CIVICUS Research Consultant Role 2026: Digital Sovereignty&C …, Johannesburg

The

CIVICUS Global Alliance

is inviting applications for a

Research Consultant: Digital Sovereignty&Alternative Technologies

under its Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI).

This fully remote consultancy offers a unique opportunity for experienced researchers to contribute to shaping the future of

digital resilience, civic technology, and democratic participation worldwide .

With an application deadline of

26 April 2026 , the role is ideal for professionals with expertise in

technology governance, civic space, and digital ecosystems , particularly within Global South contexts.

About CIVICUS and the Digital Democracy Initiative CIVICUS Global Alliance is a global alliance dedicated to strengthening citizen action and protecting civic space. Through research, advocacy, and collaboration, CIVICUS works to address threats to

freedom of expression, association, and assembly

across the world.

The

Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI) , implemented in partnership with organizations such as Access Now and the European Partnership for Democracy, focuses on promoting

inclusive and resilient digital civic spaces . It supports civil society actors operating in restrictive environments, helping them navigate risks associated with digital platforms and infrastructure.

Context: Why This Role Matters Civil society organizations increasingly rely on digital tools for

communication, mobilization, and advocacy . However, much of this infrastructure is controlled by large commercial platforms, creating vulnerabilities such as:

Surveillance and censorship

Data exploitation and privacy risks

Dependence on centralized digital systems

Limited control over algorithms and governance

According to CIVICUS research, only a small percentage of the global population lives in countries with

fully open civic space , making secure and independent digital infrastructure critical.

This consultancy builds on prior research, including the

“From Platforms to Commons”

report, to develop

actionable guidance on alternative, community-driven digital technologies

that can strengthen civil society resilience.

Scope of Work The selected consultant will produce a

comprehensive research report (40–60 pages)

exploring emerging civic technologies and alternatives to Big Tech platforms. The work will focus on both:

External civic functions:

organizing, advocacy, and public engagement

Internal operations:

communication, project management, and administration tools

The research is grounded in CIVICUS’ civic space innovation framework, built on three pillars:

Solidarity:

enabling collective, community-owned infrastructure

Deliberation:

fostering inclusive participation and civic dialogue

Key Responsibilities The consultancy is structured around five main tasks:

Research Mapping&Literature Review

Analyze global trends in civic tech, digital sovereignty, and platform governance

Review open-source and community-owned digital tools

Case Study Analysis

Identify real-world examples of civic technologies

Assess usability, scalability, governance, and risks

Focus on solutions relevant to the

Global South

Consolidate findings from CIVICUS and partner organizations

Integrate lessons from existing initiatives

Strategic Analysis&Recommendations

Identify gaps such as funding, infrastructure, and governance challenges

Propose practical solutions for sustainable adoption of alternative technologies Report Development

Deliver a structured, accessible report for practitioners, funders, and policymakers

The consultant will produce:

Inception Note (≤5 pages)

– outlining methodology and work plan

Research Mapping Brief (10–15 pages)

– literature and case overview

Draft Report (40–60 pages)

– detailed findings and analysis

Final Report

– publication-ready version

Presentation (≤20 slides)

– key insights for stakeholders

Required Qualifications Applicants should demonstrate:

Experience in

digital governance, civic technology, or digital democracy

Strong research and analytical writing skills

Understanding of

platform governance, open-source tools, or digital commons

Experience working with

civil society organizations , especially in Global South contexts

This role is best suited for professionals who can bridge

technical knowledge with policy and social impact perspectives .

Application Requirements Interested candidates must submit:

Technical proposal (max 5 pages)

CV(s)

Two relevant writing samples

Applications should be sent via email to



by

21 April 2026

(note: earlier deadline may apply depending on submission requirements).

Why This Opportunity Stands Out This consultancy provides a rare chance to contribute to

global conversations on digital sovereignty and civic resilience . The selected consultant will help shape how civil society organizations:

Reduce dependency on Big Tech

Build

community-owned digital infrastructure

With increasing global concerns around

data control, surveillance, and platform power , this work is both timely and impactful.

The

CIVICUS Research Consultant role (2026)

is a high-impact opportunity for experts passionate about

technology, democracy, and social change . By developing practical, research-driven solutions, the consultant will directly support civil society actors navigating complex digital environments.

For professionals seeking meaningful, globally relevant work at the intersection of

technology and human rights , this role offers both influence and purpose.

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