Researcher – East Asia

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Taiwan.

📋 Description

• Collaborate with the Asia-Pacific Regional Director, Asia-Pacific Program Coordinator, and other team members at CPJ.

• Responsible for tracking, researching, and documenting attacks on the press and other matters affecting press freedom in the region, particularly in China and Hong Kong, as well as Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Mongolia.

• Assist, advise, and implement advocacy initiatives and strategies to promote press freedom in the region.

• Maintain relationships and work together with key stakeholders, including journalists, newsrooms, civil society organizations, multilateral mechanisms, and government bodies.

• Research, monitor, and report on breaking news and events (alerts, statements, and/or features) impacting press freedom violations and the media landscape in East Asia, including through social media monitoring and discussions with relevant contacts on the ground.

• Keep track of developments affecting press freedom and journalists in East Asia and promptly inform the Asia-Pacific Program accurately.

• Update CPJ’s databases for imprisoned, killed, and missing journalists and media personnel.

• Provide research and support related to CPJ’s Journalist Assistance initiatives for distressed journalists in collaboration with the Emergencies department.

• Work cooperatively with other members of the CPJ team.

• Engage with global team members across various time zones, necessitating strong interpersonal and project management capabilities.

• Possess a background in media, press freedom, and human rights in the East Asia region, along with excellent research and writing skills in both English and Chinese.

• Demonstrate a solid grasp of journalistic standards, with the ability to work independently and proactively.

• Must be available for at least one weekly team meeting (typically at 7pm Taipei on Tuesday) to coordinate with colleagues in different regions, as well as one all-staff meeting (generally at 9am New York on Wednesday).

• Work within a time zone that is approximately 2–3 hours from the core working hours of the region.

• Occasional after-hours support may be required in urgent situations.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of five years of professional experience in researching, reporting, and writing on press freedom and broader freedom of speech matters.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong comprehension of East Asia issues, including media and human rights.

• A deep commitment to press freedom.

• Fluency in both Mandarin and English (reading, writing, and speaking) is mandatory.

• Proficiency in an additional regional language is advantageous.

• Essential proficiency in Google Workspace applications.

• Experience with Salesforce is beneficial.

• Prior experience covering the region with established contacts is preferred.

• A self-starter, team player, and comfortable working in a multicultural setting.

• Available to work flexible hours as necessary.

• Experience collaborating with international teams across different time zones.

• Applicants must have the legal right to work in the location they are applying to.

🏝️ Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements

• Opportunities for professional development