Digital Security Expert (Africa focus)

ABOUT IREX 

IREX is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to building a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world by empowering youth, cultivating leaders, strengthening institutions, and extending access to quality education and information. 

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Digital Security Expert, under the supervision of the Regional Manager and Project Director, will be hired to provide contextualized digital safety and risk management support and training to journalists and other media practitioners. 

Please note this position is a consultancy-based job with a timeline depending on the needs of the project and funding. 

IREX will prioritize local nationals based in Africa with experience of working in the region and continent on digital safety or holistic safety issues. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Provide technical emergency assistance focused on digital security to journalists, media practitioners and organizations;  

• Provide risk assessment and mitigation planning to at-risk individuals and organizations;  

• Deliver trainings promoting digital safety to journalists including risk assessment and management, information management and communication strategies. 

• Support ongoing monitoring and evaluation of trainings and other support activities in projects to address any deficiencies and identify trainings and resources to be added;  

• Coordinate with the Center Management and MEL Coordinators on needs assessment and risk assessment work prior to activities as needed;    

• Review and help develop and/or contextualize digital safety training material.  

• Coordinate with the Center Management and MEL Coordinators on digital support follow-ups with participants as needed;    

• Monitor updates related to new digital security tools and digital threats affecting media practitioners and human rights defenders;  

• Create and contextualize digital security lessons, content, and toolkits;  

• Ensure integrated approach to safety in work with participants through close coordination with other domain experts, as well as other program staff and consultants; 

• Deliver contextualized lessons/assistance in digital safety and risk management that reflect an integrated safety framework; 

• Build capacity and train others on becoming digital safety experts and provide mentorship after the trainings;  

• Coordinate with the Manager on digital and holistic risk-mitigation strategies and participant follow-up on an as needed basis; 

• As needed assist with ensuring digital safety of project participants, staff, activities, and assets;  

• As needed support participants and the project in creating and maintaining Standard Operating procedures (SOPs);  

• Support the program on its gender and social inclusion initiatives;  

• Report on activities as required;  

• Participate in skill share with team and peers; 

• Participate in meetings and/or calls with team; and 

• Other duties as assigned by Manager and/or Program Director. 

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE  

Please upload a file that includes a resume and a cover letter that includes your daily rate requirements.  

• Bachelor’s degree in System Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Engineering or any related field.  

• Minimum 5 years of experience providing Digital Security and Risk Management support including but not limited to topics such as risk assessment and management, information management and communication strategies.  

• Demonstrated expertise in conducting risk assessments, leading risk management processes, and developing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures for individuals and organizations (preferably from a holistic perspective);  

• Demonstrated experience training and mentoring at risk individuals or organizations on digital security; Experience in conducting ToTs is a plus;  

• Demonstrated understanding of adult learning techniques; knowledge and use of interactive methods in training individuals on technical topics;  

• Experience in training and working in coordination with other experts and coordinating content and methodology;  

• Must be open to learning and adapting training and support material for a holistic approach as well as piloting new adult learning techniques as needed;  

• In-depth knowledge of the journalism sector and safety needs of journalists and media practitioners;  

• Experience working in high-risk environments or emergency situations or experience providing digital security support to at risk individuals and organizations with urgent needs;   

• Excellent management, communication, and interpersonal skills;   

• Experience working in global settings and across various cultures;  

• Demonstrated ability to communicate professionally and provide written reporting in English;  

• Proficiency in regional languages is highly preferred (e.g. Hausa, Yoruba, Lingala, Swahili, Amharic or Somali).  

• In-depth knowledge of journalism sector as well as operating environment and media landscape in Africa;  

• Awareness of gender equality and social inclusion approaches.  

• Valid passport and travel permission required, for potential international travel; and 

• Ability to work under minimal supervision and adapt to new program activity requirements;  

• Experience of working constructively as part of a team in person and online. 

IREX may at its discretion ask for additional information, including references. Issuing this call does not commit IREX to select any applicant/expert. IREX might select more than one candidate from this call. IREX reserves the right, based on availability of funding and consultant(s) performance, to enter into subsequent contractual agreements with the winning vendor(s) for a period of up to three years without issuing a new call for applications.   

IREX conducts anti- terrorism database clearances on candidates who accept employment offers.  IREX is also an E-Verify Employer. 

IREX is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and inclusive hiring practice. IREX is an equal opportunity employer. 

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE 

AA/EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled