Tech Policy Intern

Deadline: Rolling application

About Tech Policy at Access

The Access Tech Policy team provides data-driven analysis, preventative advice, and digital security tools for activists and civil society in circumstances where communications are not open, free, and safe. Through a detailed understanding of the landscape of threats facing human rights defenders and the capabilities and limits of existing privacy and anonymity tools, we aim to effect positive systemic change to extend the enjoyment of digital rights of users at risk around the world.

The Tech Policy team creates web-based digital security education and risk assessment materials, manages the Tech Innovation Prize for secure communications tools, and researches and writes on the digital security issues facing civil society as part of the Global Civil Society at Risk series.

About the Internship

Tech Policy interns will work with the Technology Director, Manager of Tech Policy & Programs, and other members of the Access team to analyze and mitigate current and emerging threats to digital rights. Tech Policy interns will participate as full members of the Tech and Policy teams, including researching cutting-edge privacy and anonymity tools, building threat modelling and risk assessment frameworks for human rights defenders, compiling and analyzing data on attacks on civil society, outreach and coordination of tech innovation awards, writing reports, blogging, providing technical advice, and participating in the development and execution of Access’ signature initiatives.

Particularly talented and committed tech policy interns may be extended an invitation to join the Access Tech Policy Fellowship Program, where they will further have the opportunity to conduct substantive research in an area of their choice that falls under the purview of Access’ organizational mission.

Qualifications

Successful applicants will be bright, highly motivated individuals with strong academic records and an interest and aptitude for human rights, information security, and communications. Tech policy interns will be actively involved in building and sharing Access’ capabilities and knowledge, and as such must be self-starters with proven research and analytical skills, the ability to communicate digital security concepts, the capacity to multitask in a fast-paced environment, and a passion to use technology to secure and extend human rights wherever those rights are at risk. A fluency in a foreign language is a plus, but not required of this position.

While it is preferable that interns be located in New York City for the duration of their internship, since most of Access’ work is conducted digitally, applicants will be considered from locations worldwide. The start and end dates of this internship are negotiable.

Time Commitment

• One full academic term (usually 3 to 4 months)
• 15-20 hours per week (more if desirable; negotiable depending on specific circumstances of candidate)

Application Requirements

• To apply, send a copy of your CV, a cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications for the position, and two references (only one may be academic) to jobs@accessnow.org.
• Please place “Tech Policy Intern – [Your Name]” as the subject line.