Kingston, Jamaica | Full Time
About SlashRoots
The SlashRoots Foundation is a social impact organisation that uses the principles and practices of the digital age to create a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable Caribbean society. We work with governments, development organisations, and civil society to improve the design and delivery of social services and development programmes, while helping them be more responsive to the communities they serve.
About this Role
Governments and private sector organisations across the Caribbean are aggressively pursuing digital transformation programmes to realise a new “digital society” here in the region. At SlashRoots, our mission is to ensure that this shift to a “digital society” creates a future that is more inclusive, with economic opportunity available to all, and services that meet the needs of the communities and individuals who rely on them—whether rural, urban, poor, middle-class, differently-abled or otherwise.
Through the design and delivery of good services, engagement in the discourse around new policies, and expanding the capacity of communities, practitioners, and decision-makers, we’re working to help shape the Caribbean’s digital future.
To support this work, we’re looking for a Policy Lead to champion our contributions to the policy and regulatory debates that shape the services affecting the everyday lives of Jamaicans and people across the Caribbean region. You’ll bring deep and demonstrated interest in Jamaica’s policy development and implementation process. Prior experience working on policy areas such as digital government, access to information, digital identity, privacy, and data protection are especially welcome. Internally you’ll work with members of the SlashRoots team to advise on policy developments and contribute to the multi-disciplinary analysis of development challenges. Externally, the Policy Lead will work with a broad range of policymakers, academics, community partners, and third-party experts to advance human-centred policy positions that produce a more inclusive and equitable society.
If the above resonates with you, and you’re interested in being a part of a team working to shape the societal transformation that digital can enable in Jamaica and the broader Caribbean, we welcome you to apply. Take a look at our 2024 Year Ahead publication to learn more about what we aim to accomplish this year.
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. RESEARCH & POLICY ENGAGEMENT
Working closely with SlashRoots’ leadership and design teams, you will organise, manage and deliver our new digital policy programme of research, advocacy and convenings.
Lead, design and manage policy research projects in collaboration with the SlashRoots design team and external partners.
Write policy briefs, blog posts, public comments, reports and other pertinent documents in support of human-centred policy positions;
Participate in SlashRoots’ design research process to understand end-users and programmatic needs.
Follow national and international developments on areas of importance to service delivery and governance in the digital age, such as digital public infrastructure, digital identity, open government, and data protection;
Track and engage stakeholders on relevant legislation and administrative proceedings, and establish and maintain relationships with public sector implementors, regulators and lawmakers;
2. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Coordinate and/or represent SlashRoots in multi-stakeholder coalitions and public events;
Identify opportunities for collaboration with partners, policymakers, and stakeholders in a country/region to advance organisational objectives on digital rights, inclusion, and effective service delivery;
3. COMMUNICATIONS & ADVOCACY
Collaborate with colleagues to develop innovative and effective advocacy approaches to advance digital rights in the region, including campaigns and media relations;
Collaborate with team members on the development of materials, and execute comprehensive, substance-driven campaigns;
Research fundraising and partnership opportunities, including innovative collaborations.
OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE HAS/CAN:
5-8 years of experience in policy and lawmaking, public policy, advocacy, campaigning, or a similar function—with previous work related to digital policy areas (e.g. access to information, privacy, data protection, and/or digital ID programmes) especially welcome;
Demonstrated experience leading and/or executing policy analysis and/or other types of qualitative research
Solid understanding of the functioning and internal processes of public sector regulatory and legislative institutions and mechanisms;
Ability to bridge the gap between policy and technology (technical background a plus);
Excellent communication skills and proven ability to produce well-written policy papers and communications material;
Experience engaging and supporting diverse communities, including women, rural communities, the differently-abled, or the socio-economically marginalised;
Strong organisational skills, and ability to meet and prioritise multiple deadlines in a complex and fluid environment;
Ability to organise and facilitate events, workshops, and small meetings;
Thorough understanding of the digital debates of our time and the challenges that new technologies pose to the respect and enjoyment of human rights;
Written and spoken fluency in English (working knowledge of Spanish and/or French is a plus) and
A global perspective, values Caribbean collaboration, and is open to travelling.
TO APPLY
We are looking to hire someone who desires a fulfilling career in this line of work and is interested in growing with us. The position is being offered as a one-year contract to start, with the possibility of transitioning to full-time employment.
Interested candidates are asked to submit a CV, a cover letter describing why you believe you would be a good fit for SlashRoots, and a writing sample (preferably policy related, such as an op-ed, memo or research publication). Please highlight relevant experience in your cover letter to support your application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
OUR HIRING PROCESS
We review all applications based on the materials you submit with your application. Thoughtful responses in your cover letter and accompanying material indicating your experience in the role are critical and will determine whether you progress to the next selection stage. Please take your time to give your best version of yourself and your experience.
We would like to understand your background, attitudes, experiences and your motivation in wanting to work with us. We typically do this through the following:
phone interview up to 45 minutes;
a panel interview, which includes a case study sent to you in advance;
discussions with your references; and a
follow-up chat with one of the SlashRoots Principals.