ITU ADVOCACY COORDINATOR POSITION DESCRIPTION
*Title*: Policy Analyst *Organization*: Access *Location*: Applicants from around the world will be considered *Application deadline*: ASAP (rolling applications will be accepted until the position is filled) *Compensation*: Based on previous experience and salary history
*WHO WE ARE*
Access (AccessNow.org) is an international NGO that promotes open and secure access to the internet as a means to the realization of human rights and free, full, and safe participation in society. Founded in the wake of the 2009 Iranian post-election crackdown, Access teams with digital activists and civil society groups internationally to build their technical capacity and to help them advocate globally for their digital rights. Access provides thought leadership and practical policy recommendations in the broader field of internet freedom, and based on that expertise mobilizes its global movement of citizens to campaign for an open internet accessible to all.
*WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR*
Access is in search of a policy analyst to coordinate the organization’s advocacy at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in the lead up to the World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT). This position will work closely with the broad range of international digital rights groups already engaging in advocacy in this area and will support this worldwide movement. Initially, this will be a short-term position lasting five months. Following this initial contract, Access will assess the ongoing need for this position, with the possibility of an extension of the period of employment. The primary responsibilities of this position include:
• Mapping and supporting international digital rights groups to engage in grassroots actions.
• Analyzing the WCIT process and preparatory documents (in plain language), including writing short policy briefs on particularly dangerous proposals.
• Developing educational materials and other useful documents such as "How to have a genuine public consultation on ITU with your government."
• Coordinating and assisting in the execution of ITU-related campaign arm activities, focusing on national level awareness-raising actions, similar to what Access did in its first ITU transparency campaign (https://www.accessnow.org/page/s/itu ).
• Participating in civil society strategy sessions, convening as necessary, in addition to representing Access at national consultations where appropriate.
• Preparing briefing materials for Access’ staff around the world to enable them to more efficaciously engage civil society groups, corporations, and national governments around this issue.
• Liaise with the media and act as an organizational spokesperson as appropriate.
*QUALIFICATIONS*
• 1-3 years experience or a relevant graduate degree.
• Relevant work experience in the areas of internet freedom, internet governance, human rights, political communication, internet engineering, and/or new technologies, with increasing levels of responsibility. Familiarity with the ITU and the WCIT process is required.
• Experience working in a grass-roots organization with member activists.
• Fluency in English is required and knowledge of an additional language and/or a technical background is a plus.
• Proven ability to organize and facilitate events, workshops, and small meetings.
• Proven ability to produce well-written policy briefs and media relations and public education materials.
*APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS* To apply, please write to jobs at accessnow.org with “ITU Advocacy Coordinator – [Your Name]” as the subject line and submit the following, saved as one PDF or .doc document:
-Cover letter expressing your interest in the position and why you are the best candidate for it
-Resume
-Two references
Jeremy Hunsinger Communication Studies Wilfrid Laurier University Center for Digital Discourse and Culture Virginia Tech http://www.tmttlt.com Whoever ceases to be a student has never been a student. -George Iles