Freedom in the World Junior Fellowship 2025

Job title:

Freedom in the World Junior Fellowship 2025

Company

Freedom House

Job description

ABOUT FREEDOM HOUSEEstablished 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.All Freedom House employees possess a deep and unwavering commitment to nonpartisanship, with a sustained dedication to the mission of Freedom House. We have a strong work ethic and a keen desire for both personal and professional development. The team is also dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging.POSITION SUMMARYFreedom House is seeking 1 or 2 motivated candidates interested in analyzing democracy in Africa for the eight-month Freedom in the World 2025-2026 Junior Fellowship program. Freedom in the World is Freedom House’s flagship analysis on political rights and civil liberties in over 200 countries and territories. Produced annually since 1973, it is the most widely read and cited report of its kind, used on a regular basis by policymakers, journalists, academics, activists, and others. Freedom in the World is regularly cited in major news outlets and in speeches by high-level government officials, among many other places. The next cohort of Junior Fellows will begin at the start of the Freedom in the World 2026 project cycle and follow the project through to completion in early 2026.Each Junior Fellow will be hired to join Freedom House on a fixed-term contract. At the completion of the fellowship, they will have developed a range of highly marketable skills that will help propel them on to successful careers. Junior Fellows will work closely with other members of the Research and Analysis team to ensure that all Freedom in the World research outputs adhere to the highest standards of quality and analytical integrity. In addition to their contributions to Freedom in the World, Junior Fellows will also have the opportunity to work independently on discreet research that contributes to Freedom House’s mission to expand and defend freedom globally.The eight-month, full-time fellowship is anticipated to begin in mid-July 2025, and end in mid-March 2026.Freedom House’s Research and Analysis division is located in New York City, and Freedom House headquarters is located in Washington, DC. Junior Fellows will be based in either New York or Washington, D.C.PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct data analysis, contribute to the development and launch of analytical pieces, social media content, infographics, and other support materials, and participate in briefings to key stakeholders on Freedom in the World findings
• Develop and train a network of regional and thematic experts on Freedom in the World methodology and acting as their primary point of contact;
• Maintain communication with external analysts, research staff, and programs staff;
• Coordinate the research process for an assigned region;
• Track democracy and human rights developments in the assigned region;
• Coordinate logistics for expert workshops;
• May require light domestic travel to participate in briefings and meetings.

QUALIFICATIONSEducation

• Applicants must have completed their undergraduate degree in political science, human rights, international relations, media studies, language studies, or a related field between August 2024 and June 2025. Individuals who have begun or completed graduate studies are not eligible for the Junior Fellowship program.

Experience

• Demonstrated knowledge of and interest in democracy and human rights around the world.
• Experience with MS Office and database management.

Technical Skills and Abilities

• Comfort working with limited supervision on long-term tasks, finding solutions to problems as they arise, and taking ownership of your work.
• Superb attention to detail and an ability to produce error-free work on tight deadlines.
• Outstanding organizational skills and a keen desire to learn to use project management tools such as Asana, Trello, and Airtable.
• Proven ability to analyze complex information, and to draft elegant and concise summaries for a general audience.
• Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality and exhibit unquestionable integrity, honesty, and forthrightness.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to respond promptly to inquiries in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to successfully work collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, external partners, and funders.
• Strong interest in Africa.
• Ability to assess one’s own strengths and weaknesses; pursue training and development opportunities; strive to continuously build knowledge and skills.
• Ability to work as an effective team member, successfully balancing individual and team responsibilities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Freedom House established core values are belonging, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and respect. Through these values we prioritize creating a supportive and inclusive environment, emphasize collective efforts for success, are dedicated to high-quality impactful work, uphold trust through courage and honesty, and treat everyone with dignity while appreciating their unique contributions.
• Diversity makes our work stronger. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all background to apply. Diverse experiences and perspectives connected to the various jurisdictions in which Freedom House has programming are a welcome asset.
• Applicants should complete our online application form and submit a resume and a cover letter outlining interests and qualifications for this position.
• Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States independent from Freedom House sponsorship.
• This position is dependent on current program funding.
• Junior Fellows will receive a gross pay rate of $22.60/per hour.
• This position is non-union.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting or remote work.
• May require long hours including evenings and weekends to complete tasks.
• Travel to some countries, for business or in some cases personal reasons, while a Freedom House employee, may not be advisable or even possible due to high security risks.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

How to Apply:Apply by submitting the following documents, as PDF attachments, through the Freedom House careers website by January 29th, 2025:

• A resume (1 page)
• A cover letter that addresses both of the following questions (1,000 words max):
• What does defending democracy mean to you? We are interested in your personal thoughts and experiences, and how these relate to themes Freedom House identified in its most recent edition of Freedom in the World. You will be evaluated on thematic cohesiveness, quality of writing, and ability to demonstrate your dedication to democratic ideals.
• How does the Junior Fellowship fit into your short- and long-term professional goals, and what do you hope to gain from the experience? You should identify how your experience and professional goals relate to items listed under Position Summary and Preferred Competencies.
• Official or unofficial transcript.
• Your transcript is one part of an overall application package, and factors including GPA, choice of courses, course load, and academic institution are not formally weighted. Your transcript will primarily be referenced to verify your eligibility for the Junior Fellowship.

Tips for Preparing Your Application:

• For security purposes, please ensure all the documents you upload are in PDF format.
• Cover letters will be assessed on the quality of your writing, and whether they answer the questions posed.
• Cover letters should share information beyond what is provided in your resume.
• Materials must adhere to the stated page, word limits, and use a legible font.

If you have any questions, email us at [email protected]Fellowship TimelineSummer 2025:

• Introduction to Freedom House and Freedom in the World
• Develop and train a network of regional and thematic experts

Fall 2025:

• Plan, coordinate, and execute a series of expert workshops
• Conduct research related to the Freedom in the World 2026 report

Winter 2025-2026:

• Contribute to the analysis of Freedom in the World 2026 findings
• Begin and carry out capstone project
• Prepare for Freedom in the World 2026 launch

The eight-month, full-time fellowship will begin on or around July 14, 2025, and end on March 13, 2026.

Expected salary

Location

New York City, NY – Washington DC

Job date

Sat, 28 Dec 2024 05:36:31 GMT

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