ARTICLE 19’s Team Digital is looking for public interest advocates to join the 2022-2023 Internet of Rights (IoR) Fellowship as part of the individual fellows cohort.

About ARTICLE 19 Internet of Rights Fellowship

Since 2014, ARTICLE 19 (A19) has been a pioneer in introducing and strengthening human rights considerations in the design, development, and deployment of Internet infrastructure by participating in global Internet governance bodies where technical standards and policy development happens.

In doing so, A19 has carved out pathways for civil society engagement in these bodies; however, there remains the need for greater, more diverse, and more sustainable civil society participation.

In its sixth year, the IoR Fellowship will equip a diverse community of advocates working on behalf of civil society with the tools they need to carry out long-term engagement to set the technical policies and standards that define the global Internet.

The general goals of the IoR Fellowship are:

  • o protect and promote freedom of expression, freedom of association, privacy, and other human rights in key Internet technical standards and policy bodies.
  • To bridge the knowledge gap in these bodies regarding human rights and their relevance to Internet infrastructure.
  • To support sustained and effective participation of civil society advocates in Internet technical standards and policy bodies.
  • To support and champion the consideration of underrepresented people and communities in decision-making processes within these bodies.

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The Fellowship runs for 12 months, beginning on April 1, 2022. During this year, each fellow will work closely with their mentor—a designated member of A19’s Team Digital. All fellows follow one of three tracks: Censorship, Connectivity, or Datafication.

Fellowship Tracks

This year, A19 is soliciting applications for the following tracks:

  • Censorship
  • Connectivity
  • Datafication

Skills Required

They are looking for the following qualities in our fellows:

  • Technical competence. While this may include knowledge of and experience in computer networking and protocols, systems design, and architecture, it is not necessary. They are looking for candidates who are capable of digesting complex or difficult concepts in technical policies or standards and explaining them to a wider audience.
  • Some prior experience of participating in Internet governance bodies, and/or in-depth knowledge of the Internet governance processes and, where possible, specific standards or protocols that are relevant to the applicant’s workplan proposal.
  • Strong research, writing, and speaking skills in English. The program will be conducted entirely in English.
  • A clear commitment to protecting and promoting human rights and Internet freedom.

How to Apply?

To apply, please submit the following materials as a single .zip file to [email protected] by Wednesday, March 2:

  • Curriculum vitae (CV)
  • A statement of interest, indicating the following:
    • How you intend to meet the goals of the Fellowship.
    • A proposed 12-month workplan, including your key deliverables/outputs. (If you are selected, you will have the opportunity to revise this workplan; it is only requested at this stage to demonstrate your knowledge of the track you are applying for, internet governance, and human rights.)
    • How you expect that these deliverables/outputs will create impact, in line with the goals of the fellowship and your selected track.
    • How you expect that your project will help you sustain your participation in Internet governance beyond the life of the Fellowship.
  • Contact information for two references.

Successful applicants will be invited to interview with A19 staff in March.

Applicants from the global south, women, and other individuals that identify as part of underrepresented groups in Internet governance are especially encouraged to apply.

Application Deadline

  • March 2, 2022

Click here to view the official notification for the ARTICLE 19 Internet of Rights Fellowship 2022-23.

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