Tech Against Terrorism is an initiative launched and supported by the United Nations Counter Terrorism Executive Directorate (UN CTED). We support the global tech sector in responding to terrorist use of the internet whilst respecting human rights, with an explicit focus on smaller tech platforms. We work with a range of cross-sector stakeholders such as the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism, civil society, and inter-governmental agencies such as the OSCE, Interpol, and UNODC. 

About the role:

We are looking for a Research Assistant (three-month contract) to help the organisation's work. This role will give you an opportunity to research a wide variety of topics such as technology, tech policy, terrorism, human rights, and international law. You will work under the supervision of our research manager and director. The role is well-suited for recent or current Master’s degree students from programmes in Counter Terrorism, Security, and International Politics looking for early career experience.

Responsibilities:

In this role you will help develop practical tools for tech companies to help increase their capacity to respond to terrorist use of their platforms. Other tasks may also be required.

Specific tasks may include:

• Researching tech companies Terms of Service and transparency reports
• Analysing international terrorist designation lists
• Analysing terrorist content
• Producing written products for internal and external use
• Supporting the organisation of events and workshops

Essential

• Strong research skills and an ability to identify key pieces of information in large amounts of material
• Demonstrated subject matter knowledge of jihadist terrorism, extreme right wing terrorism and/or other forms of terrorism
• Demonstrated interest in terrorist use of the internet and human rights
• Exceptional time management, organisational skills, and attention to detail
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to quickly take direction and to work independently with limited supervision

Desirable

• Demonstrated knowledge of terrorist use of the internet
• Understanding of the policy debate around terrorist use of the internet and human rights
• Ability to conduct research in a foreign language (especially Arabic, Russian)
• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject