Logo
Democracy International

Technology and Business Partnerships Specialist - United States

Democracy International, Bethesda, Maryland, us, 20811


Position:

Technology and Business Partnerships Specialist - United States Location:

Bethesda, MD

Job Id:

942 # of Openings:

1 Technology and Business Partnerships Specialist Democracy International (DI) is seeking to hire a

Technology and Business Partnerships 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 Technology and Business Partnerships Specialist will provide strategic guidance and technical expertise to engage with technology companies, private sector partners, and local entrepreneurs in the development of rights-respecting digital solutions. The Specialist will focus on building partnerships, advising on ethical development practices, and identifying opportunities for public-private collaboration. They will also support capacity strengthening efforts to promote ethical technology adoption, governance, and risk management. The position’s

responsibilities

will include: Provide strategic direction for private sector engagement efforts, promoting responsible technology development that aligns with human rights and democratic values. Support the development of public-private partnerships to foster investments in locally-driven, ethical technology solutions. Work with technology companies and local entrepreneurs to design products, systems, and services aligned with rights-respecting principles, such as privacy-by-design and human-centered design. Deliver technical assistance to build local capacity in areas like digital safeguards, algorithmic audits, and impact assessments. Coordinate with local stakeholders, universities, trade associations, and innovation hubs to develop and implement digital governance frameworks. Develop resources to guide companies on ethical technology development, including tools for risk management and human rights impact assessments. Provide strategic guidance to private sector actors on compliance with evolving international standards, including ESG reporting expectations and UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights. Foster collaboration between multinational enterprises and local companies to promote rights-respecting governance at all levels of the technology sector. 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 (USAID-funded activities preferred) or a Master’s/Ph.D. with at least 7 seven (7) years of relevant experience in development programming with a focus on digital development, corporate responsibility, or private sector engagement. Experience building partnerships with technology companies, private sector stakeholders, and public entities to advance ethical innovation. Knowledge of emerging technology trends and governance frameworks, including cybersecurity, digital finance, data governance, and privacy regulations. Knowledge of international standards bodies (e.g., ISO, IEEE) and risk management frameworks (e.g., UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights). Ability to engage with corporate leadership, universities, and technologists to integrate human rights and democratic values into technology development. 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 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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr