What are the responsibilities and job description for the Digital Inclusion and Accessibility Specialist - United States position at Democracy International?
Digital Inclusion and Accessibility Specialist
Democracy International (DI) is seeking to hire a Digital Inclusion and Accessibility Specialist for the anticipated five-year Advancing Digital Democracy (ADD) Program funded by USAID. The goal of the Program is to foster and strengthen "digital democracies" by promoting open, secure, safe and inclusive digital ecosystems in which data-driven technologies advance, rather than undermine, democratic values and respect for human rights, including the rights of women, LGBTQI and other marginalized populations. The Program will support USAID partners in addressing and/or building resilience to digital repression and supporting rights-respecting digital transformation and growth of the digital economy. This will be a full-time, key personnel senior position based in Washington, DC and will be contingent on award and funding.
The Digital Inclusion and Accessibility Specialist will focus on promoting accessibility and closing digital divides by working with global and local partners to support the development of inclusive policies and technologies. They will offer expertise on addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) and strategies to promote equitable access to technology for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable populations. The ideal candidate will have experience working at the intersection of gender, technology, and inclusion, with experience in providing strategic guidance to USAID-funded programming.
The Digital Inclusion and Accessibility Specialist will focus on promoting accessibility and closing digital divides by working with global and local partners to support the development of inclusive policies and technologies. They will offer expertise on addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) and strategies to promote equitable access to technology for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable populations. The ideal candidate will have experience working at the intersection of gender, technology, and inclusion, with experience in providing strategic guidance to USAID-funded programming.
Essential Job Duties:
The position’s responsibilities will include:
Programmatic
- Provide strategic direction on digital inclusion and accessibility across all activities, ensuring alignment with USAID’s digital strategy.
- Develop and implement strategies to promote accessibility of digital technologies for marginalized populations, including persons with disabilities, women, and other vulnerable groups.
- Work with partners to develop and advocate for policies that close digital divides and promote equitable technology access.
- Guide the program’s response to technology-facilitated GBV, offering actionable strategies to mitigate risks and promote safety.
- Build relationships with stakeholders across public and private sectors to promote inclusive policies and practices.
- Ensure deliverables are designed and implemented with accessibility and gender inclusion in mind.
- Provide technical assistance to program partners, grantees, and beneficiaries, focusing on inclusion.
Secondary Job Duties:
- Contribute to ongoing Democracy International business development efforts around the world.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree with at least ten (10) years of experience in development programming with a focus on inclusion and accessibility (USAID-funded activities preferred) or a Master’s/Ph.D. with at least sevent (7) years of relevant experience.
- Demonstrated experience promoting digital inclusion and accessibility, with a focus on persons with disabilities, women, and marginalized groups.
- Expertise in addressing technology-facilitated GBV and promoting equitable access to emerging technologies.
- Experience building collaborative relationships across technical sectors, including technology, digitalization, and accessibility in public and/or private sectors.
- Proven ability to develop and manage inclusion strategies for global development projects, including experience with digital governance and accessibility standards.
- Ability to travel globally.
Reporting:
- This position reports to the ADD Chief of Party.
Application Process:
Interested applicants MUST submit a cover letter and CV by December 31, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will be filled as soon as a qualified candidate is identified. DI will only contact candidates of interest.
All interested applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. at the time of application. DI will not sponsor applicants for work Visa.
Democracy International maintains the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.
About the Organization:
DI provides technical assistance, analytical services and project implementation for democracy, human rights, governance and conflict mitigation programs worldwide for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. State Department and other development partners. Since its founding in 2003, Democracy International has worked with civil society organizations, political parties, election-management bodies, government agencies, legislatures, justice-sector institutions, and others in 80 countries.
DI provides technical assistance, analytical services and project implementation for democracy, human rights, governance and conflict mitigation programs worldwide for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. State Department and other development partners. Since its founding in 2003, Democracy International has worked with civil society organizations, political parties, election-management bodies, government agencies, legislatures, justice-sector institutions, and others in 80 countries.
DI welcomes and supports a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all applicants seeking employment and for DI employees. DI makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, military status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, educational status, unemployment status, place of residence or business, source of income, or reproductive health decision making. Additionally, harassment or discrimination based on these characteristics will not be tolerated at DI. To perform the essential functions of this position, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities.
