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.
Context
Across the MENA region, digital authoritarianism is rapidly intensifying. Governments are expanding surveillance capacities, deploying disinformation tactics, and enacting restrictive laws to suppress dissent and control online spaces. Authoritarian regimes play an increasing role in exporting or financing these technologies, influencing digital governance and infrastructure across neighboring countries.
Civil society responses remain fragmented, under-resourced, and poorly coordinated, limiting collective impact. There is a pressing need to document and analyze these dynamics, map national contexts, and inform a coordinated regional digital rights strategy that empowers civil society to engage effectively with both national and transnational threats to online freedoms.
Project Overview
This research consultancy forms part of a broader SMEX-led initiative to develop a Regional Digital Rights Strategy that strengthens the capacity of civil society across MENA to understand, respond to, and coordinate against digital repression. The consultant’s work will generate evidence-based insights into the legal, technological, and political drivers of digital authoritarianism and Gulf technology influence. Findings from this research will feed directly into inclusive consultations and strategy development processes, including national webinars and regional convenings, culminating in a shared roadmap for advocacy, policy, and capacity-building over the next 3–5 years.
Scope of Work and Responsibilities
The Research Consultant will lead the design, coordination, and production of in-depth qualitative research across 3–5 countries (to be selected by SMEX). Working closely with SMEX’s project lead, policy unit, and partner organizations, the consultant will:
- Research Framework & Coordination
- Develop and refine the research methodology, ensuring ethical standards and consistency across all country contexts.
- Coordinate with in-country researchers or partner organizations to facilitate data collection and contextual analysis.
- Data Collection and Analysis
- Conduct or supervise qualitative research, including:
- Case studies of digital repression and online censorship.
- Legal framework reviews, including cybercrime, media, and digital governance laws.
- Documentation of Gulf technology and policy influence in the broader region, such as:
- Government or institutional contracts with Gulf-based firms.
- Regional disinformation or surveillance collaborations.
- Synthesize findings to identify common patterns, emerging risks, and opportunities for cross-border advocacy.
- Conduct or supervise qualitative research, including:
- Reporting and Knowledge Production
- Draft a policy brief summarizing key findings and recommendations for civil society, donors, and policymakers.
- Present findings to SMEX and coalition partners to inform the development of the Regional Digital Rights Strategy.
Deliverables and Timeline
All deliverables must be completed by April 30, 2026.
Expected outputs include:
- Research methodology and work plan (by end of January 2026).
- Country-level research reports (January–February 2026).
- Comparative analysis and policy brief (by end of March 2026).
- Submission of the complete edited Research by the end of April 2026.
- Presentation or summary brief for inclusion in Bread&Net and other relevant events
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in public policy Law, Political Science, human rights, International Relations, or related fields.
- Strong analytical, research, verbal and writing skills in English and Arabic.
- Proven experience in digital rights research, technology policy, or governance in the MENA region.
- Solid understanding of the legal framework impacting digital rights, surveillance practices, and online freedoms.
- Demonstrated experience conducting or supervising multi-country studies.
- Ability to synthesize complex data into clear, actionable insights.
- Proven engagement with civil society networks, advocacy groups, or coalition work in at least one of the covered MENA countries.
- Capable of converting technical or complex material into clear, accessible communication for diverse audiences.
Additional Information
Duty Station: Beirut, Lebanon
Office Presence: Hybrid/Remote
Employment Status: Consultancy
Reporting Line: Project Lead
Duration: 4 months period: January 2026- April 2026
Salary: A total of $4000 divided into 3 payments upon agreed 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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