Policy Analyst (East Asia)

The Organization and Role

About Access Now 

Access Now is a growing international human rights organization dedicated to defending and extending the digital rights of users at risk around the world, including issues of privacy, security, freedom of expression, and transparency. Our policy, advocacy, technology, and operations teams have staff presences in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East/North Africa (MENA), North America, and South/Southeast Asia, to provide global support to our mission. 

About this role 

The Policy Analyst (East Asia) is deeply involved in aspects of the organization that pertain to Access Now’s policy initiatives in the East Asian Region (including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, as well as South Korea, Japan, and Mongolia). The Policy Analyst works closely with policy analysts/counsels and campaigners within the Asia Pacific team; with regional leaders; and colleagues from around the world to foster international dialogue, and ensure that domestic and regional legislation and policies in East Asia respect and extend human rights in the digital age.

The Policy Analyst works closely with the Organization’s various Advocacy teams. The role may be filled as Policy Analyst, or as Policy Counsel, differentiated by regional and/or preparatory distinctions. This role sits within the Advocacy Arm, on the Policy and International Programs Team, and reports through the Regional Policy and Advocacy Director. We are keen on an individual with experience engaging on digital rights issues and the wider technology sector in East Asia, helping advance an expanded footprint for the organization to advance our mission in the region.

What you will do

• Follow regional developments on areas of importance to human rights in the digital age, which can include business & human rights, content regulation and disinformation, cybersecurity, government surveillance, accountability of online platforms and more, depending on prioritisation and planning
• Advise and develop with the Asia Pacific policy and advocacy director a regional strategy on East Asia with the Asia Pacific policy and advocacy director that identifies key priority themes and advocacy avenues for the organization
• Craft data and evidence-based research on with legal and policy analysis; and develop policy recommendations and strategies on issues relating but not limited to the above thematic priorities
• Craft data and evidence based research with legal, policy, and legislative analysis; and develop policy recommendations and strategies on the above policy areas
• Write policy briefs, blog posts, public comments, reports and other pertinent documents in support of lobbying and advocacy efforts
• Monitor and document relevant digital rights issues in the region, monitoring the release of academic publications and summarizing relevant findings to inform our work
• Support and identify opportunities for collaboration with partners, policymakers, and stakeholders in a country/region to advance regional community objectives on digital rights
• Coordinate and assist with multi stakeholder engagement and public events and before regional policy and governance institutions
• Represent Access Now at events, in coalitions, and on partner organizations’ advisory councils
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop innovative and effective regional advocacy approaches to advance digital rights in the region, including campaigns and media relations
• Collaborate with campaigners on development of materials, and execute comprehensive, substance-driven campaigns. Research fundraising and partnership opportunities, including innovative collaboration
• Work closely with colleagues to map strategic growth and opportunities for deepening our work in support of communities at serious risk throughout the region, and in response to regional developments that impact the global digital rights landscape
• Coordinate work with colleagues across the organization, setting clear advocacy plans and priorities, monitoring progress, and proactively communicating as conditions change
• Support our work in the context of RightsCon, our global summit on human rights in the digital age, to engage our broad community and identify new partners
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills, education, and mindset you will bring

• 3-5 years of experience working on technology policy and law, digital security and activism, or international affairs in the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on East Asia —- particularly Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Additional expertise on South Korea and Japan is desirable, though not necessary. Previous work experience on matters arising from elsewhere in the Asia Pacific region or global digital policy issues is a plus, but not required.
• Solid understanding of the functioning and internal processes of regional and state regulatory and legislative institutions and mechanisms in East Asia
• Ability to bridge the gap between policy and technology (technical background a plus)
• Excellent communication skills and proven ability to produce well-written policy papers and communications material
• Experience engaging and supporting diverse communities including women, LGBTQI or queer communities
• Global perspective and ability to participate in a team with people from around the world. Previous experience engaging with technology firms and other tech sector actors from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan is strongly preferred. Previous study experience in the region, including South Korea and Japan, is also a plus.
• Strong organisational skills, and ability to meet and prioritise multiple deadlines in a complex and fluid environment
• Ability to work remotely, with experience in securely communicating with and supporting stakeholders on the ground within a high-risk security context
• Thorough understanding of the digital debates of our time and the challenges that new technologies pose to the respect and enjoyment of human rights
• Experience working in civil society, public sector, and/or a regulatory environment preferred
• Fluency in English and Mandarin required; fluency in another East Asian language (including Cantonese, Korean, Japanese) is a plus
• Appropriate education and work preparation for the role, with preference for a bachelor or master degree equivalent in law, political science, international relations or public policy preferred

The Details

Location

This is a full-time position. While preference is for applicants located in East Asia, applications from across Asia will be equally considered. The successful candidate must possess the right to work in the location in which they will be based. At this time most Access Now Team Members are working through hybrid office arrangements, combining remote at-home work with intermittent use of offices and/or co-working spaces. 

Remuneration

Access Now offers competitive compensation and benefits packages that align competitively with locations and regions around the world. Location-specific examples of initial placement within the salary range for this role include:

• $8,000 SGD gross monthly (Singapore)
• ฿97,500 THB gross monthly (Thailand)

Benefits for this specific role are tied to the location, and will vary. Regardless of location, all Team Members benefit from a strong global culture aligned around:

• Work-life balance...including a generous paid time-off program between 36 and 40 days annually
• Access to supplemental health care insurance policies
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• Extensive workplace flexibility
• Organizational resilience and support for all team members, including paid family leave and employee assistance programs 
• Connection to a diverse, global team of passionate, principled professionals
• Opportunities to recharge (including one month of paid refresher leave after 4 years)

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

• Résumé/CV (removing all personally identifying information such as age, gender, marital status, address, and photo)
• Thoughtful cover letter outlining your suitability for our role, with particular attention to your experience aligning to the core functions

Our hiring teams review applications submitted through our Career Openings page; email submissions are not accepted. Please note that if you are applying via a link in a 3rd party system (examples: Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Snaphunt, Zip Recruiter), be sure that you are going through the application link in BambooHR so that you are properly uploading a distinct Cover Letter and a separate CV/Resume.

In order for us to communicate with you on the status of your application, please add apps.bamboohr.com to your contacts list, and check spam or junk folders so that you do not miss updates from us.

We are a global human rights organization committed to inclusivity and equity, and seek the most talented team members who bring their true selves, with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences. We are interested in receiving applications from people who consider themselves as under-represented in their talent communities. As an equal opportunity employer, we value and encourage diversity and consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status. Our commitment applies with regard to all aspects of one’s employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits, and termination. 

Published 2023-01-13