CPJ Hiring East Asia Researcher – Remote Contract Opportunity in Asia|Deadline 23 Aug 2026

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is inviting applications for an East Asia Researcher to join its Asia-Pacific Programs team. This is a part-time contract position of approximately 20 hours per week, with the role designed to be fully remote within the Asia region.

With press freedom facing growing challenges across many parts of the world, the position offers an opportunity for an experienced researcher and writer to contribute to the monitoring, documentation and protection of journalists and independent media across East Asia.

About the Committee to Protect Journalists

Founded in 1981, CPJ is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to defending journalists and promoting press freedom worldwide. The organization works to document attacks against journalists, advocate for their rights and support media workers facing threats, imprisonment, violence or other forms of persecution.

Through research, advocacy and journalist assistance, CPJ works to ensure that people can access diverse and independent sources of information. Its research and databases are also widely used to raise awareness of press freedom violations and threats facing journalists.

The East Asia Researcher will become part of CPJ’s Asia-Pacific Programs team and work closely with colleagues responsible for regional monitoring, advocacy and journalist assistance.

East Asia Researcher Role

The researcher will focus primarily on China and Hong Kong, while also monitoring developments in Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and Mongolia.

The role combines research, reporting, documentation, advocacy support and stakeholder engagement. The successful candidate will be expected to identify emerging threats to press freedom, verify information and communicate developments accurately and promptly to CPJ colleagues.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Monitoring and documenting attacks against journalists and media organizations.
• Researching developments affecting press freedom and freedom of expression.
• Reporting breaking news and significant events through alerts, statements and features.
• Monitoring relevant social media channels and maintaining contact with sources on the ground.
• Updating CPJ databases concerning imprisoned, killed and missing journalists and media workers.
• Supporting advocacy strategies designed to advance press freedom.
• Maintaining relationships with journalists, newsrooms, civil society organizations and other relevant stakeholders.
• Providing research support for journalist assistance cases.
• Collaborating with CPJ colleagues across different regions and time zones.
• Flagging urgent developments affecting journalists and media organizations to the Asia-Pacific team.

Who Can Apply?

CPJ is seeking an experienced professional with a strong background in media, press freedom, human rights or freedom of expression issues in East Asia.

Applicants must have at least five years of professional experience researching, reporting and writing about press freedom and broader freedom of speech issues. Strong research and writing abilities are essential, as the role requires the successful candidate to produce accurate and timely reporting.

Fluency in both Mandarin and English is required, including reading, writing and speaking. Knowledge of another regional language would be an advantage.

Candidates should also demonstrate a strong understanding of East Asian political, social and media environments, together with a clear commitment to press freedom.

Skills and Experience

The position is particularly suited to professionals who can work independently while collaborating effectively with an international team.

Important competencies include:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong research, reporting and analytical abilities.
• Knowledge of journalistic standards.
• Existing contacts within the East Asian media or human rights community.
• Experience working with international teams.
• Strong interpersonal and project management skills.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace.
• Ability to work proactively and independently.
• Experience with Salesforce is an advantage.
• Willingness to provide flexible support when urgent press freedom situations arise.

Applicants must also have the legal right to work in the location where they apply.

Remote Working and Time-Zone Requirements

Although the position is remote, applicants should be based within a time zone approximately two to three hours of the region’s core working hours.

The researcher must be able to participate in a weekly team meeting, typically held at 7:00 p.m. Taipei time on Tuesdays, as well as an all-staff meeting usually held at 9:00 a.m. New York time on Wednesdays.

The role may also require occasional after-hours support when urgent developments involving journalists or press freedom occur.

Therefore, candidates should carefully consider whether they can accommodate the required schedule before submitting an application.

Contract and Compensation

This is a part-time contractor position, with an expected workload of approximately 20 hours per week.

The position is based in the Asia region and is remote, with the work centered on East Asian press freedom developments.

CPJ states that compensation will be commensurate with experience and location. No fixed salary figure is provided in the vacancy announcement.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are required to submit:

• A letter of interest.
• A résumé.
• Two professional references.

Applications should be submitted by August 23, 2026. CPJ notes that candidates will be reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning interested professionals are encouraged to apply before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.

Why This Opportunity Matters

The East Asia Researcher position offers an opportunity for an experienced media or human rights professional to contribute directly to international efforts defending journalists and independent journalism.

The role is particularly relevant for professionals with established knowledge of China, Hong Kong and wider East Asian media environments, as well as strong Mandarin and English communication skills.

For qualified candidates, the position combines the flexibility of remote work with the opportunity to contribute to research, advocacy and journalist protection at an international organization dedicated to press freedom.

Application Deadline: August 23, 2026

Position: East Asia Researcher

Department: Asia-Pacific Programs

Employment Type: Part-time Contract

Workload: Approximately 20 hours per week

Location: Asia region – Remote

Compensation: Commensurate with experience and location

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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the  organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of  emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.