Freelance Policy Consultant (Freedom of Expression)
Job Title: Freelance Policy Consultant (Freedom of Expression)
Salary: Salary dependent on experience (Max £350 per day)
Duration: 6 months (with the potential for extension)
Location: Nationwide (Remote)
Closing date Tuesday 30 November 2021
Role
The Freelance Policy Consultant (Freedom of Expression) will work as part of ORG’s policy team, making contributions to the policy portfolio alongside the Legal and Policy Officer, and reporting directly to the Executive Director. They will participate in our UK-wide strategy with a particular focus on combatting state intrusion of speech regulation. They will build relationships with policy makers, contribute to impactful campaigns that create change, help with drafting responses to consultations, organise external engagement events such as policy roundtables, and monitor legislative developments.
The ideal candidate would be committed to contributing core work in freedom of expression and privacy online, especially relating to the Online Safety Bill. These issues include digital identity, hate speech laws, defamation, police use of technology, data protection, encryption and the effectiveness of the UK’s data protection regulator. The candidate will be able to show a relevant background in those core areas.
Research
- Conduct research in relevant policy areas.
- Monitor the policy landscape against strategic aims and identify areas to contribute and respond to in line with ORG’s strategy.
Engagement
- Organise policy roundtables on relevant areas of work.
- Liaise with members of Parliament and their staff on relevant policy initiatives.
- Assist the Executive Director in preparing for evidence sessions at relevant parliamentary committees and Government groups that ORG is a part of.
- Contribute to civil society initiatives.
Campaigns
- Help with implementing campaigns alongside Campaigns Manager overseen and supported by Executive Director and COO.
Communications and Outputs
- Assist in developing public-facing documents on policy areas such as responding to consultations, reports, and preparation for evidence sessions at Parliament.
- Contribute to ORG’s website with blog posts summarising policy submissions and producing campaign materials.
Organisational Growth
- Contribute to development of fundraising opportunities and support the delivery of grant projects.
Personal specification
| CRITERIA | ESSENTIAL | DESIRABLE |
|---|---|---|
| Degree in relevant discipline (Politics, Human Rights Law) | X | |
| Knowledge of digital rights or relevant experience in digital policy | X | |
| Familiarity with international and domestic policy matters relating digital and human rights | X | |
| Research skills | X | |
| Policy analysis skills | X | |
| Data protection experience | X | |
| Event organising skills | X | |
| Ability to speak publicly, including with the media and at conferences and meetings | X | |
| A high degree of self-motivation | X | |
| An interest in and aptitude for political and parliamentary engagement | X | |
| Excellent written and oral communication skills | X |
How To Apply
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter (no longer than 2 sides of A4), setting out how you are suited to the role by emailing recruitment@openrightsgroup.org by 30 November 2021. Please ensure your email has the subject heading ‘Freelance Policy Consultant (Freedom of Expression)’, and that all attachments are sent in PDF format.
Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held online
ORG is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that a diverse and inclusive team working in a supportive environment is vital to the success of our work. We particularly welcome applications from women, disabled, and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates, and from LGB, Trans and non binary candidates.