Digital Programme Officer - Kenya at Article 19

ROLE SUMMARY:

The purpose of the role is expand the ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa regional office’s leadership in the fields of freedom of expression and information and the impact on media and human rights defenders.

She/he will also support ARTICLE 19’s Eastern Africa’s work relating to digital rights, internet governance and the intersection of human rights and technology.

The ideal candidate will bring a substantial understanding of both human rights and technical expertise and specifically within the Eastern African context. This position is enhanced by a solid understanding of the various internet governance instruments, fora and discussions at the national and international level.

She/he will provide expertise to ARTICLE 19 Eastern African office on machine learning and algorithmic decision making from a technology perspective and where human rights frameworks apply.

Additionally, the candidate should have a track record in developing or strengthening effective collaborations across multiple internal and external stakeholders (including experience with multi-stakeholder processes), a proven ability to work effectively in a fluid and fast-paced work environment, and a history of being a strong team player.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

The world of digital technology is fast-moving, requiring flexibility and adaptability. Reflecting this, we envision a portfolio that will encompass the following areas:

• Lead on the implementation of digital rights project’s activities and support the offices and programmes on the effective use of digital technologies.
• Support the development and implementation of ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa regional office’s strategy, particularly on areas of digitally-oriented programs.
• Represent ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa regional office in regional and international fora.
• Continually scan the external environment and maintain a broad network with potential partners to identify project opportunities to expand the work of the algorithms project.
• Work with programmatic and thematic leads on digital programmatic activities that correspond with ARTICLE19 Eastern Africa’s strategic priorities, including right to information, sustainable development goals, peaceful protest, protection and security activities.
• In collaboration with the ARTICLE 19 International Office’s law programme, support ARTICLE 19’s work relating to internet governance, providing technical expertise and internet-architecture knowledge, as well as engagement with broader technical civil society community.
• In collaboration with ARTICLE 19 International Office’s law programme, drive ARTICLE 19’s work to explore the intersection between Human Rights and technology, looking for opportunities to include a rights-based perspective in technical and business discussions.
• Provide technical expertise and knowledge of digital fora in support of the ARTICLE 19’s work on human rights and digital law, policy and principles.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Education and Qualification

• Educated to degree level or;
• Substantial work experience demonstrating graduate level ability.

Work Experience

• At least 7 years experience in managing projects.
• Substantial experience with human rights, freedom of expression and information, press freedom, particularly digital platforms and the influence of algorithmic interventions.
• Experience of working with local and international rights-based organisations
• Experience of writing for digital platforms.
• Experience of building digital tools and platforms.
• Experience of writing reports and proposals to a high quality fo a range if institutional donors, (USAID, DIFD, the EC etc).
• Demonstrate successful experience of strategic planning and project management within an NGO context
• Experiences of working in the Eastern African Context.
• Experience of working in a multi-project, multi-donor environment.
• Experience working with national and international staff remotely.

Knowledge, Skills and Ability

• This post requires extensive hands-on work and an ability to deliver tangible outputs.
• Ability to work on own initiative.
• Ability to manage time effectively and be able to priorities your workload to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to communicate technical topics in an accessible manner to a broad audience.
• Be able to demonstrate and awareness of cultural sensitivity and diplomatic manner diversity
• Research skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Other

• Must already have the right to work in Kenya;
• Commitment to work within ARTICLE 19's vision, mission, core values and objectives;
• Cultural sensitivity and commitment to equal opportunities and non-discrimination.

Application deadline: 31 December 2018.