Research Associate For Europe And Eurasia

ABOUT FREEDOM HOUSE

Established more than 80 years ago on the core conviction that freedom flourishes in democratic nations where governments are accountable to their people, Freedom House is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to defend and expand freedom globally to help secure a world where all are free. Around the world, repressive regimes are preventing billions of people from exercising their fundamental rights. We identify and analyze threats to freedom, mobilize decision makers to respond to those threats and seize opportunities for progress, and support activists and organizations working to defend and expand freedom. We are dedicated to ensuring that the United States serves as a positive model of democratic practice at home and a consistent champion of freedom globally. By gathering authoritative data and leveraging our global networks, Freedom House is an unwavering beacon in protecting human rights and promoting democratic governance.

Our Research and Analysis division produces cutting-edge reports on topics such as the state of democratic institutions, media and internet freedom, and key tactics employed by authoritarian governments at home and abroad. Freedom House’s research has been featured in hundreds of media outlets and dozens of languages, reaching millions of readers and informing news coverage, public debate, and policymaking in countries around the world.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Research Associate will join a supportive and dynamic team working to assess and support democracy and human rights around the world. This position will work across the Research team, and in collaboration with external experts, to identify global and regional trends, collect and analyze data, assist with project management, and carry out other logistical tasks. The candidate will play a key role in Nations in Transit. Freedom in the World, as well as other research projects with a focus on Central-Eastern Europe and Eurasia.

This is an ideal opportunity for an early career professional seeking to further their understanding of human rights and democratization. The role requires intellectual curiosity, strong organizational skills, exceptional written and oral communication, a commitment to the organization’s mission, and regional knowledge of Central-Eastern Europe and Eurasia. This position is based in New York City or Washington, DC.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND EXPECTATIONS

• Contribute research and analysis to Nations in Transit, Freedom in the World, and other publications
• Perform other related duties, as assigned
• Perform substantive fact-checking and editing of country reports, many of which are authored by non-native English speakers; in the process of editing, supplement the reports with own desk research
• Prepare travel and event logistics for in-person meetings, and where funding permits travel internationally to coordinate meetings and attend relevant conferences to represent Freedom House research
• Assist with the development and tracking of a network of regional and thematic experts to serve as new contributors, and act as a primary point of contact with external consultants based around the world
• Help to manage data in Excel and perform analysis as needed
• Strengthen regional and thematic expertise within Freedom House and provide substantive input during internal and external meetings
• Process and ensure consultant contracts, payment requests, business expense reports, and other financial documents are in line with Freedom House requirements
• Assist team members with project management tasks, including designing project plans, setting timelines, and evaluating project progress and processes
• Assist in the collection of qualitative and quantitative data to answer specific thematic research questions (extensive statistical knowledge is not required)
• Prepare charts, graphics, and other support materials for publication
• Provide support to other projects produced by the Research and Analysis division, as assigned
• Assist with funding proposals, donor reports, and monitoring and evaluation of project’s impact

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Candidates with a master’s degree but fewer than 2 years of directly related work experience will also be considered.
• Bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, human rights, international law, media/journalism, public policy, or related field, plus a minimum of two years of directly related work experience.
• Candidates without a bachelor’s degree but with equivalent training/experience, relevant experience, and a passion for democracy work are also encouraged to apply.

Experience and Technical Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated interest in democracy studies, including issues such as, but not limited to, causes of democratic decline, authoritarianism, threats to freedom of expression, and defending civic spaces
• Experience coordinating multiple tasks on a 3-12 month timeline
• Some experience using quantitative and qualitative data, including to manage complex Excel databases and to create infographics and other communication materials for publication
• A desire to develop into an internally and externally recognized expert on issues related to democracy and human rights
• Outstanding English writing and editing skills and a knack for drafting concise, eloquent, and media-friendly communications; working knowledge of a foreign language is an asset
• Regional or country-specific knowledge of the Europe and Eurasia region, particularly Central-Eastern Europe or the South Caucasus, as evidenced by foreign language skills, international experience, academic studies, or another relevant method.
• Some experience with donor reporting, monitoring & evaluation, and financial reconciliations

Personal Attributes and Characteristics

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in a workplace setting
• Superb attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and an ability to produce error-free work on tight deadlines
• Emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills needed to communicate with and facilitate cooperation between people with divergent views and from different cultural backgrounds
• Comfort working with limited supervision on long-term tasks, finding solutions to problems as they arise, and taking responsibility for own work
• Enthusiasm for collaborative work and a desire for professional development via knowledge and skills acquisition

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• As part of our standard hiring process for new employees, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
• The salary range for the role is $52,000 to $60,000 annualized, depending on experience.
• Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization.
• Freedom House provides a competitive benefits package, including a 403(b) retirement account with generous matching, commuter benefits, flexible hours, floating holidays, high employer contributions to medical, dental, and vision programs, basic and voluntary life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, flexible spending account, and more.
• Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States.
• Diversity makes our work stronger. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diverse backgrounds relevant to the countries in which we have programming are a welcome asset.

Freedom House is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General Working Conditions

• May require some long hours including evenings and weekends to complete tasks.
• Potential travel less than 10% of the time
• General working office environment or telecommuting.

Work Environment and Physical Demands Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting or telecommuting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Freedom House is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.

DIRECTIONS TO APPLY

Applicants are required to complete our online application form and to submit, as an attachment, a 1- to 2-page resume and a 1-page cover letter that outlines interests and qualifications for this position.

Cover letters should be responsive to the responsibilities and qualifications presented in the job description. Cover letters that highlight a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging will be well received.

Applications will be accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis, so please apply soon. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. The hired candidate is expected to start as soon as possible

We do not expect applicants to possess every experience or skill listed for this position. If you have relevant experience not listed here, please apply and tell us about it.