Internship- Digital Rights Advocate

About SMEX

SMEX is a non-profit that advances and defends human rights and freedoms in the digital sphere across West Asia and North Africa. SMEX advocates for people in the WANA and the diaspora to be able to access and engage with the internet, mobile services, and other networked spaces safely and without fear of censorship, surveillance, or repercussion. Our teams fulfill this vision through reporting, research, policy analysis, campaigns, and various projects. SMEX is primarily concerned with the impact of technology on human rights, recognizing that digital rights are human rights.

Our vision is for everyone across the Arab region to be able to access the internet, mobile services, and other networked spaces in order to communicate and express themselves safely and without fear of censorship, surveillance, or repercussion.

Our mission is to advance digital rights in the Arab region through research, campaigns, and advocacy that encourages users to engage critically with digital technologies, media, and networks.

We believe in the transformative power of access to information and self-expression, both online and offline. We assert that these rights are essential to peaceful, dynamic, and prosperous societies.

Internship Overview
We are excited to invite a motivated and passionate individual to join our team as a Digital Rights Advocate. The selected intern will work closely with our teams on various projects related to digital rights in the SWANA region (Southwest Asia and North Africa). This internship provides an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in the field of human rights advocacy, with a specific focus on digital rights.

Responsibilities

• Support the team working on the Cyrilla database by analyzing and logging cases and legislation related to digital rights in the SWANA region.
• Attend, contribute to, and follow up on the Arab Alliance for Digital Rights’ meetings and campaigns.
• Contribute to the  Research and Policy units’ work on surveillance technology, content moderation and regulation, and online gender-based discrimination.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in English and Arabic.
• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Political Science, or any related field.
• Familiarity with SMEX’s core work and a shared commitment to human rights values, including privacy, users’ rights, digital surveillance, data protection, freedom of expression, accessibility, and open culture.
• Knowledge of digital rights in the WANA Region.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Effective time management and planning skills.
• Personal characteristics
• Passionate about protecting and promoting human rights, including privacy, freedom of expression, accessibility, and open culture.
• Proactive, innovative, and willing to take initiative.
• Dedicated to a detail-oriented approach and thoroughness in managing digital safety initiatives.
• An active and empathetic listener.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Efficient time and resource allocation to meet project deadlines.

What will you gain from this internship?

• Broadened professional network with human rights defenders from across the region
• In-depth knowledge about content moderation on social media platforms
• Proficiency in digital rights legislation in the region
• Essential advocacy skills
• Working in a dynamic, diverse team

Additional Information

Duty Station:                      Beirut, Lebanon
Office Presence:                Hybrid/remote      
Employment Status:         Internship  
Reporting Line:                  Research Coordinator

Application 

To apply for this internship, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in this form.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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