Opportunities

Director of Technology

  • Position: Director of Technology
  • Location: Remote
  • Status: Full-time
  • Reports to: Executive Director
  • Salary: $165,000 – 180,000
  • Deadline to apply: April 15, 2024

About GIFCT

The Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT) envisions a world in which the technology sector marshals its collective creativity and capacity to render terrorists and violent extremists ineffective online. GIFCT aims to be transparent, inclusive, and respectful of the fundamental and universal human rights that terrorists and violent extremists seek to undermine.

Position Summary

The Director of Technology leads on supporting members to identify and utilize technological solutions, with a focus on maintaining and sustaining critical infrastructure and frameworks for GIFCT and for cross-platform tooling. Responsibilities include overseeing the maintenance and utilization of technical resources such as the hash-sharing initiative, directing incident response protocols, fostering related technology research and working with the Executive Director to develop and implement the organization’s strategic plan.

Key features of the role include working with current and incoming members, managing related technical products, and overseeing the cyber security efforts. Additionally, the position involves building partnerships and working closely with member companies, and serving as a senior representative of GIFCT with industry partners, government officials, and civil society.

The Director is part of GIFCT’s leadership team and acts as the senior technical advisor to the Executive Director and GIFCT team; the Director also has important roles in supporting the development and implementation of the organization’s strategic plan, supporting the Executive Director’s Office on fundraising and organizational initiatives, and mentoring and managing relevant staff members.

The ideal candidate will have strong skills in the following four areas:

  • Technology/Software Engineering leadership skills – familiarity with AWS, Hashing systems, database management and AI welcome
  • Crisis Management – to support the direction and management of GIFCT’s Incident Response Framework and related activities
  • Terrorism and Violent Extremism experience – subject matter familiarity or experience is beneficial
  • Cybersecurity – familiarity with cybersecurity issues and mitigation efforts welcome

Key Responsibilities

GIFCT Technical Products and Tools

  • Overseeing, developing and implementing technological operations to advance GIFCT’s mission; maintaining and sustaining critical infrastructure for cross-platform tooling and information sharing
  • Working with the Memberships and Programs team on activities relating to Technical and Incident Response, as needed
  • Overseeing the architecture, policy framework, and implementation of GIFCT’s hash-sharing initiative and directing the management of GIFCT’s Hash Sharing Database (HSDB)
    • Evaluating the HSDB and overseeing the monitoring and analysis required to deliver transparency
    • Communicating regularly with multi-stakeholder audiences about the Forum’s technological activities and advancements
    • Managing relationships and representing GIFCT with industry partners, government officials, and NGOs on all technology matters relevant to GIFCT’s mission
    • Overseeing the development of user guides and accessible documentation to aid onboarding new members
    • Designing and delivering a feasibility study on the strategic direction and trajectory of the hash-sharing database from a technology perspective
  • Directing GIFCT’s management of the Incident Response Framework (IRF), including the Content Incident Protocol
    • Overseeing, developing and implementing GIFCT’s Incident Response protocols and debrief processes, including but not limited to:
      • Overseeing the refinement of the GIFCT IRF Playbooks and resources required to manage the activation of a Content Incident/Protocol
      • Overseeing, developing and implementing the capabilities required for situational awareness and OSINT analysis, including trainings for staff and members
      • Overseeing analyses of the development and implementation of tools to analyze our incident response, including the development and implementation of relevant tools
      • Leading, in consultation with the Executive Director, when our IRF is activated, or supporting the designated Incident Lead if needed, and providing oversight to GIFCT officers implementing the protocols
  • Incorporating human rights principles and transparency metrics into all workstreams with guidance from the Executive Director
  • Advising GIFCT leadership on the identification of potential new members, risks and opportunities, and regional dimensions, as relevant with technical advice, outreach and networking

Technology & Engineering Solutions

  • Providing leadership for the design, development, and execution of new technological operations that may be needed to advance the mission of GIFCT, including identifying the most effective means of delivering technology solutions for members; advising the development of technical policies, technical aspects of policies for GIFCT and member companies, as needed
  • Overseeing the development of any GIFCT technical products and associated strategies
    • Planning, buying, and rolling out security hardware and software, and making sure IT and network infrastructure is designed with best security practices in mind
  • Managing Tech vendor, partner and grantee relationships (in support with Director of Operations), as needed
  • Working with the Memberships and Programs team on activities related to Technical and Incident Response topics, as needed, to support the development of solutions for members

