Researcher

Job Overview
As a Researcher at SMEX, your role is to contribute to our mission of advancing digital rights by conducting in-depth research on pertinent issues and providing valuable insights that inform our campaigns and advocacy efforts. You will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to safeguarding online freedoms and protecting the rights of individuals across the WANA region. Your work will involve analyzing digital trends, emerging technologies, online behaviors, and policy developments to produce well-founded research reports that drive positive change. You will employ various research methodologies, conduct field studies, and skillfully analyze findings for effective communication through different media. While reporting to the Research Unit Coordinator, the researcher will ensure content quality, enhance research visibility, and forge collaborations for knowledge-sharing locally, regionally, and globally.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and report on research activities, ensuring they align with SMEX's mission. This includes investigating digital rights, online privacy, freedom of expression, internet governance, and other relevant areas.
• Create detailed research proposals outlining objectives, methodologies, and expected learning outcomes for potential projects in the field.
• Conduct research using diverse methodologies (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods) on various topics related to digital rights and digital security in the WANA region.
• Gather data from various sources, including surveys, interviews, online sources, and databases to support research objectives.
• Utilize data analysis tools and methodologies to interpret research findings through different channels: articles, reports, policy briefs, multimedia content, etc.
• Work closely with the policy team to translate research insights into actionable policy recommendations, ensuring that research findings have a tangible impact on digital rights advocacy efforts.
• Prepare well-structured research reports and briefs that communicate research findings effectively to different stakeholders.
• Keep abreast of developments in digital rights, technology, and relevant policies to ensure the quality and relevance of research.
• Evaluate the real-world impact of research initiatives and contribute to measuring the effectiveness of advocacy efforts and policy changes.
• Ensure that research activities adhere to international ethical guidelines and promote responsible and transparent research conduct.
• Collaborate with the Research Team, Editorial Team, and Communications Team to promote the visibility of SMEX’s research and publications.
• Engage with relevant organizations, institutions, and experts in the field to gather insights and build partnerships for research projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related fields such as human rights, journalism, social science, or international relations; Masters & PhD candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Proven experience in research and analysis, especially in areas related to digital rights and internet governance in the WANA region. 
• Proficiency in research methodologies, data collection, and data analysis.
• Outstanding writing, editing, and analytical skills, and ability to formulate well-targeted policy recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Arabic and English (able to conduct research in both languages).
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple research projects simultaneously.

About You

• A passionate advocate for human rights in the digital sphere who champions free speech and expression, access to information and the internet, freedom from surveillance and repression online, etc.
• Proactive, innovative, and capable of taking initiative.
• Demonstrates meticulous attention to detail and thoroughness in conducting research.
• Strong listening skills, able to engage with diverse stakeholders and experts.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Efficient time and resource allocation to meet project deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including good public presentation skills and a robust capacity for effective teamwork.

Location

Beirut, Lebanon or remote.