SMEX Mariam Al-Shafei Fellowship on Technology and Human Rights 2024: (Deadline 15 January, 2024)

The Mariam Al-Shafei Fellowship on Technology and Human Rights is open to early to mid-career candidates based in or with significant ties to West Asia and North Africa. Individuals whose work contributes to advancing civic issues at the intersection of technology and society, including data scientists, sociologists, policy experts, journalists, digital rights activists, economists, artists, and actors from relevant areas, are encouraged to apply. Since projects will heavily rely on research, we invite those currently enrolled in or recently completed postgraduate work to apply for this fellowship.

About SMEX

We advance digital rights in the West Asia and North Africa region through research, campaigns, and advocacy. We encourage users to engage with digital technology, media, and social networks responsibly and criticall

Mariam Al-Shafei Fellowship on Technology and Human Rights

• Type Fellowship
• Organisation SMEX
• Country to study–
• School to study–
• Course to study Not specified
• State of Origin
• Gender Men and Women
• Application Deadline 15 January, 2024

Aim and Benefits of Mariam Al-Shafei Fellowship on Technology and Human Rights

• Working with a mentor who is a technical expert in a field related to the fellow’s topic
• Monthly meetings with a mentor and/or fellowship program manager to support the fellows as they execute their approved work plan, as well as quarterly convening for the entire cohort to share their progress and benefit from peer support and feedback
• A monthly stipend of $900 net
• Fully paid travel and accommodation to attend SMEX’s annual Bread&Net event
• Access to SMEX’s extensive digital rights network, including coalitions SMEX convenes and introductions to practitioners who may offer platforms and other opportunities for collaboration
• Training related to digital security and campaigning
• Additional funds may be available to cover costs associated with attending one additional conference or meeting of direct relevance to the topic researched and located in the WANA region

In addition to these benefits, it’s important to note that this is a non-resident fellowship program with remote engagement as the primary mode of interaction. Fellows will be invited to SMEX’s annual event, Bread&Net. Applicants selected from Beirut have the option to utilize SMEX’s resources at their offices. For fellows based abroad, there is the possibility of requesting an additional fixed Technology Stipend to cover IT costs, which can improve remote meeting participation and provide support for necessary digital resources. The fellowship program is designed to be flexible and dynamic, accommodating each fellow’s unique skills, interests, and experiences.

Requirements for Mariam Al-Shafei Fellowship on Technology and Human Rights Qualification

Ideal candidates will have strong English and Arabic research, writing, and speaking skills. Applicants are expected to have demonstrable experience in and commitment to protecting and promoting digital rights and internet freedoms. The strongest candidates will have thought about how their project ‘grows the field’ of digital rights.

•  Geographical Eligibility: Applicants should be based in or have significant ties to the West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region.
•  Professional Background: The fellowship is open to early to mid-career professionals, including but not limited to data scientists, sociologists, policy experts, journalists, digital rights activists, economists, artists, and individuals from related fields.

•  Education: Candidates currently enrolled in or have recently completed postgraduate studies are encouraged to apply, as the fellowship projects will require a research-oriented approach.

•  Language Skills: Proficiency in English and Arabic, including strong research, writing, and speaking abilities, is essential.

•  Commitment to Digital Rights: Applicants should demonstrate commitment to protecting and promoting digital rights and internet freedoms.

• Project Relevance: Ideal candidates will have thoughtfully considered how their proposed project contributes to advancing digital rights and meaningfully ‘growing the field.’

• Availability: Fellows must be available to commit approximately 15 hours per week to their fellowship responsibilities, including active participation in monthly virtual meetings.

• Collaborative Spirit: Fellows should be open to collaboration, peer support, and mentor engagement.

• Professional References: Applicants must provide contact information for two professional references who can speak to their qualifications and commitment.

These criteria ensure the fellowship is open to dedicated individuals with the right qualifications and commitment to advancing technology and human rights in the WANA region. Please carefully review these criteria before submitting your application.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to SMEX on docs.google.com to applyPlease submit the following documents to this form by January 15. Files should be labeled: ‘[type of document, e.g. CV]-[family name, first name].’

1. Curriculum vitae (CV)
2. A ‘statement of interest’ indicating your project proposal (a general outline and tactics to be pursued where applicable). All statements should be 2 pages (750 words) max.
3. Contact information for two professional references.

A writing/project sample (this can include a link to your social media page(s)).

Final decisions will be based on the strength of the application, the relevance of the topic to SMEX’s programmatic work, the interview, and the overall fit with the fellows’ cohort.

For any inquiries about the fellowship, please contact joud[at]smex[dot]org.

For miore details, visit OFFICIAL LINK