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Recruitment & Volunteering

Front Line Defenders seeks to recruit staff, interns and volunteers in an open and transparent manner. Front Line Defenders is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting cultural diversity within the Front Line Defenders staff. All positions are advertised via this website as well as through other media or networks appropriate to the position being advertised.

Unfortunately, due to the volume of requests we receive, it is not possible to keep general applications or CVs on file. During a recruitment process we do not generally review applications received until after the closing date. Shortlisting can take some time given the volume of applications we receive for some posts.

 


 

Front Line Defenders is currently recruiting for the following positions:

Events Assistant (2024)
More info

Front Line Defenders is recruiting an Events Assistant. This is a fixed term (eight months), full time (35 hours per week) contract based in Blackrock, Dublin.

The Events Assistant will work closely with the Communications and Events team on the organisation of the 2024 Dublin Platform (23 – 25 October). Core responsibilities of the role include: flight bookings; visa support; accommodation; guest & hotel lists; design & print coordination; catering; conference welcome pack; and booklet for over 100 human rights defenders; keeping the organisation's database up to date and other coordination and administrative tasks as required (see Responsibilities section below for more). There will also be admin and event support required for Front Line Defenders’ Annual Award ceremony (31 May) and the Dublin Arts & Human Rights Festival (October).

The key accountabilities and associated duties include:

  • Supporting the Events team in delivering the Dublin Platform, a 300+ participant conference taking place in October 2024, as well as supporting on the organisation of other events in 2024;
  • Liaising with colleagues to organise the travel and participation of 300+ delegates to the Dublin Platform (human rights defenders, high-level speakers, Board members, public authorities, etc);
  • Booking of travel and other arrangements for participants;
  • Flight booking support for the visa application processes;
  • Guest list invitation & coordination;
  • Hotel accommodation lists & coordination
  • Dealing with suppliers for goodie bag, catering, printing etc.
  • Compiling delegate conference welcome packs & attendee booklet
  • Event assistance on site for the 3 days of the Platform in Dublin Castle and evening activities;
  • Event assistance on site for the Award Ceremony in May 2024;
  • Event coordination for all FLD Dublin Arts & Human Rights Festival events in October 2024 & support liaison with festival partners;
  • Writing and distributing email correspondence, letters and forms and recording relevant data;
  • Updating and maintaining Front Line Defenders database and working documents;
  • Other ad-hoc coordination or administrative tasks as required.

See full job description and additional information at: https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/sites/default/files/role_profile_events_assistant_2024.pdf

Salary: €33,341 per annum (pro-rata)

Selection and Appointment:

  • To apply, candidates need to submit a copy of their application - CV and cover letter - via the ‘Apply now’ button;
  • Cover letters should be addressed to Conor Fortune, Head of Communications & Events;
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend for interview;
  • It is anticipated interviews will be held in late March 2024;
  • The appointment is expected to be effective from April 2024;
  • Closing date; midnight (local Irish time) on Tuesday, 19 March 2024
Apply Now
HRDs Researcher
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Front Line Defenders is seeking a HRDs Researcher.

 

This role will be responsible for developing and researching both internal and external pieces,
including FLD quarterly urgent action reports and the annual Global Analysis among other
global research pieces previously agreed with management. The HRDs Researcher will act as critical support to the Protection team to strengthen analysis and learning on the threats and risks faced by HRDs and effective protection responses. The person will also oversee research pieces identified by Protection Coordinators working towards safety for HRDs participating in the research, quality control, fact checking and supporting the work commissioned to external consultants.

The successful candidate will work in close coordination with the Head of Protection, Protection
Managers, the Strategy and MEL Manager, and Advocacy team to support the different
research pieces undertaken by other team members with geographical or thematic focus. The
HRDs Researcher will engage on supporting the use of the database for better capturing data for
trend analysis and research. The role is expected to perform at a level to maintain responsibility for the development and adherence to FLD research methodology and security during research. 

 

Essential Knowledge and Skills

 

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and ability to work on other languages;
  • Excellent research skills built on solid methodological approach;
  • Ability to search and identify relevant information online; persistent in seeking out difficult to find information; creative in identifying new sources of information;
  • Ability to deliver accurate and objective written information;
  • Ability to demonstrate a nuanced understanding of contexts in which local HRD communities operate;
  • At least some knowledge of key practices and trends in the area of protection, digital security resiliency and well-being for both HRDs and their advocates;
  • To work collaboratively and in a high pressure environment ;
  • Ability to work well with a wide range of people from different cultures, backgrounds and experiences, with empathy and clear boundaries;
  • Able to take initiative and drive work forward independently within agreed frameworks, motivated by achieving results and completing tasks.

 

Essential Experience:

 

  • At least 5 years of experience working with a diverse range of human rights defenders;
  • Proven experience on planning, disseminating and conducting research on human rights violation and the work of human rights defenders;
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of human rights violations and their impact on human rights defenders and their movements, including available mechanism for their protection;
  • Strong understanding of the gendered and other risks women human rights defenders and LGBTIQ+ defenders face.

