About Front Line Defenders

Front Line Defenders is a renowned international organization dedicated to protecting the human rights defenders (HRDs) who work tirelessly to promote rights, justice, and freedom worldwide.

As a global leader in security support for HRDs, Front Line Defenders provides vital protection, security management, and strategic guidance to individuals and organizations operating in some of the most challenging environments.

The organization’s mission is to ensure that human rights defenders can carry out their work safely and effectively, regardless of the risks they face.

Job Summary

Job Title: Global Security Lead
Location: Global (International Role)
Reporting To: Deputy Director
Team: Operations

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary Grade: E (Range: €52,962 – €72,886, depending on experience and qualifications)
Weekly Hours: 35 hours
Application Closing Date: 17 February 2025 (4:00 PM Irish Time)
Start Date: April 2026 (anticipated)

Front Line Defenders is hiring!

The Global Security Lead at Front Line Defenders is a pivotal new position responsible for spearheading the organization’s security management framework.

This role involves ensuring the safety and security of FLD’s personnel, operations, premises, and events across multiple regions globally. The Security Lead will develop and oversee policies and strategies that are rights-based, inclusive, and context-sensitive, supporting human rights defenders working in complex and high-risk environments.

This role is critical in strengthening the organization’s security culture, providing expert guidance in risk management, and ensuring proactive, intersectional, and holistic security practices.

The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker with extensive experience in security management, capable of operating in diverse political and cultural contexts and prepared to undertake frequent international travel, including to high-risk areas.

Key Responsibilities

1. Developing and Implementing Security Strategies

Holistic Security Framework: Design, implement, and continuously review a comprehensive, rights-based security risk management system that aligns with organizational values and operational needs.
Policy Development: Develop, update, and enforce security policies, guidelines, and procedures applicable to FLD’s global operations, premises, staff, and events.

Security Leadership: Provide leadership, strategic guidance, and expert analysis on emerging security threats and vulnerabilities affecting FLD and its staff.
Security Governance: Chair the Security Working Group, promoting a culture of security awareness and collective responsibility across the organization.

Physical and Technical Security: Oversee physical protection systems for offices and event security measures, including physical infrastructure and digital security protocols.
Risk Assessment: Assist Executive Leadership Team (ELT) in understanding global risk trends, integrating security considerations into strategic planning, and maintaining an organizational risk register.

2. Operational Security Management

Travel & Event Security: Offer expert advice on security preparations for staff travel and high-risk activities, including international events.
Crisis Management: Lead crisis preparedness, response planning, and incident management, ensuring swift and effective action during security incidents.

Travel Security: Oversee travel risk assessments, improve planning processes, and develop new internal systems to enhance travel safety.
Support for External Engagements: Provide security support for external meetings, conferences, and engagements, ensuring staff safety.

3. Staff Security and Support

Individual Security Plans: Support staff in developing personalized security strategies, especially those operating in high-risk environments.
Threat Management: Offer guidance and assistance during security incidents or emerging threats.
Recruitment & Onboarding: Incorporate security considerations into recruitment processes, assessing risks associated with roles, locations, and candidate profiles.

Training & Induction: Deliver security training, induction, and ongoing awareness programs to staff and management.
On-site Security Analysis: Visit staff in their countries or during travel to conduct security assessments and provide tailored advice.

4. Capacity Building and Culture Development

Security Culture: Develop and implement initiatives that promote a positive, inclusive, and proactive security culture throughout FLD.
Training Programs: Design and deliver security training tailored to staff at all levels, fostering shared responsibility for safety.

External Partnerships: Build relationships with external security providers, trainers, and crisis management experts.
Policy Compliance: Ensure ongoing adherence to security standards through continuous improvement and follow-up actions.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

Knowledge and Skills

Fluency in English and at least one other FLD working language (French, Spanish, Arabic, or Russian).
Deep understanding of an organization’s duty of care requirements, integrated with good security practices, health and safety legislation, and organizational needs.

Extensive practical knowledge of security management principles for individuals and organizations operating in high-risk environments.
Strong awareness of intersectional impacts—race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion, ethnicity, and other identities—on security.

Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to provide clear guidance in complex situations.
Sound decision-making ability, especially under pressure.
Flexibility to support global staff across different time zones, including occasional on-call duties.

Experience

At least 7 years of experience in security management across multiple high-risk countries, ideally within NGOs, INGOs, media, or inter-governmental agencies.
Proven experience leading risk assessments, threat analysis, and developing security policies.
Demonstrated ability to work successfully with diverse cultural groups.

Experience applying a gendered and intersectional approach to security.
Strong project management skills with the ability to meet targets and deadlines.
Proficiency in digital security and report writing.

Desirable

Formal security management qualifications.
Knowledge of digital protection issues and advanced security technologies.

Personal Attributes

Ability to operate effectively in diverse political and cultural environments.
Strong leadership qualities with the capacity to influence and motivate.
High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
Commitment to human rights and organizational values.

Travel and Availability

The role requires frequent international travel (up to 30%), including to areas considered high risk.
Availability for on-call hours during nights and weekends, as required.

Benefits and Compensation

This is a management-level role with a competitive salary aligned with Grade E, ranging from €52,962 to €72,886, depending on experience and qualifications. Benefits include:

26 days annual leave
Pension scheme
Health insurance coverage
Income protection and life assurance
Employee Assistance Scheme (EAP)
Monthly well-being provisions
Provision of a laptop and mobile phone

MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES:

Application Process

Candidates interested in this vital role are invited to submit their application, including a CV and cover letter, through the ‘Apply now’ button on the FLD careers page. All applications should be addressed to Olive Moore, Deputy Director.

Deadline: 17 February 2025, 4:00 PM Irish Time.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews, which are expected to take place in February/March 2025. The successful candidate is anticipated to commence employment in April 2026.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Front Line Defenders is an equal opportunities employer, committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within its workforce.

Additional Information & How to Apply

More details about the role and the application process can be found on the official FLD recruitment page: Apply here.

Front Line Defenders is hiring a Global Security Lead (Remote)

Job Description