The Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) is a network of non-governmental organisations promoting freedom of speech, human rights and democratic values in Southeast Europe.
BIRN operates through a unique network structure combining local expertise and regional cooperation. With local organisations across the Balkans and an editorial presence in several other countries, BIRN is dedicated to empowering people to access their rights, providing accurate information, and fostering democratic processes. BIRN Hub is an umbrella entity that coordinates the work of the BIRN Network. While each country organisation addresses domestic needs, BIRN Hub, registered in Bosnia and Herzegovina, implements regional programmes.
Job description
BIRN Hub invites candidates with diverse skills and abilities to apply for the position of Digital Rights Research Lead to ensure the delivery of high-impact research and smooth coordination of monitoring activities within the Digital Rights Programme. This role is crucial in driving our strategy and activities in advancing the protection and promotion of digital rights. The successful candidate will work closely with our Digital Rights Programme team members to ensure the highest quality of writing, research, and reporting standards. This is a full-time remote position with a competitive salary commensurate with experience.
Assignment description
The incumbent will be an integral part of the Digital Rights Programme Team with a primary focus on and responsibility for leading the production of, and/or independently writing, high-quality reports, articles, analyses, briefs, research and similar content, depending on the Programme’s activities. Part of this responsibility is to ensure the monitoring of digital rights violations within BIRN’s monitoring and other connected activities. This includes coordinating with monitors, fact-checking, quality control, data collection and analysis and similar tasks. In connection with this, he/she/they will make sure that the BIRN Investigative Resource Desk website (BIRD) and all its subpages are regularly updated to meet programme requirements. He/She/They will liaise with local, regional, and international partners to achieve successful project(s) execution and assist in preparing comprehensive narrative reports for donors and stakeholders, and other required documents. The applicant must be a self-starter, able to set priorities on work schedules, follow agreed timelines and mitigate potential risks. The incumbent reports to the Digital Rights Programme Manager and/or assigned editors or authorised supervisor/s.
Minimum qualifications
University education (preferably Master’s degree) in law, communications, digital rights, journalism, humanities or a similar field; proven interest and experience in working on human and/or digital rights projects; proven experience in leading/conducting research projects, writing, and analytical work.
Application process
Interested candidates should send their resume and a cover letter (max. 500 words) to applications@birnnetwork.org by January 22, 2024. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
BIRN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, or other personal characteristics (s). BIRN believes that diversity and inclusion among our team members are critical to our success as an organisation, and we seek to recruit and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.
