ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa invites applications for a Coordinator to support the African Internet Rights Alliance’s collective work to advance digital rights across Africa.

About AIRA

AIRA brings together Africa-based civil society organisations working to advance digital rights and internet freedom. Through joint advocacy, research, knowledge exchange and partnerships, the Alliance strengthens civil society’s contribution to digital policy at national, regional, continental and global levels.

Its work spans freedom of expression and access to information, privacy and data protection, meaningful internet access, and the protection of civic space online. 

Current areas of engagement include platform accountability, artificial intelligence governance, digital public infrastructure, and the relationship between digital technologies and democratic participation.

About the role

The Coordinator will help members turn shared priorities into practical collective action. The role combines relationship management, programme delivery, policy engagement, communications and operational coordination. It calls for someone who can bring people together, contribute sound analysis, and keep agreed work moving across organisations and countries.

The Coordinator will work closely with AIRA’s Coordinating Organisation, AIRA’s oversight group and member organisations, supporting implementation of agreed priorities and keeping them informed of progress, opportunities and challenges. 

Key responsibilities

1. Member engagement and Alliance governance

• Maintain regular engagement with member focal points; identify shared interests, connect complementary expertise, and encourage active participation in joint work.
• Coordinate member and oversight meetings, including agendas, papers, minutes and follow-up; maintain clear records of decisions, responsibilities and outstanding actions.
• Facilitate consultation and consensus-building, respecting members’ independence and ensuring Alliance positions follow agreed approval processes.

2. Strategy and programme coordination

• Translate agreed priorities into workplans, activity schedules and deliverables; coordinate contributions from members, partners and consultants.
• Track implementation, identify delays or capacity gaps early, and propose practical adjustments with the coordinating organisation and oversight group.

3. Policy, advocacy and external engagement

• Monitor relevant digital policy developments and identify opportunities for timely, collective engagement across Africa and in international processes.
• Coordinate the development of joint statements, consultation responses, policy submissions, briefing materials and advocacy campaigns, drawing on members’ evidence and expertise.
• Support engagement with policymakers, regional bodies, human rights mechanisms, technology companies and other stakeholders; represent agreed Alliance positions when delegated.
• Prepare members for advocacy opportunities and track follow-up so that participation supports sustained policy engagement.

4. Research and knowledge exchange

• Coordinate collaborative research, from defining questions and preparing terms of reference to tracking delivery, arranging peer review and supporting publication.
• Review and synthesise research into clear policy messages and accessible materials for different audiences.
• Organise AIRA Talks, research launches, workshops and peer-learning sessions, including programme development, speaker engagement, logistics and follow-up.
• Maintain and organise Alliance publications, resources and institutional knowledge so they remain accessible and useful to members.

5. Communications and visibility

• Coordinate a communications calendar that reflects AIRA’s priorities and amplifies member activities, publications and opportunities.
• Produce and edit bulletins, website updates, social media content and event communications, working with member and host communications teams as appropriate.
• Translate complex digital rights issues into clear, engaging content; maintain accuracy, consistent messaging and appropriate approvals for public communications.

6. Partnerships and resource mobilisation

• Identify relevant partners and funding opportunities aligned with the Alliance’s agreed priorities, and coordinate member input into concept notes and proposals.
• Support donor engagement and reporting with the Coordinating Organisation, bringing together programme evidence, achievements and lessons from members.
• Help develop collaborative initiatives that draw on members’ strengths and contribute to the Alliance’s sustainability.

7. Reporting, learning and operational coordination

• Track activities, outputs and emerging outcomes; prepare progress updates and narrative reports for the coordinating organisation, oversight group and funders as required.
• Coordinate activity budgets, expenditure tracking, consultant arrangements and event administration with the host’s finance and operations teams, following agreed procedures.
• Document learning and maintain organised records, shared calendars and contact lists, handling sensitive information with care.

Candidate profile

We are looking for a thoughtful, organised and collaborative professional with a strong commitment to digital rights in Africa and the ability to work across a network of independent organisations.

Essential experience and skills

• At least five years of relevant experience in digital rights, human rights, public policy, civil society coordination or related work, including demonstrable responsibility for projects or partnerships. 
• Experience coordinating networks, coalitions or multi-organisation initiatives, with evidence of building trust, facilitating collaboration and following through on shared commitments.
• A sound understanding of digital rights and internet governance in African contexts, with the ability to analyse emerging issues and identify practical advocacy opportunities.
• Strong writing, editing and analytical skills in English, including the ability to develop clear policy or advocacy materials and communicate with varied audiences.
• Experience managing workplans, events and reporting deadlines, with the judgement and initiative to manage competing priorities independently.
• Diplomacy, cultural awareness and the ability to navigate different institutional priorities while maintaining productive working relationships.
• A relevant qualification in law, public policy, human rights, communications, social sciences or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Desirable experience and skills

• Engagement with African regional institutions, human rights mechanisms or international internet governance processes.
• Experience in research coordination, grant reporting, proposal development or resource mobilisation.
• Experience managing newsletters, websites, social media or online events; working proficiency in French or another language relevant to AIRA’s work.

How to apply

Please complete the APPLICATION FORM. 

Applications open on 11 November 2026 and close on 24 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. East Africa Time (UTC+3). Interviews are expected to take place between 7 and 18 December 2026. Shortlisted candidates will receive details of the selection process.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences who meet the role requirements. For questions about the role or requests for an accessible application process, contact coordinator@aira.africa and carol.ger@article19.org