Head of Technology and Human Rights

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, a high-impact, global organisation serving advocates around the world in the innovative field of business and human rights, is seeking a Head of Technology and Human Rights to lead and strengthen its work on accountable digital technologies. The Head of Technology and Human Rights will further develop and ensure implementation of the programme strategy, which includes expanding the Resource Centre’s work on technology and human rights in collaboration with peer organisations and supervising at least one staff member.

The successful candidate may be based anywhere there is reliable internet access, with a strong preference for candidates based in the Global South. The candidate will have to be committed to work across time zones.

Applicants must have:

• At least 7 years demonstrable commitment and expertise at the nexus of human rights, social justice, and technology
• At least 5 years of programme management experience
• Strong experience working in or with national or grassroots organisations in the Global South
• Excellent English-language and communication skills, additional language skills are highly valued

THE ORGANISATION

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre works with diverse allies and partners to put human rights at the core of companies’ business models and end abuse; to empower communities and workers to secure their rights and gain accountability for abuse; and to encourage governments to create the right regulation and incentives to uphold human rights in business. We are a global organisation that is rooted in five continental regions. We have a diverse Global Team of 80, based in 20 locations around the world. The Global Team members work with a rich network of human rights advocates in ten languages. Our work covers the full gamut of human rights in business, with three thematic programmes: accountable digital technologies; workers’ rights in global supply chains; and responsible natural resource use and a just transition. These are complemented by three cross cutting approaches: civic freedoms and human rights defenders; corporate legal accountability; and racial and gender justice.

We place strong emphasis on our alliance with grassroots organisations facing often profound inequalities of power in protecting their rights; alongside our ability to influence responsible business, investors, and governments for transformative change. Our three primary approaches to deliver this vision are to: strengthen allies and movements; drive accountability for abuse; and influence decision-makers.

THE POSITION

Summary:

We are looking for a strategic leader and manager for our technology and human rights programme. They will have a track record of strong leadership and impact in business and human rights or social and economic justice, with a specific focus on technology.

The successful candidate will also have proven experience in all facets of program management, including strategy design, development and implementation, staff management, and fundraising; a clear commitment to working in solidarity with people and communities harmed through the use of digital technologies; and expertise and fluency in high-quality communications and influencing.

Lead and manage the Resource Centre’s technology and human rights programme:

The Resource Centre began a dedicated programme of work on technology and human rights in 2017 which has grown over the past several years. It is expected that the Head of Technology and Human Rights will expand this area of work, shape the direction of this work moving forward and implement related activities in collaboration with the Technology and Human Rights Researcher, and in close coordination with other teams and projects. This will include representing the Resource Centre to civil society, business, government, funders, and media and advocating to business and government for changes in policy and practice.

Continue strengthening and expanding the Resource Centre’s relationships with groups and defenders globally working on accountable digital technologies:

The Resource Centre works in close partnership with peer organisations based across the globe with a shared vision of accountable digital technologies and ending harms associated with the use of technology. The Head of Technology and Human Rights will be responsible for both strengthening existing relationships as well as building new relationships. They are also responsible for ensuring that the Resource Centre makes a unique contribution to advancing accountable digital technologies within relevant movements and doesn’t replicate existing work.

Oversee and grow the Resource Centre’s work to expand transparency and accountability in the surveillance technology industry

Over the past year, the Resource Centre has deepened its focus on the surveillance technology industry in close collaboration with partners. The Head of Technology and Human Rights will continue this work, including by identifying additional ways in which the Resource Centre can make a unique, positive contribution, including working with investors and diverse coalitions.

Work with our development team to build our partnerships with key funders for this programme:

The Head of Technology and Human Rights is partially responsible for the sustainability of this programme, which means engaging in fundraising in collaboration with the development team; providing high-level representation to funders and building constructive and close relations with key personnel; working with the Technology and Human Rights Researcher and development team to develop funding proposals that fit the programme’s strategic goals; and ensuring timely, high-quality reporting on grants.

Support the programme team:

To start, this will involve managing the Technology and Human Rights Researcher and working closely with regional researchers and the communications team. Over time, pending funding, the Head of Technology and Human Rights could grow the team. This role is responsible for supporting team members to grow and thrive in their roles, which includes attention to wellbeing.

• At least 7 years demonstrable commitment and expertise at the nexus of human rights, social justice, and technology
• At least 5 years of programme management experience
• Strong experience working in or with national or grassroots organisations in the Global South
• Excellent English-language and communication skills, additional language skills are highly valued

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Technology and human rights expertise: At least 7 years demonstrable commitment and expertise at the nexus of human rights, social justice, and technology
• Strategic leader and excellent programme manager: At least 5 years’ experience and demonstrable success in the design, management, and monitoring of large, strategic programmes to make change happen with motivated teams, and a diverse network of allies, funders and targets
• People manager: At least 2 years’ experience in line management and/or programme management of people. Ability to delegate, train, and nurture talent. Strong commitment to diverse teams. Experience of remote management of global teams an advantage. Proven ability to inspire and build high-performing diverse teams (ideally if the experience involves geographically dispersed teams) with common vision and purpose
• Financial and Fundraising success: Proven experience in the financial management of programme funds and attracting funding to programmes of work. Proven ability to build strong partnerships with funders. Alertness to external opportunities, and drive to work with others to build grow resources for the programme
• Network and alliance-building: Demonstrable success in helping nurture effective international networks and alliances. Experience working successfully with civil society, workers’ organisations, and communities.
• Communications: Experience driving high quality external communications, and good knowledge of communications strategies for external impact and internal inclusion and coherence. Willingness to work across time zones. Excellent command of written and spoken English essential. Other languages strongly valued
• Commitment to our values: Demonstrable commitment to the values and model of change of the Resource Centre. An understanding of corporate power and accountability methodologies and proven ability to collaborate with and build equitable alliances with grassroots communities and global South organisations.

TERMS AND COMPENSATION

• This is a full-time position of 35 hours per week. Please note this will involve meeting across time zones that can include meetings outside normal hours. Time in lieu for out-of-hours calls is encouraged to ensure well-being
• Starting salary: £35-45,000 (depending on location and experience) plus 5% pension contribution
• 24 vacation days per year, plus public holidays

TO APPLY

Please visit the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre careers website.