As part of its recent “Innovative Locally Led Solutions for Protecting Independent Media Worldwide” initiative, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the world’s largest organisation of journalists, is recruiting highly qualified experts to carry out two comprehensive and in-depth studies as part of a major study on the surveillance of journalists and the media. This global project on media freedom is funded by the European Commission.

The aim of the study is to assess the laws and regulation governing surveillance.

The global study should:

•  Review and assess key aspects and trends in the legal and regulatory frameworks governing surveillance, with a focus on their implications for journalists and media organizations.
• Examine the development and enforcement of national and regional policies that affect the sale and use of surveillance technologies, especially those that can be used to monitor, track, or intimidate journalists.
• Identify illustrative case studies where surveillance tools were used against journalists, as well as positive examples where legal safeguards or advocacy efforts have improved protections.
• Map emerging global trends, including how surveillance technology is used to suppress investigative journalism and media freedom, and explore policy gaps in accountability and human rights protections.
• Analyze civil society recommendations and proposals aimed at protecting journalists’ rights, digital safety, and freedom of expression in the context of growing surveillance capabilities.
• The aim of the study will be to provide the IFJ with the data, knowledge and evidence to develop relevant training programmes for journalists, raise awareness among journalists and media of the threats and how they can protect their work, develop new resources and tools where necessary and draft policy briefs to be used in global, regional and national advocacy campaigns.

Selection criteria: 

• Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in fields such as, Law, Human Rights, International Relations, Cybersecurity or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of professional experience in areas related to surveillance technologies, digital rights, cybersecurity, or privacy law.
• Existing knowledge on issues intersecting surveillance and press freedom, particularly involving journalists and media organizations.
• Experience conducting or contributing to policy analysis, legal research, or technology assessments at national, regional, or international levels.
• Understanding of legal frameworks and regulatory mechanisms governing surveillance at national and regional levels.
• Experience working with or advising civil society organizations, media freedom coalitions, or international bodies (e.g., UN, OSCE, UNESCO).
• Strong analytical and writing skills, with the ability to communicate findings clearly.

Place: Hybrid

Duration: 30 days

Fees: 500 EURO TTC / day

Closing date for expressions of interest (EOI):  04 May 2025.

CV and cover letter to be sent to: ifjprojects@ifj.orgwith the subject line Surveillance Research 002, a brief letter setting out your relevant experience and a draft summary of the table of content, work plan and expected daily rate.

As part of its recent “Innovative Locally Led Solutions for Protecting Independent Media Worldwide” initiative, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the world’s largest organisation of journalists, is recruiting highly qualified experts to carry out a comprehensive and in-depth studies as part of a major study on the surveillance of journalists and the media. This global project on media freedom is funded by the European Commission.

The aim of the study is to examine the technical aspects of surveillance.

The study should:

• Review and assess the methods and technical aspects of existing surveillance practices, current and emerging surveillance technologies, ways in which journalists and media are seeking to counter surveillance and make proposals for the development of tools, resources and training programmes to enhance digital security and protect journalists.
• The study will cover an agreed range of up to 6 project countries from the Global South in addition to some key countries where surveillance of journalists is widespread or offers key lessons/trends for understanding surveillance practices.
• The aim of the study will be to provide the IFJ with the data, knowledge and evidence to develop relevant training programmes for journalists, raise awareness among journalists and media of the threats and how they can protect their work, develop new resources and tools where necessary draft policy briefs to be used in global, regional and national advocacy campaigns.

Selection criteria: 

• A degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in cybersecurity roles, with a focus on network security, digital forensics, incident response, or threat intelligence
• Proven experience working with or developing security solutions related to surveillance technology, secure communications, or anti-surveillance tools Proven experience in cybersecurity, digital forensics, or related disciplines, with specific skills in identifying and assessing surveillance technologies.
• Existing knowledge of the issue of surveillance of journalists and media.
• Experience developing or supporting digital safety programs for journalists, activists, or civil society groups.
• Knowledge of tools such as Signal, Tor, VPNs, encrypted email, and secure file sharing platforms.
• Familiarity with adversaries’ journalists face in different regional contexts (e.g., state-sponsored surveillance in the Global South).

Place: hybrid

Duration: 30 days

Fees: 500 EURO TTC / day

Closing date for expressions of interest (EOI):  04 May 2025.

CV and cover letter to be sent to: ifjprojects@ifj.org  with the subject line Surveillance Research 001, a brief letter setting out your relevant experience and a draft summary of the table of content, work plan and expected daily rate.

The internship is opened for a period of  2 to 4  months depending on the availability of the candidates.

We are looking for someone with the following skills:

• Fluency (native level) in English, French or Spanish and good skills in at least one of the other languages
• Strong writing skills
• Must be studying communications, media, journalism (student status required during the internship)
• Good intercommunication skills
• Creativity
• Pro-activity
• Organisational skills
• Good knowledge of social media

Your daily tasks will involve:

• Assisting the communication team in drafting daily press releases and news for the website
• Assisting IFJ press freedom campaigns including: drafting of campaign documents and developing campaigning material
• Feeding IFJ social media network
• Translating news items for the website
• Monitoring world news on press freedom and journalists’ rights

What we offer :

• Hands-on experience in communication in the world’s biggest organisation of journalists
• Knowledge of basic trade unions’ rights
• Experience in building campaigns to promote press freedom
• Sound understanding of press freedom challenges and journalists’ working conditions across the globe
• A great working environment in a multicultural and multi lingual environment

This is a paid internship including holidays.

How to apply: send covering letter and CV to communications@ifj.org

The IFJ is the global voice of journalists, representing 180 unions and associations of journalists across the world.

Contract Type: Temporary, 2 to 4 months depending on the availability of the candidates.

Contract Hours: Part-time, minimum 3 days per week. Interns will work both online and in-person at the IFJ Asia-Pacific office in Redfern, Sydney.

The IFJ internship requires an energetic, enthusiastic and self-motivated team player. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience in international relations, media, human rights and unionism.

Essential criteria:

• Must be studying – communications, media, journalism, international relations, Asian studies, government or law
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Excellent written English language skills
• Knowledge or experience in journalism/ communication
• Able to convey complex ideas through writing in a clear and concise manner
• Ability to work in an organised manner, independently and manage time effectively
• Excellent computer skills and well versed in Microsoft Office Suite
• Photo editing skills
• Good knowledge of social media

Your daily tasks will involve:

• Assisting the communication team in drafting daily press releases and news for the website and social media
• Assisting IFJ press freedom campaigns including developing campaigning material
• Monitoring world news on press freedom and journalists’ rights
• Project management assistance

Interns will receive a small daily stipend.

How to apply: send covering letter, application form and CV to john.troughton@ifj-asia.org and ifj.coordinator@ifj-asia.org.

Download the application form here and internship description here. Applications close May 24, 2024.