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Researcher and Advocate on Human Rights and Artificial Intelligence

This job is no longer available

Palo Alto, CA, USA
Full-time

The Business and Human Rights Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a highly qualified Researcher and Advocate on Human Rights and Artificial Intelligence to investigate, analyze, and advocate against human rights abuses worldwide related to artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data technologies. The role of the Researcher and Advocate will include documenting and conveying the rights implications of various forms of artificial intelligence and other algorithmic decision-making being deployed by governments and private sector actors around the world, including the impact of AI and similar technologies on racial justice, gender discrimination, marginalized or underrepresented communities, and economic inequality. 

We welcome applications from people who have demonstrated familiarity with the impact of technology on potentially vulnerable communities, including those who have a background in a field such as journalism or the social sciences rather than engineering or computer science.  

The preferred location for this position is the Palo Alto, San Francisco office, or other major HRW offices.

Areas of Responsibility: 
  • Identify issues and advocacy opportunities for influencing the development, application, and regulation of artificial intelligence and similar technologies by governments and the private sector; Develop a plan for strategic research and advocacy to ensure respect for internationally recognized human rights, including non-discrimination and accountability, by public and private sector actors;
  • Research, document, and analyze policies and practices related to artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data technologies that raise human rights concerns by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources, including governments, media, academia, NGOs, victims of abuses, open-source information, technologists, and others; Interview persons whose rights have been harmed by AI technologies, as well as related professionals and experts (e.g., organizations representing impacted communities, engineers who build AI technologies, data and computer scientists, etc.); Identify and document where use of AI may have disparate impact on vulnerable or marginalized groups or may exacerbate economic inequality;
  • Write and publicize reports, op-eds, press releases, briefing memos, statements, testimony and other materials to disseminate our research findings and policy recommendations for preventing or ending human rights abuses linked to artificial intelligence applications; Work with colleagues in the communications division to develop innovative multimedia and social media strategies to communicate our positions in clear and compelling ways and to advance advocacy;
  • Develop and implement advocacy strategies in collaboration with HRW colleagues to change or prevent abusive government laws, policies, and practices, as well as abusive corporate policies and practices; Press companies and governments to ensure human rights protections are built into artificial intelligence by design from the outset and articulate how existing human rights standards should apply to emerging AI technologies;  
  • Build partnerships across key communities, including other human rights NGOs, groups representing vulnerable populations, data scientists, machine learning programmers, tech industry leaders, and academics;
  • Project concerns about the human rights impact of artificial intelligence in public debates internationally through clear and prompt responses to queries from policy makers, the media, social media, and colleague human rights communities; Place abuses or potential for abuses within the broader political, social and economic contexts;
  • Be prepared and willing to work flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent events;
  • Work collaboratively with an international team of researchers, media experts and advocates and collaborating with a supportive and diverse team;
  • Expand HRW’s work on AI;
  • Travel domestically and internationally, as required, to conduct research, media work and advocacy; and
  • Carry out other tasks as required.
Educational Background: 
An advanced (graduate) degree in international relations, journalism, law, social sciences, data science, computer science, or related studies is preferable.
Skills/Experience: 

A minimum of three years of relevant experience is required. Relevant experience may include, among other things, work as an investigative reporter or lawyer on issues related to artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data applications, or other technologies; research, writing, analysis, advocacy, community organizing, or other work related to the impact of automated systems, especially on vulnerable communities; analysis and advocacy for nonprofit organizations, particularly related to AI or other technologies; data science, project management or user experience research related to applications of machine learning; or work in government on policies relating to AI or similar technologies.  We will consider applications from individuals with a demonstrated record of successful research, analysis, or advocacy on behalf of marginalized or vulnerable groups facing disadvantages due to automated decision-making or similar technologies, even in the absence of training in technology design or data science.  

Related Skills and Knowledge: 

The below offers a list of the kinds of qualifications that we will be looking for when evaluating applications. We do not expect applicants to have all the skills and knowledge described below. If you believe you currently have skills that are analogous and transferable rather than AI-specific, please explain this in your cover letter.

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English is required. Proficiency in other languages is highly desirable.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively and in a culturally sensitive manner with a range of vulnerable or marginalized groups, in partnership with other organizations, and others regarding or impacted by AI technologies. 
  • Ability to explain verbally and in writing complex technical subjects clearly, compellingly and respectfully to non-specialist audiences, including policymakers, the public, and specialists in non-technical fields.
  • Knowledge of and experience in international human rights law. 
  • Ability to multi-task effectively, including having strong planning and organizing skills, and ability to work well under pressure.
Compensation/Benefits: 

HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits. HRW offers a relocation assistance package and will assist employees in obtaining necessary work authorization, if required; citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.

Job Function: 

Organization Info

Human Rights Watch

Overview
Headquarters: 
New York, NY, United States
Annual Budget : 
$100-500M
Founded: 
1976
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Mission: 

Human Rights Watch exposes human rights abuses like torture, violence against women, and child exploitation. In order to maintain our independence, we accept no money from any government. We rely solely on the generosity of people like you to defend human rights.

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Listing Stats

Post Date: 
Aug 14 2018
Active Until: 
Sep 14 2018
Hiring Organization: 
Human Rights Watch
industry: 
Nonprofit