Research Officer - Privacy International | United Kingdom

Are you looking to join a small charity that punches above its weight in holding governments and corporations to account? We are seeking creative and passionate people who are keen to work on meaningful projects at the cutting edge of human rights and technology.

The role of the Research Officer is to support the Head of International Advocacy in facilitating PI's network of 19 partner organisations across Asia, Africa and Latin America. S/he will be responsible for conducting research on relevant issues, producing submissions and advocacy materials, and administering grants. S/he will work closely with PI's Research and Legal Officers and with the Communications Manager to raise the profile of privacy issues in the developing world.  The ideal candidate will be well-versed in privacy issues, familiar with the development sector and human rights mechanisms, and willing to represent PI in conferences and fora. The role will involve some travel, particularly to Africa, Asia and Latin America.

The successful candidate will be joining a small team of staff at one of the world’s leading privacy organizations. Privacy International was founded in 1990 and has active associates and networks in 47 countries. Our mission is to defend the right to privacy across the world, and to fight unlawful surveillance and other intrusions into private life by governments and corporations.

Please note that this position is for an initial one-year period, to be extended if deemed to be in the best interests of PI and if funding permits. The successful candidate will be based full-time in our London office.

Remuneration: £33,000 per annum.

Roles and Responsibilities:

1.     Project implementation

• Support the implementation and evaluation of the Privacy in the Developing World programme, including by collaborating with the Head of International Advocacy to liaise with partners about the progress of the project, administering grant payments, coordinating reporting 
• Facilitate partners' engagement with the UN Universal Periodic Review process, including by drafting stakeholder reports and working with partners throughout the process;
• Support advocacy and policy engagement with regional and international human rights fora, including the UN Human Rights Council, the Commonwealth, and the European Court of Human Rights.

2.     Research

• Contribute to policy briefings and research papers relevant to developing countries issues to support PI's partners in their research and advocacy;
• Contribute to PI's global research programme on privacy and surveillance laws worldwide;
• Work with the Head of International Advocacy on other research projects, including those related to the development sector;
• Support legal interventions and assist in drafting amicus briefs;

3. Outreach

• Work closely with the Head of International Advocacy and the Communications Manager to develop engagement strategy for human rights mechanisms and fora;
• Motivate and support the external communication of the Privacy in the Developing World programme.
• Participate in relevant conferences, meetings, fundraising events, press conferences, and media interviews. 

4.     Administration

•  Keep, collate and maintain detailed records of how time is spent.
•  Contribute material to any applications or reports for project-specific funding, in collaboration with the Fundraising Manager and/or Head of International Advocacy.

Person specification:

Essential

• Demonstrable knowledge of, and interest in, a wide range of privacy law and data protection issues.
• Extensive experience in the human rights or development sectors.
• Understanding of issues related to the intersection of technology and human rights
• Exceptional communications and presentation skills, both written and oral.
• Strong multitasking abilities and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Enthusiasm for development work and foreign travel, and willingness to travel frequently, including to medium-risk/high-risk environments on occasion. 
• Experience of working with and in small teams.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to get on with a wide range of people.
• Experience of writing briefing papers and reports on complex issues.
• Experience of organising events and/or workshops.

Desirable

• Fluency in Spanish would be highly desirable.
• Post-graduate degree related to law or human rights.
• Proactive and self-motivated individual capable of engaging persuasively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Familiarity with the development sector.
• Experience of giving presentations and delivering lectures to large audiences.
• Track record of initiating, developing and managing both stakeholder relationships.

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter (not more than five sides of A4 combined) to info@privacy.org by6pm on Tuesday 7 May 2013. Interviews will be held in Central London on 13 and 14 May 2013. We are able to arrange video conference interviews with overseas candidates.