Policy Director

Based in Washington DC, with domestic and international travel. Consideration will be given to candidates based elsewhere.

Working at the intersection of technology policy, human rights and corporate social responsibility, the Global Network Initiative (GNI) seeks an energetic and experienced policy professional with a strong commitment to free expression and privacy and a desire to engage directly with internet and telecommunications companies and other stakeholders to build a global human rights standard supporting responsible company responses to government requests that impact the free expression and privacy rights of users.

Formed in 2008, the GNI is a unique international, multi-stakeholder collaboration between information and communications technology (ICT) companies, human rights and press freedom groups, investors and academics. Our small secretariat works with a hands-on global Board of Directors and more than forty- five individual and organizational participants. In March 2017 we announced a milestone expansion of our organization to include seven leading telecommunications companies.

The key activities of the GNI include:

Maintaining a framework of international human rights-based Principles and Implementation Guidelines designed to guide responsible company decision-making regarding free expression and online privacy in markets around the globe. Overseeing and executing an independent accountability mechanism – the GNI independent company assessment process – focused on the GNI Principles and Implementation Guidelines, which our member companies sign up to, including internal and public reporting of that process. Staffing support for the GNI Board, GNI Committees and collaborative workstreams focused on developing and strengthening GNI’s approach to shared learning, policy engagement, communications and accountability. Developing and executing internal and public learning opportunities and events with our participants, designed to develop resources, strategies and other mechanisms to respond to complex and emerging online privacy and free expression issues. Engagement and policy advocacy with governments, international institutions, the digital and human rights communities, law enforcement, media and other key stakeholders around the world, to leverage our unique collective voice in global debates around free expression, privacy and company responsibilities.

Position Responsibilities

The Policy Director will ideally be based in Washington DC. Reporting to the Executive Director based in Amsterdam, he or she will also work closely with GNI’s Communications and Outreach Director, the GNI Board, GNI Committees and international participant organizations and individuals.

The position responsibilities include:

• Formulating and articulating GNI’s policy positions in collaboration with the Executive Director and Board Committees.
• Working with the GNI Executive Director to implement, shape, review and update GNI’s annual policy goals, strategy and execution.
• Conducting research and policy analysis on issues relating to freedom of expression and privacy online, and drafting policy papers, breifings and other documents.
• Facilitating the work of the GNI Policy Committee to develop policy initiatives, directing internal and external consultations, and drafting recommendations aimed at international, regional and domestic institutions.
• Engaging with policy makers and other key stakeholders around the world, including working with GNI staff on participation in conferences, meetings and other global policy events.
• Conducting other tasks as appropriate to support GNI’s mission.

Qualifications

• This position is applicable for people with at least 5 years of relevant experience. An ideal candidate would demonstrate the following:
• Graduate degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field and a demonstrated interest and experience in public policy, related to one or more of these fields: international human rights law or policy, corporate social responsibility, technology policy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Confidence in multi-stakeholder settings and working with diverse constituencies.
• Exceptional planning and organizational skills, resourcefulness and attention to detail. Ability to work independently, under pressure, and in a small team.
• Fluency in English is required, and proficiency in another language preferred.

COMPENSATION

• Salary is commensurate with experience. GNI provides a benefits package that includes healthcare and dental coverage, paid vacation, sick days and parental leave.

TO APPLY

Please send an email explaining your interest in GNI and freedom of expression and privacy online, along with a resume and two or three writing samples (ideally previously published – please include links) to GNI Executive Director Judith Lichtenberg at judith@globalnetworkinitiative.org.

The deadline for applications is Monday, April 24, 2017.

The Global Network Initiative is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual or gender orientation, religion or physical ability.

The Global Network Initiative is an international multi-stakeholder organization that brings together information and communications technology companies, civil society (including human rights and press freedom groups), academics and investors to forge a common approach to protecting and advancing free expression and privacy around the world. GNI members commit to, and are independently assessed on GNI principles and guidelines for responding to government requests that could harm the freedom of expression and privacy rights of users.