Job title: Disinformation Specialist: LGBTQIA+
Location: Middle East and North Africa (MENA)/ Remote
Contract Duration: 12 months (With possibility of extension)

Deadline: November 22 2024 (Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply soon)

SUMMARY:

The Disinformation Specialist will lead the project strategy and plans to equip journalists and LGBTQI+ Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with strategies, skills, and knowledge to counter LGBTQI+ online disinformation and hate speech through devising effective strategies for content production that is based on evidence generated through project research activities and existing and evolving trends.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Monitoring and Research Oversight:

• Work with the project research team to conduct and oversee comprehensive research on LGBTQI+ disinformation and online hate speech.
• Identifying trends, patterns, actors and key areas of concern and advise project stakeholders including the Chief of Party, Heads of CSOs and media partners on response strategies and tactics.

2. Capacity Assessment:

• Engage with project stakeholders to assess their existing capacities and needs to counter disinformation and produce evidence-based content.
• Mentor project partners to address capacity development needs and provide strategic advice on how to tailor these activities to support the project mission

3. Curriculum Design and Training:

• Design and develop a training curriculum that addresses the identified areas of concern and equips participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to counter LGBTQI+ disinformation and hate speech.
• Evaluate training activities and make recommendations for further capacity development

4. Coaching and mentoring:

• Support project partners to plan and produce content to counter disinformation in line with project priorities and the outcome of research activities.

• Assess progress and results in cooperation with other team members and contribute to reporting.

  5. Strategic Support:

• Assist participants in developing strategic content production plans. This includes providing guidance on best practices, potential pitfalls, and effective strategies.

• Identify areas of potential collaboration and promote intra-project collaboration amongst various stakeholders.

6. Subject Matter Expertise:

• Act as a subject matter expert on issues related to gender and LGBTQI+ disinformation. This includes advising the Chief of Party and other stakeholders on these issues

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE:

1. Understanding of LGBTQI+ and Gender Issues:

• LGBTQI+ Advocacy and Rights: Deep knowledge of issues affecting LGBTQI+ communities, including laws, policies, and social challenges related to gender identity, sexual orientation, and gender expression;
• Gender Studies Expertise: Solid understanding of gender dynamics, gender equality, and the role gender plays in society;
• Intersectionality Awareness: Familiarity with how gender and LGBTQI+ issues intersect with race, class, disability, and other identities.

2. Digital Literacy and Social Media Proficiency:

• Social Media Monitoring: Ability to monitor online platforms, social media, and other digital spaces for disinformation trends targeting LGBTQI+ communities;
• Platform Familiarity: Proficiency with popular social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram,TikTok, Reddit, etc., and their role in spreading disinformation;
• Content Analysis Tools: Familiarity with tools that track disinformation, such as keyword analysis, trend mapping, bot detection, and network analysis software (e.g., NodeXL, Maltego).

3. Research and Analytical Skills:

• Disinformation Monitoring and Analysis: Ability to identify, track, and analyze disinformation
  narratives, including the tactics and strategies used by malicious actors (e.g., trolls, bots, state sponsored campaigns). Knowledge of disinformation tracking and analysis platforms and experience setting up information monitoring systems;
• Qualitative and Quantitative Research: Experience in conducting research through interviews, surveys, and analysis of large datasets related to disinformation trends;
• Media Literacy and Critical Thinking: Ability to critically evaluate media sources and analyze the
  reliability of content, as well as an understanding of how media shapes public opinion on LGBTQI+ and gender issues.

4. Policy and Legal Knowledge:

• Cybersecurity and Digital Rights: Familiarity with laws and regulations regarding online disinformation, hate speech, and the protection of marginalized groups from targeted online attacks;
• Human Rights Law: Knowledge of international and national human rights frameworks that protect the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals and gender equality.

5. Communication and Advocacy Skills:

• Stakeholder Engagement: Skills in working with a range of stakeholders, including governments,
  international organizations, civil society, and LGBTQI+ groups, to address and combat disinformation.

6. Cultural and Political Awareness:

• Contextual Knowledge: A strong understanding of the political, cultural, and social contexts in which LGBTQI+ disinformation occurs, particularly in regions where LGBTQI+ rights are under threat or gender based violence is common;
• Geopolitical Sensitivity: Awareness of how geopolitical actors, including states, use disinformation to manipulate public opinion around gender and LGBTQI+ rights, often as part of broader political or cultural wars;
• Cultural Sensitivity: Ability to work in a multicultural environment, multi countries and diverse
  communities including disadvantaged groups. Awareness of the LGBTQI+ intra-community contours and dynamics.

7. Collaboration and Teamwork:

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Comfort working with teams across different fields, including
  cybersecurity, journalism, law, and LGBTQI+ advocacy groups;
• Capacity Building: Ability to train and empower communities, activists, and organizations to identify and counter disinformation related to gender and LGBTQI+ issues.

8. Training and Mentoring:

• Capacity assessment: Experience in conducting capacity assessment and producing development plans for advocacy and media groups;
• Training and Curriculum Design: Experience designing and delivering training sessions and workshops to diverse audiences including activists and journalists;
• Mentoring and Coaching: Experience mentoring professional journalists and human right defenders in the field of countering disinformation.

9. Reporting:

• Experience in monitoring and tracking project streams and producing progress reports that focus on results and impact against agreed plans and targets.

QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in media, or a related field preferred.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of experience in LGBTQI+ Advocacy Work: Prior experience working with LGBTQI+
  organizations, community-based initiatives, or activism on gender issues;
• Policy and Research Roles: Experience in research, particularly in fields like disinformation,
  cybersecurity, or gender studies;
• Media or Communications Roles: Experience working in journalism, social media management,
  or communications, especially in campaigns related to gender or LGBTQI+ advocacy.

Skills:

• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey messages;
• Empathy: Understanding the unique challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals and the ability to
  communicate with sensitivity and care;
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust strategies and messaging based on current events, feedback,
  or shifts in the digital landscape;
• Knowledge and experience in graphic design and multimedia software.

Languages:

• Fluent in Arabic and English;
• Fluency in French is a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Work Environment:

• This position may require occasional regional and international travel.
• Flexibility to work outside regular business hours as needed.

Benefits:

• We offer social insurance, health insurance, paid annual leave, sick leave and public holiday
  leaves.
• Benefits will be determined based on the location of the candidate.

Only those who have been selected for interviews will be contacted.