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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:

Communications and Events Fellow
More info

Front Line Defenders invites applications for a new Communications & Events Fellowship to support its global work to protect human rights defenders at risk. Reporting to the Head of Communications and Events, the selected candidate will work in close coordination with the Visibility and Communications Officer and International Events and Promotions Coordinator. The fellowship will be for nine months and will be based in Front Line Defenders' office in Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland (remote working option is not available).

 

About the team

 

The purpose of the Communications and Events Team is to provide support to human rights defenders (HRDs) at risk by giving them and their work more visibility – by raising their profile online and in external media as well as by organising events. The team works together with HRDs on publications, developing media capacity and connections, producing communications materials, organising the Front Line Defenders Award and Dublin Platform and providing individual support and advice. The Communications and Events team is also responsible for developing and implementing the multilingual communications strategy for Front Line Defenders, including managing the organisation’s website and social media, research reports and other publications, videos, podcasts and media outreach.

 

About the role

The Communications and Events Fellowship is designed to provide training and practical work experience in an international non-governmental organisation to recent communications or journalism graduates seeking a career in international human rights. The fellow will support the team on a range of projects linked to the organisation’s communications outreach and coordination of events. In the process they will learn about: human rights defenders; the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders; the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders; the role of Front Line Defenders and other national and international organisations in supporting and protecting HRDs; and how NGOs work with media outlets and use social media to raise awareness and visibility of the risks faced by HRDs. They will interact with a range of colleagues across the organisation and will be expected to participate in induction, periodic reviews, weekly team and case meetings, and relevant out-of-hours events.

 

Requirements

 

The successful candidate will have:

 

  • Good oral and excellent written communication skills in English. Computer literacy and good analytical skills.
  • A Bachelors’ degree or higher in communications, journalism, international relations or a related field.
  • Familiarity with conceptualising and producing narrative-based multimedia content (such as tweets, video, audio, infographics, etc.) for social media communications and campaigning.
  • Some background knowledge of the human rights field, international human rights law, and the UN and EU systems.
  • Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
  • Flexibility, good interpersonal skills, and good stress management skills. An ability to multitask and prioritise is a must.

 

The following are also highly desirable and would be an advantage in the role:

 

  • Previous internship and/or work experience in journalism or in a PR/communications role with a human rights or humanitarian organisation.
  • Previous experience using a content management system (CMS) and website editing.
    Technical design skills, especially experience working with Canva and the Adobe suite of software.
  • Fluency or working knowledge of at least one other language relevant to Front Line Defenders’ work (e.g. Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

 

Terms of reference

 

The Communications and Events Fellow will be based in Front Line Defenders’ office in Blackrock for 30 hours per week, and will:

 

  • Provide support to the Visibility and Communications Officer, including but not limited to: administrative and substantive tasks around the creation, design, dissemination and monitoring of social media content and multimedia materials (e.g. videos and podcasts).
  • Assist with capturing and recording multimedia content at FLD events.
  • Provide support to the International Events and Promotions Coordinator, including with the creation and upkeep of guest and supplier lists, tracking visa applications and flights, and drafting of materials for events.
  • Upload approved content (Urgent Appeals, Statements, human rights defender profiles, etc.) to the Front Line Defenders website.
  • Assist in archiving images related to Front Line Defenders’ field work to protect human rights defenders.
  • Assist in drafting and designing, as requested, media materials or content to support Front Line Defenders events.
  • Carry out administrative duties as required.

 

Front Line Defenders is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

 

In providing protection and support to human rights defenders, Front Line Defenders and its staff, fellows and volunteers are committed to:

 

  • Focus on the primacy and centrality of defenders;
  • Demonstrate profound respect and empathy for defenders;
  • Meet the needs expressed by the defenders in a fast, flexible and relentless manner;
  • Achieve tangible impact;
  • Act with independence, impartiality and integrity;
  • Perform with dedication, professionalism and accountability;
  • Show transparency and openness;
  • Develop participative and cooperative relations.

 

Front Line Defenders is able to provide a stipend of €1469 per month for the fellowship. This is a Dublin-based role based in the Front Line Defenders office for the duration of the fellowship.

If this sounds like the role for you please apply by submitting your CV and cover letter via the ''Apply now'' button. Please include your CV and cover letter in the same attachment and title it with: Communications and Events Fellow, and your last name. Applications which are not in this format may be missed. Applications should be addressed to Conor Fortune, Head of Communications and Events.

 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Interviews will be held in person in Front Line Defenders’ office in Blackrock, Co. Dublin. The Communications & Events Fellowship is expected to start in June/July 2023.

 

Apply Now
Digital Protection Manager
More info

Front Line Defenders (FLD) invites applications for a Digital Protection Manager to support the Head of Digital Protection in leading and developing the work of the Digital Protection Coordinators (DPCs) and IT Administrators.

The role will be responsible for fostering and supporting effective teams to ensure the provision of digital protection support to human rights defenders (HRDs) which is coordinated, strategic, targeted and effective, and the delivery of team products, initiatives and events, and provision of IT support to all FLD staff.

The primary responsibility of this role will be to coordinate and expand our digital protection work by helping to manage FLD’s digital protection support for HRDs, with input into FLD digital protection advocacy in cooperation with our Global Advocacy team, help develop FLD digital protection resources (like Security in-a-Box), assist in coordination of DP work with the Protection and other FLD teams as needed. The successful candidate will also provide support to the IT team and oversee the maintenance of the IT and Communication networks and systems.

Key Responsibilities will include:

  • Providing management and leadership to the Digital Protection and IT Administrators to develop and deliver the team vision and plans;
  • Supporting the IT Administrators and IT system in FLD head office in Dublin;
  • Advocacy and Research;
  • Planning, budgeting and monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL);
  • Management within FLD.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

Technical

  • Recognised ICT degree or equivalent experience;
  • Excellent practical and current knowledge of digital information security and communication technology across a variety of operating systems and devices;
  • Administering major operating systems like: Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS and GNU Linux (most importantly Ubuntu);
  • Familiarity, practical experience and knowledge of best practices with open source IT systems, networks, and related technologies;
  • Strong troubleshooting skills with a logical, analytical approach to problem solving;
  • Proven experience producing and updating relevant documentation and procedures.

General

  • Organisational skills including an ability to prioritize initiatives across several countries in multiple time zones, ability to supervise, mentor and provide guidance to a small diverse team;
  • Excellent communication skills in English, with clear, concise writing, editing and oral presentation skills and experience;
  • Strong understanding of the human rights context in across different geographical regions;
  • Strong understanding of the political environment for human rights defenders and excellent political judgment;
  • Sound judgement, decision-making and problem-solving skills, particularly in high pressure and high risk situations;
  • Flexibility in time, scheduling, travel and supporting other staff, both from the same team and on other teams;
  • Ability to offer advice, guidance and support to meet the organisational needs;
  • Ability to work as a team member at different levels;
  • Financial skills for budgeting.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of other languages;
  • Knowledge and practical experience of digital protection international advocacy;
  • Creating digital protection guides and documentation;
  • Ability to learn on the job about different political and cultural contexts in order to develop effective programming.

Essential Experience

  • Minimum 3 years experience in digital protection support.
  • Minimum 1 year of experience of working with HRD/HRO.
  • Provided digital protection support and training for individual, group and organisations.
  • IT problem solving in all major operating system (Windows, Mac, Android and iOS).
  • Participation in national and international human rights digital protection conferences.
  • Active and trusted member of the human rights community.
  • IT systems administrator, IT support experience.
  • Servers administration experience.
  • Holistic security in context of digital protection experience, support, training, etc.
  • Documented prior good experience in working with HRDs/HROs.
  • Mentorship experience
  • Extensive knowledge and experience of best practice in digital protection
  • Proven experience as a manager including in managing budgets.
  • Experience in driving innovation and creative programming.
  • Experience in managing diverse teams and working in different cultural contexts.

Desirable

  • Experience as a trainer, with oversight in the development and management of training programmes in diverse cultural contexts.
  • Demonstrated experience and judgement in high risk situations that pose security concerns to individuals as well as the organisation.

For full role profile see: https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/sites/default/files/jd.digitalprotect...

Remuneration

€50,500 - €67,792 per annum (12 points)

Placement on the range will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits include:

24 days annual leave, pension scheme, health insurance, death in service benefit, income protection and an employee assistance programme.

Application Process

If this sounds like the role for you please submit your CV and Cover letter via the ''Apply now'' link below. Please include your CV and cover letter in the same attachment and title it with: the position you are applying for, and your last name. Applications should be addressed to Wojtek Bogusz, Head of Digital Protection.

Front Line Defenders is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Apply Now
Institutional Grants Manager
More info

Front Line Defenders is seeking an excellent candidate for the role of Institutional Grants Manager. The Institutional Grants Manager's  primary role is to lead Front Line Defenders’ established process of engagement with its consortium of private and institutional donors based throughout Europe, North America and elsewhere. This includes responsibility for reporting, relationship management and identifying new funding opportunities.

Reflecting the number and diversity of donors and Front Line Defenders’ wide scope of work, responsibilities for specific areas of work and donors are shared among the team of three Institutional Grants Managers.

This is a permanent role and will be based in the Front Line Defenders office in Blackrock, Co. Dublin or the Front Line Defenders office in Brussels.

Background:

Front Line Defenders, The International Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (www.frontlinedefenders.org) was founded in Dublin in 2001 with the aim of providing practical assistance and protecting human rights defenders (HRDs) at risk - people who work, non-violently, for any or all of the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Front Line Defenders maintains its head office in Dublin, an advocacy office in Brussels, and regionally based field staff in all world regions.

Person Specification

Essential Knowledge and Skills:

  • Knowledge of funding mechanisms of key donors in the sector.
  • Experience in project and budget management.
  • Good knowledge of human rights and/or development issues, and of the human rights space.
  • Bachelor’s degree; Master's degree preferred;
  • Excellent written and verbal knowledge of English is essential. Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively in written and oral forms.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and excellent representational skills.
  • Ability to work as both a key member of a team as well as working proactively alone.
  • Ability to work to tight deadlines.
  • Ability to thrive in a high pressure supported environment.

Desirable:

  • A working knowledge of one of Front Line Defenders other working languages (Arabic, French, Russian and Spanish) is desirable.

Essential Experience:

  • Minimum 4 years of work experience in development, fundraising, and/or grantmaking in civil society, philanthropy and/or government settings.
  • Demonstrable experience in engaging with private donors, such as foundations, corporations and high-net worth individuals.
  • Experience in project and budget management.

Desirable:

  • Experience in fundraising from the public an advantage.

Other requirements:

  • Requirement to travel internationally occasionally.
  • Availability for some weekends/evening work when necessary (such as attending events).

Link to role profile: https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/sites/default/files/institutional_gra...

Remuneration

The minimum starting salary for this role is €50,500 per annum. Salary to be agreed on appointment 

21 days of annual leave per year in addition to public holidays in Ireland and three additional leave days which will be specified each year between 25 and 31 December.

Benefits include: tiered matching pension contributions up to 10% of salary, a contribution to private health insurance, death in service benefit, income protection and an employee assistance programme.

Relocation package available if the successful candidate is relocating from outside Ireland to take up the role.

Application Process

If this sounds like the role for you please submit your application via the ''Apply now'' link. Please include your CV and cover letter in the same attachment and title it with: the position you are applying for, and your last name. Applications should be addressed to Laurent Aldenhoff, Head of Development.

Applications must be received by 8am Dublin time on Monday 12th June 2023

Apply Now
Research and Admin Fellowship: Africa (March 2023)
More info

Research and Admin Fellowship: Africa (French and English Required)

 

The selected candidate will work in close coordination with the Protection Coordinators for Africa, and will also provide support to other relevant staff across other programme areas in relation to our work in the region, as required. The fellowship will be for nine months and based in Front Line Defenders' office in Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland (remote option is not available).

 

The fellowship is designed to provide training and practical work experience in an international non-governmental organisation to recent graduates seeking a career in human rights. The fellow will learn about Human Rights Defenders; the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders; the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur; the role of Front Line Defenders and other national and international organisations in the support and protection of human rights defenders; the specific situation and challenges facing human rights defenders in the region. They will be expected to participate in induction, periodic reviews, weekly team and case meetings, and relevant out-of-hours events.

 

The successful candidate will be able to draft well and have good analytical skills. They will have basic knowledge of the UN system and international and human rights law. They must be able to work in both English and French. 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 and cooperative. Previous work experience with organisations working in the field of human rights is desirable.

 

Basic terms of reference:

 

  • Provide support to the Protection Coordinators working on Africa, including dealing with queries and correspondence with human rights defenders;
  • Input HRD-related information on the Front Line Defenders' database on a regular basis;
  • Undertake research on human rights defenders in countries in the region;
  • Compile and draft as requested briefings, country summaries, input to reports, urgent appeals, or other materials;
  • Support follow-up on cases taken up by Front Line Defenders;
  • Provide support to staff across other programme areas in relation to activities carried out in the region, including in particular in the organisation of and follow-up on trainings;
  • Carry out administrative tasks as requested, including the taking of minutes in meetings;
  • Provide French language support as necessary, including translation of documents and in meetings;
  • Work on other specific projects and tasks relating to human rights defenders as requested.

Please include your CV and cover letter in the same attachment and title it with your last name. Applications which are not in this format may be missed.

 

If this sounds like the role for you please click the 'Apply Now' link to submit your CV and Cover letter. Applications should be addressed to Ivi Oliveira, Protection Manager. This vacancy will remain open until filled. The next Research & Admin Fellowship - Africa will start in early July 2023 for a period of nine months.

 

Front Line Defenders is able to provide a contribution to living costs of €1469 per month. Front Line Defenders will reimburse the successful candidate the cost of their flights to and from Dublin. Please note that the cost of living in Dublin is high and that you may need additional funds to sustain your stay in Ireland. Front Line Defenders will assist with the Irish visa application process if relevant. Location and start date of fellowship may change subjected to length of visa process, in agreement with successful candidate.

 

Front Line Defenders is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

 

In providing protection and support to human rights defenders, Front Line Defenders and its staff, fellows and volunteers are committed to:

 

  • focus on the primacy and centrality of defenders;
  • demonstrate profound respect and empathy for defenders;
  • meet the needs expressed by the defenders in a fast, flexible and relentless manner;
  • achieve tangible impact;
  • act with independence, impartiality and integrity;
  • perform with dedication, professionalism and accountability;
  • show transparency and openness;
  • develop participative and cooperative relations.

 

Apply Now
Research and Admin Fellowship: MENA (Arabic Speaking)
More info

Front Line Defenders invites applications for a Research & Admin Fellowship to support its work in Middle East & North Africa. The candidate will work in close coordination with the Protection Coordinators for the Middle East & North Africa region, and will provide support to other relevant staff across other programme areas as required. The Research & Admin Fellowship will be for 9 months (extendable for up to 1 year) and based in Front Line Defenders' office in Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

The fellowship is designed to provide training and practical work experience in an international organisation to recent graduates seeking a career in human rights. The fellow will learn about Human Rights Defenders; the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders; the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur; the role of Front Line Defenders and other national and international organisations in the support and protection of human rights defenders; the specific situation and challenges facing human rights defenders in the region and advocacy at the EU level. They will be expected to participate in induction, periodic reviews, weekly team and case 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 UN system, the EU system and international and human rights law. They must be able to work in both English and Arabic. Ability to communicate in additional languages used in Middle East & North Africa is a plus. 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 prioritize is a must. Previous work experience with organisations working in the field of human rights is desirable.

Basic terms of reference:

  • Provide support to the Protection Coordinators working on Middle East & North Africa, including dealing with routine queries and correspondence with human rights defenders;
  • Input HRD-related information on the Front Line Defenders' database and ensure that it is kept up to date;
  • Undertake research on human rights defenders in countries in the two regions;
  • Compile and draft as requested briefings, country summaries, input to reports, urgent appeals, , or other materials;
  • Provide support to other relevant staff across other programme areas in relation to activities carried out in the two regions, including in particular the organisation of and follow-up on trainings;
  • Carry out administrative tasks as requested, including the taking of minutes in meetings, as well as translating administrative documents from Arabic/English and English/Arabic;
  • Provide Arabic-language support as necessary, including simultaneous translation for human rights defenders;
  • Work on other specific projects and tasks relating to human rights defenders as requested;
  • Provide flexible support to the Rest and Respite programme, including, but not limited to, accompanying human rights defenders to events and translating.

To apply:

If this sounds like the role for you please click the 'Apply Now' link to submit your CV and Cover letter. Please include your CV and cover letter in the same attachment and title it as “last name_first name”. Applications should be addressed to Olena Ivantsiv and received by 25 June 2023. Interviews are expected to take place during July and will be held online. The next Research & Admin Fellowship - MENA will start in August-September 2023 for a period of nine months. Unfortunately due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Front Line Defenders is able to provide a contribution to living costs of €1469 per month. Front Line Defenders will reimburse the successful candidate the cost of their flights to and from Dublin. Please note that the cost of living in Dublin is high and that you may need additional funds to sustain your stay in Ireland. This is a Dublin-based role working from the FLD office for the full length of the fellowship. Front Line Defenders will assist with the Irish visa application process if relevant.

Front Line Defenders is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

In providing protection and support to human rights defenders, Front Line Defenders and its staff are committed to:

  • focus on the primacy and centrality of defenders;
  • demonstrate profound respect and empathy for defenders;
  • meet the needs expressed by the defenders in a fast, flexible and relentless manner;
  • achieve tangible impact;
  • act with independence, impartiality and integrity;
  • perform with dedication, professionalism and accountability;
  • show transparency and openness;
  • develop participative and cooperative relations.

 

Apply Now
Senior IT Administrator
More info

Front Line Defenders invites applications for a Senior IT Administrator to lead our administrative support team based in our Head Office in Blackrock, Co. Dublin to oversee the steady growth of our programmes and support to human rights defenders at risk globally over the last number of years. As the organisations grows, so too do our IT needs. It is critical that we build and maintain secure, efficient, flexible and agile IT systems, in order to meet our mission to protect and support human rights defenders who are at risk as a result of their work. This role is provides essential support to all of our programmings, and touches on all aspects of our work.

 

The purpose of the IT team is ensure that our programmes, staff and fellows are able to continue their work using secure IT and communication systems.

 

The purpose of this role is coordinate the work of the team to respond to the needs of the entire organisation to ensure the design, implementation, administration and support of efficient and secure digital communication and information systems, including storage and processing for the entire organisation.

 

Key responsibilities will include:

  • Providing management and leadership for the IT Team to develop and deliver the team vision and plans
  • Developing and leading the organisation vision for secure and efficient IT systems and processes.
  • Ensure IT systems and networks security
  • IT Support and Training

Knowledge and Skills:

Qualifications:

  • Recognised ICT degree or equivalent experience.
    Knowledge
  • Management experience of small IT team.
  • Best practices with IT systems, networks, and related technologies

Experience:

Essential:

  • Extensive (at least five years experience in a similar role) practical experience and knowledge of below aspects is needed:
  • IT systems security of both hardware and software, servers, network devices, workstations, phones and other peripherals
    Strong analytical troubleshooting skills with a logical, analytical approach to problem solving
    Experience with aspects of project management, such as budgeting and scheduling

For full role profile see: https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/sites/default/files/fvvjd.snritadmin....

Salary Range

€50,500 - €67,792 per annum (12 points)

Placement on the range will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits include:

24 days annual leave, pension scheme, health insurance, death in service benefit, income protection and an employee assistance programme.

Application Process

If this sounds like the role for you please submit your CV and Cover letter via the ''Apply now'' link below. Please include your CV and cover letter in the same attachment and title it with: the position you are applying for, and your last name. Applications should be addressed to Wojtek Bogusz, Head of Digital Protection.

 

Front Line Defenders is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled

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.

Our next recruitment for the African Commision internship is expected to be in mid-2023. Specific dates will be posted here in advance. In the case of an earlier recruitment, we will update the information posted here well in advance.

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.

Our next recruitment for the Frank Jennings Fellowship is expected to be in autumn 2022 with a start date in December 2022. Specific dates will be posted here in advance. In the case of an earlier recruitment, we will update the information posted here well in advance.
 



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.