BASICS Specialist- Open Source Software Project Manager At Internews Network

ABOUT BASICS

Internews’ BASICS project (Building Analytical and Support Infrastructure for Critical Security tools) is improving the sustainability of critical open source privacy and security tools by building ties between tool teams and the communities they serve. Many powerful and widely used open source security and privacy tools are maintained by individuals or small groups of volunteers who are often under-resourced, lack the ability to receive grant funding, and do not have the means to hire additional support to advance their project’s goals.

Internews will place skilled individuals with open source tool teams as contributing specialists who will help address tool needs. Contributing specialists will be supervised and supported by Internews and connected with a partner from the tool team(s) for mentoring and coordination.

Internews is a very diverse organization globally. We value the perspectives that result from the inclusivity of different voices, and the foundation of our work is to support free and open communications between all people. We are an organization of dynamic, mission-driven individuals who are passionate about our core values and about supporting positive change in the world. We pride ourselves on our commitment to innovation and flexibility. We are an EEO employer and strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for any of our open positions.

ABOUT TELLA

Tella is a documentation app specifically designed to protect users in repressive environments. It is used by activists, journalists, and civil society groups to document human rights violations, corruption, or electoral fraud. Tella encrypts and hides sensitive material on your device, and quickly deletes it in emergency situations; and groups and organizations can deploy it among their members to collect data for research, advocacy, or legal proceedings. Tella has three main objectives:‌

1. Protecting users who engage in documentation from physical and digital repression;
2. Protecting the data they collect from censorship, tampering, interception, and destruction;
3. Empowering individuals and groups to easily, quickly, and effectively collect data and produce high quality documentation that can be used for research, advocacy, or transitional justice.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The BASICS Specialist in Open Source Software (OSS) Project Management will work with the Tella team to improve the sustainability of the project by improving their development and release processes —including to improve hand-off to developers, strengthen the release process, and make sure the team sticks to timelines and roadmaps. Tella is an open source software tool used to support at-risk journalists and human rights organizations; their team is participating in Internews’ BASICS project.

LOGISTICS

This is a remote-based, short-term consultancy. All remote candidates will be considered. However, you must have work authorization in your location that does not require sponsorship from Internews. Additionally, there are locations in which Internews is not able to support fully remote work.

Wherever possible, we work to try to find solutions for international hiring that work for both the company and the candidate. This means that some of the particulars around the offer for a role will be dependent on several factors, and that the benefits and salary structure that apply to a position will ultimately be based upon the candidate’s location and where the role is hired.

This position will remain open until a qualified candidate is found.

SCOPE OF WORK

This is a paid position on a 2-3 month part-time contract. The Specialist will be expected to work approximately 20 hours per week contributing to activities such as the following:

• Improve internal project processes, documentation and development practices;
• Strengthen collaboration and communication between Tella product managers, designers, and engineers;
• Document new project management processes to ensure their sustainability beyond this contract;
• Develop strategies for the long-term sustainability of Tella;
• Design and facilitate processes for setting, meeting, and reporting on Tella’s impact in the world.

QUALIFICATIONS WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Required

• 4+ years of experience in tech project or product management;
• Prior experience working on distributed and remote projects;
• Commitment to Horizontal’s mission and values;
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for Open Source software, excitement to learn and a commitment to freedom of speech and journalist safety.

Preferred

• Experience working for non-profit or human rights organizations is a plus.

TO APPLY

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.