Protection Coordinator – Remote Full-Time Opportunity at Front Line Defenders (FLD)

About Front Line Defenders (FLD)

Job Summary

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain secure communication channels with human rights defenders at risk.
• Provide rapid response support to defenders facing urgent threats.
• Support human rights defenders in developing security and risk mitigation plans.
• Coordinate with specialised teams including advocacy, digital security, wellbeing, relocation, and grant-making teams.
• Maintain accurate records of cases, actions taken, and protection activities in FLD databases.
• Prepare timely reports on missions, meetings, and protection interventions.
• Support grant applications, verification processes, follow-ups, and collaboration with regional grants teams.
• Coordinate referrals and partnerships with human rights organisations.
• Provide practical support and solidarity to human rights defenders.
• Conduct security assessments and provide emergency security training where required.

2. Strategic Leadership

• Provide expert input into FLD’s advocacy, visibility, capacity-building, and protection grant programmes.
• Support strategies addressing risks faced by women human rights defenders and other vulnerable groups.
• Contribute to regional strategic planning and protection approaches.
• Support inclusive interventions for less visible and underrepresented defender groups.
• Provide advice on security and safety considerations during FLD activities and missions.
• Participate in planning and preparation of FLD events involving human rights defenders from East and Southern Africa.

3. Research and Advocacy

• Identify and support research on protection challenges affecting human rights defenders.
• Analyse threats, attacks, and emerging risks within assigned countries.
• Prepare research documents, reports, and briefing papers.
• Provide evidence-based information to support advocacy initiatives.

4. External Representation

• Develop relationships with regional organisations and stakeholders involved in human rights protection.
• Represent Front Line Defenders with relevant authorities, international organisations, donors, embassies, and media where appropriate.
• Support advocacy and awareness activities related to human rights defenders.
• Maintain professional engagement while following individual security plans.

5. Internal Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with regional teams and colleagues across FLD programmes.
• Support annual planning and implementation of regional activities.
• Contribute to funding proposals and organisational strategies.
• Collaborate with Communications and Events teams to increase visibility of human rights defenders.
• Maintain communication with the Global Advocacy Office in Brussels.
• Provide language and contextual support for programmes implemented in the region.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to produce accurate and objective information under pressure.
• Strong understanding of human rights trends and challenges affecting defenders in the region.
• Knowledge of the environments in which local human rights defender communities operate.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.
• Strong empathy, professionalism, and ability to maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Knowledge of wellbeing and resilience practices for human rights defenders.
• Basic understanding of digital security tools, online threats, freedom of expression issues, and relevant policies.

• Experience providing holistic protection support to human rights defenders.
• Knowledge of digital security, physical security, risk assessment, and wellbeing approaches.
• Knowledge of additional languages spoken in East and Southern Africa.

Experience Required

• At least 5 years of experience working with diverse human rights defenders.
• Experience supporting defenders from different backgrounds and understanding gender-related risks.
• Experience conducting research and preparing analytical reports.
• Experience working with diverse teams, especially in emergency or high-pressure environments.

• Experience developing gender-responsive and intersectional protection strategies.
• Experience managing collaborative projects with internal teams and external partners.

Key Skills Required

Front Line Defenders Values

• Respect for the Individual.
• Building Trust.
• Collaborative Working.
• Communication With Each Other.

• Self-Awareness.
• Adapting to Change.
• Proactive Learning.
• Managing Personal Well-being.

• Strategic Thinking.
• Engaging With People.
• Stewardship of Resources.

Career Growth Opportunities

• International human rights protection.
• Humanitarian response.
• Advocacy and policy engagement.
• Security and risk management.
• NGO leadership and programme coordination.
• Global human rights networks.

Why Apply for This Opportunity?

• Work remotely with a globally recognised human rights organisation.
• Support human rights defenders across East and Southern Africa.
• Contribute to international advocacy and protection programmes.
• Collaborate with global experts and organisations.
• Build experience in humanitarian protection and human rights work.

How to Apply

• Updated CV.
• Application documents as requested by Front Line Defenders.