Internews’ Global Technology team and the Global Network Initiative (GNI) warmly welcome applications for the next one-year GNI-Internews Fellowship Program, which seeks to further online freedom of expression and privacy around the world by facilitating collaboration and conversation among diverse stakeholders.

Three to six one-year fellowship grants of $10,000 USD to $20,000 USD will be awarded to organizations based in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Fellowships include funding to participate in four GNI board meetings and networking events, and engage in GNI activities, including but not limited to: participation in policy and learning calls on digital rights issues; development of policy analysis papers; and attendance at regional multi-stakeholder meetings.

Fellows will engage directly with a wide variety of information and communications technology (ICT) company representatives within GNI’s unique multi-stakeholder platform. By participating in this fellowship, organizations will gain insight into company decision-making, build relationships with company representatives and other GNI members, gain knowledge through members-only meetings and discussions, and have the opportunity to contribute their expertise to GNI’s unique global multi-stakeholder forum.

Applications should be submitted by an individual who would participate in the fellowship on behalf of that individual’s organization. The deadline for applications is 5pm EST on October 10, 2019.

Required Qualifications

We welcome applications from established organizations as well as newcomers to the digital rights space. To be considered, applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Based in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, or Latin America and the Caribbean
• Demonstrated experience or interest and aptitude for working on freedom of expression and privacy issues in the ICT sector
• Able to attend three in-person meetings and one remote (call-in) event, as well as preparation calls.
• Willing to designate one member of the applying organization to be the main point of contact for this fellowship.

Recommended Qualifications

In addition to the aforementioned required qualifications, applicants with the following experience should strongly consider applying:

• Prior engagement with one or more of GNI’s four policy priorities:
  • Network Disruptions
  • Intermediary Liability
  • Surveillance
  • Jurisdictional Assertions and Limits

About the Global Network Initiative

The Global Network Initiative protects and advances freedom of expression and privacy in the ICT sector. Based on the guiding framework of the GNI Principles on Freedom of Expression and Privacy, GNI sets a standard for corporate accountability vis-à-vis government demands in the ICT sector and evaluates company members on their good-faith implementation of these principles. Additionally, GNI’s global multi-stakeholder membership — including ICT companies, human rights and press freedom organizations, academia, and investors — conducts collaborative policy advocacy to pursue rights-respecting internet policies from governments around the world.

About This Project

The Enhancing Multistakeholder Collaboration on Internet Freedom (EMCIF) project aims to promote internet freedom by establishing robust connections between civil society organizations and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies. The goal is to enhance civil society’s ability to advocate directly with large tech companies in order to improve those companies’ policies. The project builds upon the Global Network Initiative’s (GNI) multi-stakeholder model and convening structures to foster collaborative advocacy between companies and CSOs in support of laws and policies that protect and enhance freedom of expression and privacy.

Note

These fellowships are provided through a United States of America Department of State award and will be administered in accordance with the terms and conditions established by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.

Application information

Please submit your application by 5pm EST on Thursday, October 10, 2019. Applications must be submitted through the application Google Form.

Have any additional questions?

Send them to: Brittany Piovesan, Senior Program Officer for Global Technology Programs at Internews