 

For more information please see the full job description: https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/sites/default/files/jd.hrdsresearcher...

 

Remuneration:

Salary: €50,500 - €64,300 per annum (10 Points)

Placement on the range will be commensurate with experience and qualifications

 

Benefits include:

26 days of annual leave per year, pension scheme, contribution to private health insurance, life assurance, income protection, employee assistance programme, employee well-being scheme

 

Selection and Appointment:

  • To apply, candidates need to submit a copy of their application - CV and cover letter - via the ‘Apply now’ button;
  • Cover letters should be addressed to Sarah de Roure, Head of Protection;
  • It is anticipated interviews will be held during April 2024;
  • The appointment is expected to be effective from May 2024;
  • Closing date; midnight (local Irish time) on Sunday, 07 April 2024 as per FLD vacancies page: https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/recruitment-volunteering
Apply Now
Internship at the ACHPR
More info

Front Line Defenders and the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) invite applications for an Internship at the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights to support the work of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders and Focal Point on Reprisals in Africa. It is a 12 month position based in Banjul, under the supervision of the ACHPR. Candidates should be able to work in both English and French. Candidates who have experience as a human rights defender in Africa will be prioritized.

The intern will gain practical work experience in an international institution, learn about Human Rights Defenders; the mandate of the ACHPR Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders; the specific situation and challenges facing human rights defenders in the region and advocacy at the African Union level. They will be expected to participate in induction, periodic reviews, hearings, meetings, and relevant out-of-hours events.

The successful candidate will be able to draft well and have good analytical skills. They will have some knowledge of the ACHPR functioning, and international and human rights law. They must be able to work in both English and French. Additional AU working languages are an asset. Please note that we cannot make exceptions to the language requirement.

They will be able to work on own initiative and as a member of a team. They will have good oral and written communication skills and be computer literate. They will be flexible, have good interpersonal skills, good stress management skills and be cooperative. An ability to multitask and prioritise is a must. Previous work experience with organisations working in the field of human rights is desirable.

Basic terms of reference:

  • Gather information on the situation of human rights defenders in Africa (with a particular focus on themes of concern identified by the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders and Focal Point on Reprisals in Africa);
  • In coordination with other thematic mechanisms and with geographic desk officers, draft urgent appeals and communications to Governments concerning human rights violations against human rights defenders;
  • Support follow-up of cases taken up by the mandate;
  • Analyse replies received from Governments and prepare summaries for inclusion in the annual report;
  • Assist in the preparation of background materials for official missions by the Special Rapporteur;
  • Assist in liasing with non-governmental organizations for the smooth implementation of the mandate, as needed.

Applications should be addressed to Ivi Oliveira, Protection Manager before Monday 18th March. Interviews are expected to take place during March 2024 and will be held online. The next intern will start in early April 2024 for a period of 12 months. 

Front Line Defenders is able to provide a contribution to living costs of USD 1.800 per month. Front Line Defenders will reimburse the successful candidate the cost of their flights to and from Banjul, as well as contribution to a travel insurance. Please note that you may need additional funds to sustain your stay in Banjul.

Apply Now
US Representative
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Front Line Defenders is recruiting a US Representative.

Role Purpose:

The US Representative is a senior position leading Front Line Defenders’ advocacy, outreach and fundraising efforts in the United States. The US Representative engages with decision makers, civil society, donors and other allies, and help strengthen a constituency of support in the US for HRDs. The US Representative works in cooperation with the Front Line USA Foundation.

Responsibilities:

• Represent Front Line Defenders in the United States at meetings, conferences and other relevant human rights spaces, and further develop in the US the organisation’s profile and awareness of human rights defenders protection needs, including through participation in campaigns, events and social networking;
• Formulate, manage and oversee the implementation of a US strategy for FLD that creates space for and centers HRD voices, supports HRDs at risk and increases HRD protection with US Government and US Congress and other US-based policymakers, as requested and in close coordination with the FLD global advocacy team and FLD protection team;
• Support fundraising efforts in the US, in coordination with the development team, including working to maintain good relationships with FLD’s current US-based donors, identifying new donors, attending relevant donors conferences, building relationships with prospective donors, and meeting annual fundraising targets;
• Coordinate events and visits of human rights defenders to the US in order to increase awareness of the work of human rights defenders as well as promote the organisation's work, including for the launch of FLD’s annual Global Analysis and the Front Line Defenders Awards for Human Rights Defenders at risk;
• Engage with peer human rights organisations to support and contribute to the development, promotion and implementation of HRD-focused legislation and policies in the US;
• Support urgent advocacy efforts on cases of HRDs at risk, including by raising the profile of HRDs at risk with US policymakers.
• Support and co-manage the Front Line USA Foundation and its Board, in coordination with head of development.
• Participate actively in the FLD management team and develop a shared sense of management responsibility and accountability.
• Engage with the FLD evaluation and data management team to support good data collection and reporting on the work of the organization.

