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.
Job Overview
SMEX Policy Unit plans and carries out a variety of advocacy and research projects, such as direct engagement with tech companies and lawmakers, research, drafting submissions to the UN and other bodies, and engaging in digital rights-related coalitions. The Policy Associate supports the team’s work in a variety of ways, such as researching technology policies, monitoring developments in technology and human rights, contributing to reports and other writing, and engaging with other teams at SMEX. The ideal candidate has strong research, writing and analytical skills, a documented interest in digital rights, and the ability to work collaboratively and multitask.
Responsibilities
- Monitor and analyze technology companies’ policies, terms of service, transparency reports, and enforcement practices, assessing their impact on digital rights.
- Conduct in-depth analysis of digital platforms, applications, AI systems, and legislative or regulatory proposals.
- Track global and regional developments in tech regulation, data protection, platform governance, and AI governance, synthesizing key implications for digital rights.
- Coordinate with the Media & Communications Unit to produce high-quality engaging content for diverse audiences, in both Arabic and English, including press releases, blog posts, reports summaries, annual report, newsletters, social media content, and campaign materials.
- Support the Policy Unit’s rapid response to emerging digital rights incidents, misinformation crises, platform policy changes, or regulatory shifts.
- Coordinate with internal teams and project Leads to ensure timely and coherent responses to urgent issues.
- Contribute to drafting quick reaction statements, alerts, and public updates when needed.
- Assist in coalition work by engaging with civil society partners, networks, and alliances focused on digital rights, freedom of expression, and technology governance.
- Draft joint statements, letters, and shared advocacy messages with partner organizations.
- Participate in coalition meetings, contribute research inputs, and help maintain strong collaborative relationships.
- Prepare policy briefs, legal analyses, comparative research, and recommendations to support advocacy campaigns and public awareness efforts.
- Develop reports, position papers, and actionable recommendations targeted at policymakers, civil society, academia, and the general public.
- Assist in planning and executing advocacy initiatives, consultations, and policy-oriented events.
- Maintain organized documentation of research, policy developments, and project milestones.
- Support the preparation of presentations, internal summaries, and knowledge products for team discussions and capacity building.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in public policy, law, political science, human rights, communications, or a related field, or any degree with volunteer or professional experience related to digital rights.
- Strong analytical, research, and writing skills in English and Arabic
- Demonstrated interest in digital rights, technology policy, privacy, or platform governance.
- Knowledge of the WANA region’s tech and policy landscape
- Ability to synthesize complex information into clear and accessible content.
- Strong organizational skills and an ability to manage multiple priority areas.
- Previous engagement with civil society organizations, advocacy groups, or coalition work.
Additional Information
Duty Station: Beirut, Lebanon
Office Presence: Hybrid/Remote
Employment Status: Full-Time
Reporting Line: Policy Unit Manager
Supervision Line: None
Salary: $1400-$1600
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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