CIVICUS Global Alliance has announced a consultancy opportunity for an experienced researcher to lead a major study on digital sovereignty, civic technologies, and alternatives to Big Tech platforms for civil society organisations globally. The consultancy forms part of the CIVICUS Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI), which focuses on strengthening democratic participation and protecting civic space in the digital era. The selected consultant will conduct research examining how civil society organisations can reduce dependence on commercial digital infrastructure while strengthening digital resilience, participation, and community-led technological systems. The assignment is fully remote and open globally, with applications closing on 13 May 2026. About CIVICUS CIVICUS is a global civil society alliance dedicated to defending civic freedoms and strengthening citizen action worldwide. Through advocacy, research, mobilisation, and partnerships, the organisation works to protect civic space and support democratic participation across diverse political and social contexts. The alliance collaborates with civil society organisations, activists, and movements globally to address threats to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. About the Digital Democracy Initiative The Digital Democracy Initiative emerged from Denmark’s Tech for Democracy initiative and seeks to promote inclusive democratic participation in increasingly restrictive digital environments. The programme is implemented through a consortium of international organisations including: Access Now CIVICUS Digital Defenders Partnership European Partnership for Democracy Global Focus Fondo de Mujeres del Sur Witness IWGIA The initiative particularly supports civil society actors operating in restrictive contexts across the Global South. The project focuses on improving the use of digital technologies for civic engagement while strengthening digital safety, participation, and democratic resilience. Background and Rationale According to the CIVICUS Monitor, only around 3 percent of the world’s population currently lives in countries classified as having open civic space, while more than 80 percent live under obstructed, repressed, or closed civic conditions. CIVICUS notes that many civil society organisations rely heavily on commercial platforms and cloud services that are vulnerable to: Surveillance Censorship Platform shutdowns Algorithmic manipulation Data extraction Corporate control The consultancy builds upon CIVICUS’ previous 2025 publication, From Platforms to Commons, which explored decentralised, participatory, and community-owned digital infrastructure alternatives for civil society. The new assignment seeks to transform those findings into practical, actionable guidance for organisations navigating increasingly complex digital environments. Scope of the Consultancy The consultant will produce a major research report of approximately 40 to 60 pages examining emerging civic technologies and digital alternatives that strengthen democratic participation and organisational resilience. The research will address both: External-facing civic functions such as mobilisation, organising, advocacy, and public communication Internal operational systems including communications, administration, finance, and programme management tools The work will be grounded in CIVICUS’ civic space innovation framework built around three key principles: Struggle Solidarity Deliberation Key Responsibilities The consultant will lead several interconnected areas of research and analysis. Core responsibilities include: Conducting literature reviews and research mapping Analysing civic technology ecosystems and digital governance models Identifying and evaluating alternative and open-source digital tools Developing case studies from diverse regional contexts Consolidating insights from CIVICUS and partner organisations Producing strategic recommendations for civil society organisations Drafting publication-ready research outputs and presentations The consultant will also assess barriers to technology adoption, governance challenges, funding models, and sustainability considerations affecting civic technology ecosystems. Deliverables The assignment includes several major deliverables throughout the consultancy period. Expected outputs include: Inception note and workplan Research mapping brief Draft research report Final publication-ready report Presentation slide deck for stakeholders and partners The final report should provide practical guidance for: Civil society organisations Donors and funders Civic technology practitioners Advocacy networks CIVICUS partners Duration and Location Key consultancy details include: Duration: 4–5 months Location: Remote Start Period: 2026 Application Deadline: 13 May 2026 The consultancy is open to applicants globally. Required Qualifications CIVICUS is seeking applicants with strong expertise in digital governance, civic technology, and civil society research. Preferred qualifications include: Experience researching technology governance and digital democracy Knowledge of platform governance and digital commons Strong analytical and research writing skills Experience working with international civil society organisations Understanding of Global South civic space dynamics Candidates with expertise in open-source technologies, decentralised infrastructure, and civic participation frameworks are strongly encouraged to apply. Application Requirements Applicants must submit the following materials: Technical proposal outlining methodology and approach Financial proposal CV or CVs of consultant/team members Two relevant research or writing samples Applications should be submitted via email to: digitaldemocracy@civicus.org Both individual consultants and organisations are eligible to apply. CIVICUS has also noted that fully AI-generated proposals without substantive original input may be disqualified during evaluation. Why This Opportunity Matters As digital infrastructure becomes increasingly central to activism, advocacy, and civil society operations, organisations around the world are searching for alternatives to highly centralised technology platforms. This consultancy offers researchers and digital governance experts an opportunity to contribute to global conversations on: Digital sovereignty Civic technology innovation Democratic participation Community-owned infrastructure Online civic resilience The assignment also supports broader efforts to strengthen democratic space and protect civil society actors operating in restrictive political environments. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. 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