital media and digital rights and contribute to an organization-wide approach to digital policy and democratic governance as it relates to media development.
• Support NED, as requested, on special and strategic initiatives related to internet governance, digital rights and independent media. 
• Represent CIMA and present research findings at international gatherings focused on media development and internet governance.
• Develop and foster partnerships and communities of learning with research institutes and organizations working on internet governance and digital media policy issues.
• Other tasks as assigned by the deputy director and senior director.
• The level of responsibility and independence in assigned tasks will increase with experience.

Qualifications:

• Graduate degree preferred; bachelor’s degree required
• 4+years of applicable work and research experience in international development and digital governance, with experience in international media development preferred
• Knowledge of international media development issues and/or democracy promotion programs.
• Experience  and knowledge in the field of internet governance and/or digital rights. 
• Experience in conducting policy-relevant research and analysis
• Experience in project management, including financial management, is desirable.
• Excellent presentation and public speaking skills.
• Strong writing and editorial skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Self-directed with high degree of organization, creativity and initiative, with attention to detail      and the ability to multitask.
• Data analysis experience is desirable
• Proficiency in one or more languages other than English, preferred.
• Ability to work in a team with a strong sense of mission.
• Ability to maintain professionalism under pressure.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

This position is part of the NED Bargaining Unit.

To Apply:

Applications must include a cover letter, resume, desired salary, and contact information for three professional references, of which one should be a supervisor. Please, no phone call inquiries.

Located in Washington, D.C., the salary range for this role is $ 64,500 – 102,750 USD, plus benefits. The final offer for a successful candidate will be determined by a combination of factors, including, but not limited to, skill set, level of experience, education, and market considerations.

At NED, we recognize that our most important asset is our people. We value the diversity of skills and perspectives our team brings to our work. We believe an inclusive and supportive work environment fosters a culture of respect and appreciation for all individuals. NED is committed to creating a workplace that allows everyone to be their authentic selves and make meaningful contributions to our organization, our grantees, and our world.

NED strives to create a work experience that supports the well-being and healthy work-life balance of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package offers health insurance (includes no copay for mental health services), a generous retirement savings plan, paid parental, vacation, and sick leave, a hybrid workplace model, flexible work schedules, and wellness initiatives to ensure a positive work-life balance.

NED is dedicated to creating an environment of respect and collaboration where everyone is encouraged to participate and take ownership of their work. We offer flexible work schedules and, for most positions, the opportunity for weekly telework days. This hybrid approach allows our employees to balance their work and personal lives while still participating in the collaborative process at the heart of our mission.

The NED is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics covered by applicable law. The NED is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for all qualified individuals and bases all employment decisions on qualifications, merit, and business need. The NED believes that diversity and inclusion among our team members are critical to our success as an organization operating globally and seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.

For more information, please visit our website at www.ned.org  or careers@ned.org.