Policy Research Sr. Specialist

Senior Policy Research Specialist

Job Summary

The Policy Research Sr Specialist supports work on issues and projects that bridge the ICANN multistakeholder community work and the responsibilities of ICANN org to execute approved community recommendations and advice. The position provides research, analysis, and subject matter support throughout the lifecycle of community deliberations, implementation, and review. This involves participation in a number of cross-functional projects. Typically the role will focus on a particular policy area of activity, fulfilling specific drafting and development assignments, and developing depth of knowledge to help advise and educate, and problem-solve.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Serving as subject-matter expert on cross-functional teams, anticipating developments and proactively generating relevant background information and materials.
• Developing specialized depth of expertise in assigned subject areas.
• Preparing materials to support team, management, and Board deliberations.
• Supporting relevant data analysis and drafting for delivery of research and study projects.
• Preparation of formal reports, staff briefings, and presentations for internal and external ICANN stakeholders, including research and synthesis of multiple sources of information, managing inputs from multiple stakeholders.
• Developing summaries and analysis of public comments for publication, including consultation and collaboration with relevant teams and internal or external subject matter experts.
• Providing focused project support, including collaboration with internal and external stakeholders on problem-solving and issue resolution.
• Supporting development and implementation of new procedures and associated documentation throughout internal and external consultative processes.
• Participating in community meetings and related outreach activities.
• Supporting working groups and open consultations at face-to-face meetings or via online collaboration tools.
• Organizing and facilitating cross-functional discussions.
• Coordinating project information across multiple functions.
• Other duties as assigned or requested.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

(Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• Superior English communication skills (oral and written). Knowledge of at least one language other than English is highly preferred but not required.
• Cross-cultural communications skills, listening and communicating with tact and diplomacy in daily interactions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to new technologies, organizational and procedural changes.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision on complex, non-routine issues.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-cultural team environment, including working with staff members and stakeholders in multiple time zones.
• Demonstrated ability and motivation to acquire new knowledge quickly and comprehensively.
• Relevant DNS industry knowledge and experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to assess priority among competing requests and manage multiple fronts of work.

Education and Experience Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Master’s Degree preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 6 years of progressive work experience in a professional or academic environment.
• Prior international experience preferred.
• Prior experience working for an international organization strongly preferred.

Languages

ICANN values diversity and gives preference to candidates with demonstrated skills in languages in addition to proficient written and spoken English.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in a normal office environment with limited privacy and some exposure to background noise.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee regularly is required to sit. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and to reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Work location is Los Angeles, CA, or another ICANN office location per ICANN org policy.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10% of the time.