Are you a community practitioner or a researcher interested in international networks and the digital commons? This could be an interesting opportunity for you.

To strengthen the Open Knowledge Network, Open Knowledge Foundation wants to prototype Open Knowledge Hubs in 6 macro-regions: Latin America, Anglophone Africa, Francophone Africa, MENA, Europe, and Asia. To achieve that, we are looking for six active community practitioners in the regions mentioned above who would be interested in promoting and implementing open knowledge.

We are excited for you to bring your personal experiences, creative ideas, connections, and communities into this program. We are looking for a diverse mix of individuals who are interested in learning more about open communities and global networks and exploring ways to improve how we work together.

Programme Overview

This is an 11-month prototype programme, starting in February and ending in December 2024. All throughout the year, the coordinators’ cohort, under the supervision of the International Network Lead, will test ways to:

1. Grow awareness of open knowledge in the region
2. Identify, seek out, and act on opportunities for collaboration with local entities: NGOs, activists, open advocates, and government.
3. Be closer to local Network members
4. Decentralise the Network coordination
5. Find better ways to work together

As part of the programme, the 6 coordinators will be involved in the collaborative writing of an article on governance prototyping and models, which will be published on okfn.org.

Location: We are seeking a regional coordinator in each of the following regions: a. Latin America, b.  Anglophone Africa, c. Francophone Africa, d.MENA; e. Europe; f. Asia

Commitment: Minimum 1 day per month + 4-hour induction and team building process at the beginning of the programme. 

Benefits: 

• A stipend of $2400 per annum (paid in 3 equal $800 instalments) for each coordinator, as a contribution for time and effort in the programme.
• Develop a network through Network meetings, held every month, plus the regional coordinators cohort meetings to learn and exchange knowledge and experiences between the cohort. 
• Opportunity to advocate for open knowledge.
• Opportunity to publish blogs and articles on https://blog.okfn.org/.
• Collaborative development of governance prototype.
• Opportunity to join the Open Knowledge Global Directory upon completion of the programme.

Expectations:

• A good understanding of the digital commons ecosystem.
• Their own extensive and influential network in the open movement in their selected region.
• Comfortable communicating in English plus (at least) one other local language.
• Excellent communication skills, with experience in public engagement, and working with communities, networks, or other campaigns.
• Ideally, a history of robust connections and collaborations within the open movement locally.
• Previous experience in community management and/or coordination is a distinct advantage. 
• The selected candidates will need to have good connectivity and conduct the activities with their own equipment, including video conferencing equipment. 

Upon selection, regional coordinators are encouraged to proactively explore fundraising opportunities and advocate for their positions, as these efforts have the potential to contribute significantly to expanding the scope of their roles and the associated resources as well as fostering a mutually beneficial outcome for the individual coordinators and OKFN.

About the Open Knowledge Foundation

Open Knowledge Foundation (OKFN) is a global non-profit organisation focused on realising open data’s value to society by helping civil society groups access and use data to take action on social problems. Through teaching, creating and campaigning, it works for a fair, sustainable and open future for all. The wide range of projects we work on, all aim to give people access to data, the knowledge to understand it, and the power to use it in our everyday lives.

About the Open Knowledge Network

The Open Knowledge Network brings together activists from the open movement worldwide. It is currently active in more than 40 countries. The  Network is very interdisciplinary, it is a place to collaborate with like-minded communities worldwide. Its members use advocacy, technology and training to unlock information, to create and share knowledge, and produce positive social change.

Whilst Network members all work independently on localised topics, and give themselves thematic priorities based on their local needs, alongside OKFN they share the same vision and values.

Closing date: January 28th 2024

How to apply

If you’d like to apply, please fill out this form.

We would love to learn more about you, your interests, and experiences. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Sara Petti at sara.petti[at]okfn.org.

Open Knowledge Foundation is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and aims to cultivate and sustain a diverse, equitable, and inclusive team. Diversity is valued and encouraged because a range of experiences and perspectives enriches our work and strengthens our ability to address complex challenges. Applicants from communities that are under-represented in our workplace – ethnic minorities, women, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals are encouraged to apply.