Senior Research Analyst for China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan

Description

Job Title:          Senior Research Analyst for China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan

Location:          New York, NY or Washington, DC                   

ABOUT FREEDOM HOUSE 

Established 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 nonpartisan 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.

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Senior Research Analyst for China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan will join a small team responsible for producing original research and analysis on democracy and human rights issues related to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and its influence abroad. This role requires strong research skills, project management familiarity, excellent writing and public speaking, cutting-edge understanding of China-related human rights and democracy issues both inside and outside China, and experience engaging with policymakers in the United States on these issues. Outstanding communication skills, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a collaborative attitude are musts.

The Senior Research Analyst will join a team responsible for two existing projects: Beijing’s Global Media Influence, a study of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) efforts to shape public opinion abroad; and China Media Bulletin/Hong Kong Media Bulletin, a pair of regular newsletters examining media freedom developments in the PRC and Hong Kong. In addition to working on these existing projects, the Senior Research Analyst will collaborate with the rest of Freedom House’s Research and Analysis team on PRC-related research, engage in development at Freedom House of new projects and priorities related to China, and will liaise closely with the Asia Programs team on additional projects. The Senior Research Analyst will be required to represent Freedom House publicly in policy briefings, writing, and media appearances on related topics. 

This is a full-time position based in or around New York City or Washington, DC.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND EXPECTATIONS

• Support the implementation of complex research projects by conducting timely research, meeting deadlines on multiple overlapping deliverables, and coordinating the inputs of external researchers.
• Collaborate across Freedom House with the Communications, Policy and Advocacy, Development, and International Programs (in particular the Asia Programs) teams to maximize the impact of our research, including through communications products and policy recommendations related to strengthening human rights in China and addressing the PRC’s global authoritarian influence.
• Represent Freedom House in public settings, including through the media and in policy engagements in the United States and internationally in close coordination with those teams.
• Represent Freedom House in interactions with human rights activists and organizations working for shared goals.
• Write persuasive and accessible op-eds, blogs, fact sheets and other materials for a general audience about human rights and democracy issues related to China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
• In collaboration with the Asia Programs team, develop innovative new research concepts on human rights and democracy issues related to China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
• Participate in fundraising in cooperation with the Development and Business Development teams to ensure support for existing and new research.
• Some international and domestic travel is expected.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:     

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, journalism, human rights, or a related field, plus a minimum of 8 years of directly related experience; or equivalent combination of advanced education and experience.

Experience:    

• Strong knowledge of current human rights issues within the PRC, of human rights issues related to PRC influence abroad, and of policy issues related to countering authoritarianism.
• Track record of participating in or implementing research projects conducted on a 3-12 month timeline.
• A history of public presentations, briefings, and engagements with important stakeholders.
• Network of relationships with human rights activists, organizations, and institutions working to advance human rights and democracy globally and in relation to China.
• Track record of engaging in or supporting policy advocacy pertaining to China in the United States; multilateral and non-US policy experience a bonus.
• Experience with donor reporting, monitoring & evaluation, and financial reconciliation, especially with US public sector donors.
• Outstanding English writing and editing skills and a knack for drafting concise, eloquent, and media-friendly communications.
• Advanced Mandarin Chinese language skills required; spoken and written fluency a bonus.
• Other foreign language skills a plus.

Technical Skills:

• Familiarity with the MS Office suite of applications.
• Familiarity with project management software, such as Asana, Trello, or Airtable.

Personal Attributes and Characteristics:

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Entrepreneurial spirit to pursue new lines of inquiry on human rights and democracy issues relating to China and advance international responses to them. 
• Strong ability to plan, organize, prioritize work, and multitask to meet tight deadlines.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality with unquestionable integrity, honesty, and forthrightness.
• Must be able to successfully work collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, external partners, and funders.
• Strong work ethic and desire for personal and professional development. Demonstrates a strong desire for personal excellence and can inspire others to achieve as well. Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.
• Deeply committed to democracy and nonpartisanship, exhibiting a strong and sustained commitment to the mission of Freedom House.
• Committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all feel that they belong. 
• Works as an effective team member, successfully balancing individual and team responsibilities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

Diversity makes our work stronger. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds—particularly Black, Indigenous, and people of color, individuals from the LGBTI+ community, and people living with disabilities—to apply.   

• Freedom House provides a competitive benefits package, including a 403(b) retirement account with generous matching, commuter benefits, flexible hours, floating holidays, high employer contributions to medical, dental, and vision programs, basic and voluntary life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, flexible spending account, and more. 
• Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization. Salary range for this position is $70,000 to $85,000/year, dependent upon experience.  
• Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States independent from Freedom House sponsorship.  
• As part of our standard hiring process for new employees, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:  

General Working Conditions:  

• General working office environment or telework. Freedom House maintains a flexible, hybrid work policy. Research and Analysis team members are expected to be based in either the New York City or Washington, DC area in order to be able to attend in-person events multiple times per week.
• May require some long hours including evenings and weekends to complete tasks. 
• Potential domestic and/or international travel less than 10% of the time. 

Work Environment and Physical Demands:  
Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting or telecommuting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.  

DIRECTIONS TO APPLY 

Applicants are required to complete our online application form and to submit a 1 to 2-page resume and a 1-page cover letter that outlines interests and qualifications for this position.  

Cover letters should be responsive to the responsibilities and qualifications presented in the job description. Cover letters that highlight a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging will be well received. 

Accommodations 

If you require assistance in the application or recruitment process due to a disability, please call 202-227-4308 or email hr@freedomhouse.org. 

Freedom House is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.  

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