Open Internet for Democracy Leaders Program 2020/2021 ($1000 USD honorarium & Fully Funded)

Application Deadline: June 30th 2020

The Open Internet for Democracy Leaders Program – a collaboration between the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), the National Democratic Institute (NDI), and the Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) – is a ten-month non-resident leadership program that empowers emerging leaders from across the globe to build their advocacy and organizing skills to protect internet freedom.

Open Internet for Democracy Leaders are a unique cohort of global advocates from civic organizations, media, and the private sector who are passionate about protecting and promoting an open internet.

The program aims to:

1. Empower emerging open internet advocates to advance internet policy discussions and organize for change in their country and region.
2. Strengthen the Open Internet for Democracy Community by connecting emerging open internet advocates with their global peers.

This year, the Open Internet for Democracy Leaders program will be looking for applicants who pinpoint a particular digital rights issue occurring in their country or region that, if left unaddressed, poses a direct threat to democracy and civic participation. They will then develop an advocacy/research project to raise awareness about the issue. It may be an emerging issue that few have looked at before, or it may be an existing one, but which the applicant has a novel approach to tackling. In particular, we will be looking for applicants who are interested in building connections with other stakeholders to address the problem. Furthermore, a plan as to how to highlight the issue at regional and global forums is expected as a key element of this program is to help connect and network open internet advocates at the regional and global levels to champion positive change.

DURATION

 September 2020 – June 2021

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Demonstrated interest or experience working on open internet issues, with preference given to those focused on media, private sector/entrepreneurship or civic/political participation
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: policy, activism, research, or technical expertise
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision in collaboration with colleagues across different time zones 
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Strong social media skills 
• Fluency in written and spoken English  
• Strong presentation skills
• Ability to travel to two potential international conferences (locations TBD; costs covered; In-person participation in such events is contingent on health considerations related to the COVID-19 pandemic)
• Access to reliable internet connection that will enable participation in video or virtual workshops or conferences. 
• Preference given to individuals from non-OECD countries

STIPEND & FINANCIAL BENEFITS

• The selected applicants will be a part of a larger international network where they can learn from peers and share their work. Open Internet Leaders will receive an honorarium of $1000 USD for completing their required activities, as well as travel and per diem covered for international trips (Note: Travel opportunities may change due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If for any reason travel is not possible, CIPE, NDI, and CIMA, will explore ways for the Open Internet Leaders to participate in international fora through virtual conferencing platforms.)

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Open Internet for Democracy Leaders Program 2020