Policy Research Sr. Specialist

About the role

The Senior Policy Research Specialist supports work on issues and projects that bridge the ICANN multistakeholder community 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, involving participation in cross-functional projects. The role typically focuses on a specific policy area, fulfilling drafting and development assignments while developing depth of knowledge to advise, educate, and problem-solve.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject-matter expert on cross-functional teams, anticipating developments and proactively generating relevant background information and materials.
• Develop specialized depth of expertise in assigned subject areas.
• Prepare materials to support team, management, and Board deliberations.
• Support relevant data analysis and drafting for research and study projects.
• Prepare formal reports, staff briefings, and presentations for internal and external ICANN stakeholders, including research and synthesis of multiple information sources and managing inputs from multiple stakeholders.
• Develop summaries and analysis of public comments for publication, collaborating with relevant teams and subject-matter experts.
• Provide focused project support, including collaboration with internal and external stakeholders on problem-solving and issue resolution.
• Support development and implementation of new procedures and associated documentation throughout consultative processes.
• Participate in community meetings and related outreach activities.
• Support working groups and open consultations at face-to-face meetings or via online collaboration tools.
• Organize and facilitate cross-functional discussions.
• Coordinate project information across multiple functions.
• Perform other duties as assigned or requested.

Requirements

• Superior English communication skills (oral and written). Knowledge of at least one language other than English is highly preferred.
• Cross-cultural communication skills, including tact and diplomacy in daily interactions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to adapt to new technologies, organizational, and procedural changes.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision on complex, non-routine issues.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-cultural team environment, including collaboration with staff and stakeholders in multiple time zones.
• Motivation and ability to acquire new knowledge quickly and comprehensively.
• Relevant DNS industry knowledge and experience is preferred.
• Ability to assess priorities among competing requests and manage multiple workstreams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 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.

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

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a normal office environment with limited privacy and some exposure to background noise. The role requires frequent standing, walking, sitting, talking, hearing, and use of hands. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

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.

Pay

Targeted base salary range: $70,000 – $97,000, plus 10% bonus and benefits.