Our vision is for everyone living in West Asia-North Africa and the diaspora to be able to access and engage with the internet, mobile services, and other networked spaces safely and without fear of censorship, surveillance, or repercussion.
Our mission is to advance freedom of expression and the right to privacy in West Asia-North Africa through research and reporting, monitoring state and tech companies’ policies, protecting the safety and security of online users, and collaborating with regional advocates to sustain a safer digital space.
Organizations Overview
CADE aims to enhance the capacity of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for effective advocacy in multilateral and multistakeholder internet governance (IG) processes. It fosters inclusive participation, particularly from the Global South, and promotes a human-centric policy approach in shaping digital policies and standards. Civil Society Alliances for Digital Empowerment (CADE) is a project co-funded by the European Union.
SMEX is a nonprofit dedicated to safeguarding human rights in digital spaces across West Asia and North Africa. We advocate for safe and uncensored access to the internet, mobile services, and networked spaces for people in the region and the diaspora.
Project Overview
SMEX is leading the CADE MENA Case Study 2026 research project focusing on AI Regulations and Ethics—Civil Society Engagement in some GCC countries like KSA, UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, and Egypt. The project will analyze the significant trend toward AI regulations in the region’s considered countries, examining how national AI strategies in the GCC, Jordan, and Egypt are shifting toward formal regulation.
The goal of this project is to explore how Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are involved in the adoption process of these regulations and how these technological and legislatory developments impact key areas such as privacy, safety, and the protection of humanitarian and non-profit work. The final output will be a research document that includes policy conclusions and recommendations on promoting human-centric digital policies and legal standards.
Scope of Work and Responsibilities
SMEX is seeking a researcher with regional expertise and in-depth knowledge of the AI, ethics, and regulatory landscape across the GCC, Jordan, and Egypt. The researcher should have strong research and analytical skills with a proven ability to map and identify regulatory activities related to AI, and assess their implications on human rights and civil society work. The researcher should also possess excellent communication skills: the ability to write and present complex policy concepts in accessible and straightforward language for diverse audiences.
- Review and analyze current national AI strategies, trends toward formal regulation and ethics, and the intersection of AI and cloud computing trends across the GCC, Jordan, and Egypt.
- Map and document CSO involvement in AI policies and regulations development.
- Identify and document CSO advocacy efforts, including awareness-raising, coalition-building, and direct/grassroots lobbying.
- Explore how governments in the target countries are currently managing civil society organizations’ involvement in shaping AI ethics and policy.
- Assess the efficacy and impact of CSO efforts, determining whether influence remains minimal or symbolic.
- Investigate the implications of AI regulations on privacy, data protection, safety, and security, and their specific impact on humanitarian and CSO work.
- Write the research brief, ensuring clear language and including comprehensive recommendations for governments, CSOs, and international businesses (business and human rights concept).
- Work closely with the SMEX team, submitting drafts for review, adjusting, and editing based on internal feedback.
- Produce a final research document ready for publication and promotion.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Law, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Statistics, Computer Science etc.).
- Familiarity with SMEX’s core work and a shared commitment to human rights values, including privacy, users’ rights, digital surveillance, data protection, freedom of expression, accessibility, and open culture.
- Demonstrated experience in governance research or a related field is highly desirable.
- Experience in writing and publishing research reports, policy briefs, or academic papers on governance-related topics.
- Experience in governance best practices as well as governance models and legal context.
- Proven ability in gathering intelligence from publicly available sources, including industry reports, online forums, and specialized databases.
- Proficient in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including conducting interviews, reviewing analytical reports, and designing surveys to assess impact.
- Strong ability to assess source reliability, verify information, and identify disinformation or misleading data.
- Strong command of both Arabic and English, enabling the review of regional legislation, even when English translations are unavailable.
Behavioral Competencies
- Strategic Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Effective Communication
- Time Management and commitment
Additional Information
Duty Station: Beirut, Lebanon
Office Presence: Hybrid/Remote
Employment Status: Consultancy
Reporting Line: Media Program Manager/Project Lead
Duration: 4 months
Salary: A total of $3,000 (payment upon deliverables)
Application
The applicant should fill in this form.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
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