 

See further details at:

 

https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/sites/default/files/us_representative_-_job_advertisement.pdf

 

Salary: $95.000 – $105.000 per annum

Placement on the range will be commensurate with experience and qualifications

 

Benefits include:

26 days of annual leave per year, pension scheme, health insurance, life insurance, income protection schemes, employee assistance programme, staff well-being initiatives.

 

To apply, candidates need to submit a copy of their application - CV and cover letter - via the ‘Apply now’ button;
• Cover letters should be addressed to Laurent Aldenhoff, Interim Deputy Director;
• Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend for interview;
• It is anticipated interviews will be held during April 2024;
• The appointment is expected to be effective from June 2024;
• Closing date; midnight (NY time) on March 26th 2024 as per FLD vacancies page:
https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/recruitment-volunteering

Apply Now
Visa and Travel Administrator (2024)
More info

Front Line Defenders is seeking a Visa and Travel Administrator. This is a fixed term (eight months), full time (35 hours per week) contract based in Blackrock, Dublin.

The Visa and Travel Administrator will work closely with the Communications and Events team and Protection team on the organisation of the 2024 Dublin Platform (23 – 25 October 2024). The role will coordinate the visa process for over 100 human rights defenders (and other international delegates if/when advised). The Visa and Travel Administrator will also support with flights, travel logistics and additional administrative, event & organisational tasks as required, including keeping the organisation's database up to date.

The key accountabilities and associated duties include:

  • Coordinating the applications and processing of visas for over 100 human rights defenders from over 100 different countries attending the 2024 Dublin Platform;
  • Managing the visa application processes for all participant human rights defenders, including Irish, Schengen and UK visa applications;
  • Liaising with the Irish visa office to ensure timely turnaround of visa applications;
  • Liaising with relevant regional colleagues to coordinate collection of visas;
  • Updating the team weekly on progress of all visa applications;
  • In coordination with relevant colleagues, also support the travel arrangements for over 100 human rights defenders attending the Dublin Platform and trips of other international delegates (high-level speakers, Board members, diplomats, governmental authorities etc.);
  • Supporting with other administrative, event and organisational tasks as required, including accommodation, catering, delegate welcome pack etc.;
  • Writing and distributing email correspondence, letters and forms and recording relevant data;
  • Updating and maintaining Front Line Defenders database and working documents.

See full job description and additional information at: https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/sites/default/files/role_profile_visa_and_travel_administrator_2024.pdf

Salary: €33,341 per annum, pro rata

Selection and Appointment:

  • To apply, candidates need to submit a copy of their application - CV and cover letter - via the ‘Apply now’ button;
  • Cover letters should be addressed to Conor Fortune, Head of Communications & Events;
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend for interview;
  • It is anticipated interviews will be held in late March 2024;
  • The appointment is expected to be effective from April 2024;
  • Closing date: midnight (local Irish time) on Tuesday, 19 March 2024
Apply Now


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Front Line Defenders annually recruits for two positions that are part of the organisation's commitment to strengthening international mechanisms supporting human rights defenders:

Internship at the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (Banjul)

The purpose of the Internship is to support the work of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders at the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR). It is a 12 month position based in Banjul. Candidates should be able to work in English and French. Front Line Defenders will prioritise candidates who have experience as a human rights defender in Africa.

Frank Jennings Fellowship (Dublin & Geneva)

The Frank Jennings Fellowship was set up to give an opportunity for dedicated and talented individuals to gain experience working for the protection of human rights defenders in an international NGO and at the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. It is named after Front Line Defenders former Head of Research who died after a long illness in 2005. Frank made a huge contribution to the development of human rights activism in Ireland and candidates who have some experience of human rights work in Ireland will be given priority.

The Frank Jennings Fellow spends three months at Front Line Defenders where he/she will be trained in relation to Human Rights Defenders; the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders; the Mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur; the procedures and methodology of the mandate; the role of Front Line Defenders and other national and international organisations in the support and protection of Human Rights Defenders. The Fellow will then move to Geneva for a period six months before returning to Front Line Defenders for a further three months.


Invitation to tender for website redesign

Front Line Defenders is currently inviting tender submissions from interested Website Design and Development Suppliers to lead on a substantial redesign of its website. For more details and instructions on how to apply, please visit here.



Volunteering at Front Line Defenders

We greatly appreciate the valuable contribution of volunteers who support the work of Front Line Defenders.

The best way to get involved is to help Front Line Defenders raise awareness about the risks faced by human rights defenders around the world and to help raise much needed funds to increase their security and protection.

When human rights defenders visit Ireland on rest & respite, it is important to provide a network of support to them. This community of support includes volunteers interested in accompanying the human rights defender sightseeing, to music and cultural activities, sharing about Irish history and current affairs or other hobbies/activities that may be of interest. Language support is especially useful to visiting human rights defenders. The working languages of Front Line Defenders are English, French, Spanish, Arabic and Russian but sometimes we also need support with other languages.

If specific additional volunteering opportunities arise, they will be posted here.