IREX is hiring a
Digital Security Expert

Summary

Join us as a Digital Security Expert to provide contextualized digital safety and risk management support and training to journalists and other media practitioners.

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
• 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

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