Cyber Security

  • Overseeing GIFCT’s cyber security efforts, which can include but not be limited to working with external contractors to address cyber security concerns and risk mitigation strategies

Other Duties as Assigned

As part of our dynamic team, this role involves not only the outlined responsibilities but also other duties as assigned to meet the evolving needs of the organization. We seek individuals who embrace flexibility, adaptability, and a proactive mindset in navigating diverse tasks that contribute to our collective success. Your willingness to pivot, lend expertise beyond your primary scope, and collaborate seamlessly across departments is integral to our shared goals and growth

Qualifications

  • Combination of 10+ years of experience in technology leadership and cybersecurity, trust and safety, counterterrorism, and/or related areas
  • Proven ability to meet deadlines and effectively manage multiple tasks while utilizing superior organization skills with high attention to detail
  • Experience handling sensitive information with the highest level of discretion.
  • Excellent English written and verbal communication skills
  • Resourcefulness and ability to work independently as well as with a team, and take necessary leadership decisions
  • Availability to occasionally travel both domestically and internationally as needed.
  • Proficient in Google Suite apps and Microsoft Office
  • Strong commitment to GIFCT’s mission, purpose and values
  • Legally authorized to work in the United States

Benefits

Pending country specific availability and requirements, employees can expect:

  • 100% health, vision, and dental coverage for employee and dependents in line with applicable country requirements and restrictions
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for U.S. based employees
    401(k) with a three percent employer match and additional discretionary contribution
  • Short-term disability and life insurance
  • Flexible paid time off, with an expected minimum of 28 days inclusive of 11 office-wide holiday closures
  • 20 weeks of paid time away for birth mothers and 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave for all other new parents, including adoptions and foster placement
  • Flexible work hours and location

How to Apply

Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected] noting “Director of Technology” in the subject of your email.

We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. GIFCT is an equal opportunity employer. No applicant will be denied equal opportunity for consideration because of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors.

Due to the very high number of applications we receive when positions are posted, we are only able to respond directly to candidates with whom we wish to move forward in the interview process.

Spring Fellow - Part-time

  • Position: Spring Fellow
  • Location: Flexible remote work with potential to join teams in offices in Washington, D.C. or London
  • Status: Part-time (20-30 hours/week) for 4-6 months
  • Compensation: $17.50/hour
  • Deadline to apply: April 15, 2024

About GIFCT

The mission of the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT) is to prevent terrorists and violent extremists from exploiting digital platforms. Founded in 2017, the Forum was designed to foster technical collaboration among member companies, advance relevant research, and share knowledge with smaller platforms. Since 2017, GIFCT’s membership has expanded beyond the founding companies to include over two dozen diverse platforms committed to cross-industry efforts to counter the spread of terrorist and violent extremist content online. GIFCT envisions a world in which the technology sector marshals its collective creativity and capacity to render terrorists and violent extremists ineffective online. GIFCT aims to be transparent, inclusive, and respectful of the fundamental and universal human rights that terrorists and violent extremists seek to undermine.

Position Summary

The Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT) is seeking a part-time Spring Fellow to support its membership and programming activities. The successful candidate will be a self-starter, diligent worker, strong team player, and possess a demonstrated interest in the intersection of online technology platforms, terrorism/violent extremism, and public policy.

Responsibilities

  • Providing support to GIFCT’s Working Group efforts, including liaising with international multi-stakeholder experts and helping progress group outputs.
  • Conducting independent research projects on topics to include terrorism and violent extremism, legal frameworks for content moderation, and international security.
  • Reviewing and updating GIFCT resources.
  • Attending relevant meetings and events.
  • Assisting with company deliverables and external-facing documents.
  • Support social media planning and liaising with the communication team.

Qualifications

  • Fellows should be participating in or finalizing postgraduate studies in a field at the intersection of terrorism/violent extremism and technology, such as Political Science, History, International Relations, War Studies, Security Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, Cybersecurity, Technology Studies, Social Media.
  • Relevant work experience in a start-up, not-for-profit, research, or think tank capacity is beneficial.
  • Some experience managing teams and multi-stakeholder programs is preferred.
  • Social media skills.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, please submit the following materials to [email protected] noting “Spring Fellow” in the subject of your email by Monday, April 15th. The following materials should be submitted in one PDF packet:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • A brief writing sample that illustrates research and communication ability (3-5 pages maximum)
  • Contact information for two references

Due to the high volume of applications that we receive, we are only able to respond to applicants who are selected for an interview. Thank you for your interest in GIFCT.

The Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism is an equal opportunity employer. 

No applicant will be denied equal opportunity for consideration because of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors.

Membership, Independent Advisory Committee - Volunteer Capacity

  • Position: Membership, Independent Advisory Committee (Volunteer Capacity)
  • Location: Remote
  • Status: Part-time (Able to commit to working remotely and across time zones in support of the IAC meetings – with one official meeting each quarter and ad-hoc meetings as needed)
  • Deadline to apply: 30 April 2024 – Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis

About GIFCT

The Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT) is looking to appoint new members to its Independent Advisory Committee (IAC). The IAC serves as a strategic adviser to the GIFCT Operating Board by producing an annual report that identifies organizational priorities and evaluates previous GIFCT performance. The majority of IAC members are drawn from civil society understood broadly to include, among others, advocacy groups, human rights specialists, foundations, researchers, and technical experts. It also includes a minority of members from government and inter-governmental entities.

We are seeking IAC members who can help GIFCT in its mission to prevent terrorists and violent extremists from exploiting digital platforms.

GIFCT envisions a world in which the technology sector marshals its collective creativity and capacity to render terrorists and violent extremists ineffective online. In every aspect of our work, GIFCT aims to be transparent, inclusive, and respectful of the fundamental and universal human rights that terrorists and violent extremists seek to undermine.

About the Independent Advisory Committee (IAC)

GIFCT is governed by an Operating Board made up of members from its founding companies: Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter, and YouTube. GIFCT’s Operating Board is advised by the Independent Advisory Committee (IAC) and this advice is informed by GIFCT’s work program and ad hoc requests GIFCT has for the IAC to provide expert advice on priority GIFCT projects.

The IAC provides a crucial partnership for the Operating Board by:

  • Creating an annual report informed by GIFCT’s previous performance and organizational priorities;
  • Holding quarterly advisory meetings in advance of meetings of the Operating Board to provide collective feedback and input to GIFCT’s Operating Board; and
  • Maintaining situational awareness and up to date information on GIFCT’s work.

GIFCT is seeking to appoint several new IAC members from civil society.

IAC Responsibilities

  • Consider the diverse range of stakeholders engaged in GIFCT’s work and those affected by terrorism and violent extremism;
  • Provide expertise and guidance on the evolution of the terrorist and violent extremist threat (especially the online dimensions), and the varying global responses;
  • Advise on how GIFCT’s work can align with international human rights laws and frameworks, as respecting, promoting, and defending human rights and a free and open internet are essential to the furtherance of GIFCT’s work;
  • Evaluate the role and impact of GIFCT’s membership criteria;
  • Evaluate GIFCT members’ adherence to its fulfilling their commitments;
  • Promote transparency in GIFCT’s work;
  • Provide accountability for GIFCT’s work in line with the IAC’s recommendations and GIFCT’s strategic pillars;
  • Provide guidance and recommendations relating to the operation of GIFCT’s working groups, including potential resource implications for participants;
  • Produce an annual report, detailing:
    • The upcoming year’s recommended strategic priorities for GIFCT
    • An assessment of GIFCT’s progress in addressing the previous year’s priorities alongside GIFCT’s strategic plan.

Qualifications

  • Interested members will possess relevant expertise in some or all of the following fields:
    • Terrorism and violent extremism
    • Digital and human rights
    • Online Culture
    • Internet governance and multi-stakeholder processes
    • Causes and drivers of offline violence
    • Content moderation at scale
    • Counter-extremism narratives and frameworks
  • Have an understanding of GIFCT’s mission, policies, and programs and the role tech companies have in fostering a safe online community

Preferred Qualifications

  • Representative of communities impacted by terrorism and violent extremism online and/or those impacted by efforts to address terrorism and violent extremism.
  • Intersectional perspective of varying geopolitical and cultural interests

How to Apply

  • Applicants must be able to commit to working remotely and across time zones in support of the IAC meetings – with one official meeting each quarter and ad-hoc meetings as needed.
  • To be considered for this position, please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to [email protected] by April 30, 2024, in one PDF packet.
  • We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. GIFCT is an equal opportunity employer. No applicant will be denied equal opportunity for consideration because of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors.
  • Due to the high volume of applications that we receive, we are only able to respond to applicants who are selected for an interview, but we thank you for your interest in GIFCT and taking the time to apply.

The Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism is an equal opportunity employer.

No applicant will be denied equal opportunity for consideration because of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors.