Front Line Defenders (FLD), a leading international organization dedicated to protecting human rights defenders at risk, has announced applications for the position of Digital Protection Coordinator – Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA). The permanent remote role offers an opportunity for experienced digital security professionals to support human rights defenders and organizations facing growing digital threats across the region.

The position is open to candidates based within Eastern Europe and Central Asia and comes with a competitive annual salary ranging from €36,241 to €66,700, alongside a comprehensive benefits package. Applications close on 1 July 2026 at 4:00 PM Irish time.

About Front Line Defenders

Front Line Defenders is an international human rights organization headquartered in Ireland that works exclusively to protect human rights defenders who face threats, persecution, harassment, or violence because of their peaceful activism.

The organization provides practical assistance through:

Protection grants
Digital security support
Physical security training
Advocacy and lobbying initiatives
Emergency assistance programmes
International awareness campaigns

Front Line Defenders works globally to strengthen the safety and resilience of individuals and organizations defending human rights in challenging environments.

Expanding Digital Protection Support in EECA

As digital threats continue to evolve, human rights defenders increasingly face risks such as surveillance, hacking, online harassment, data breaches, and targeted cyberattacks.

To strengthen its response capacity, Front Line Defenders is expanding its digital protection programme across Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The Digital Protection Coordinator will play a central role in delivering practical digital security assistance to human rights defenders (HRDs) and human rights organizations (HROs) operating in high-risk environments.

The successful candidate will report to the Head of Digital Protection or Digital Protection Manager and work closely with regional and international colleagues to provide tailored support to defenders facing digital security challenges.

Key Responsibilities

The Digital Protection Coordinator will be responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting digital protection initiatives across the EECA region.

Digital Protection Support

Key duties include:

Providing one-on-one digital security support to human rights defenders.
Delivering group training sessions and workshops.
Conducting risk assessments and digital security evaluations.
Supporting the implementation of digital protection solutions.
Assisting defenders in improving their digital resilience.

The role requires regular interaction with at-risk activists and organizations, helping them identify vulnerabilities and strengthen their security practices.

Risk Assessment and Analysis

The coordinator will monitor emerging digital threats and trends affecting the region.

Responsibilities include:

Researching digital security risks facing HRDs and HROs.
Evaluating changes in the regional threat landscape.
Identifying individuals and organizations requiring support.
Mapping communications systems, devices, and online services used by defenders.
Assessing digital vulnerabilities and capacities.

These assessments will inform the design of tailored support plans and training programmes.

Training and Capacity Building

The successful candidate will develop customized learning programmes designed to improve digital security awareness and practice.

Activities include:

Creating training curricula.
Delivering workshops and mentoring sessions.
Supporting implementation of secure communication practices.
Advising on digital security tools and services.
Promoting sustainable digital protection strategies.

The coordinator will also mentor local trainers and digital security champions to strengthen long-term regional capacity.

Resource Development

The position includes contributing to educational and technical resources for human rights defenders.

Responsibilities include:

Developing written guidance materials.
Supporting updates to digital security resources.
Contributing to Security-in-a-Box and related publications.
Maintaining a library of digital protection tools and guidance documents.

These resources help defenders better understand risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.

Qualifications and Experience Required

Front Line Defenders is seeking candidates with a strong combination of technical expertise, digital security experience, and human rights knowledge.

Applicants should possess:

A minimum of three years of experience providing digital protection support.
At least one year of experience working with human rights defenders or organizations in the EECA region.
Experience delivering digital security training to individuals, groups, and organizations.
Demonstrated knowledge of digital security threats and mitigation strategies.

The organization particularly values candidates with practical experience supporting vulnerable communities and civil society actors.

Essential Technical Skills

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

Strong ICT and network administration skills.
Experience working across Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS platforms.
Understanding of device security and systems administration.
Knowledge of secure communications technologies.
Familiarity with online services, email systems, and social media platforms.
Experience conducting digital risk assessments.
Ability to troubleshoot technical issues effectively.

The role requires both conceptual understanding and practical hands-on experience in digital protection.

Language and Regional Requirements

Applicants must possess:

Fluency in English and Russian.
Working knowledge of at least one regional language, such as:
- Ukrainian
- Georgian
- Kazakh
- Kyrgyz
- Armenian
- Tajik
- Uzbek
- Belarusian

Candidates must also be based within Eastern Europe or Central Asia and be willing to travel throughout the region when required.

Salary and Benefits

Front Line Defenders offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Annual salary of €36,241–€66,700
26 days of annual leave
Pension contributions
Paid health insurance
Income protection and life assurance
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Monthly wellbeing provisions

These benefits reflect the organization’s commitment to supporting staff wellbeing and professional development.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Digital threats have become one of the most significant challenges facing human rights defenders globally. From targeted surveillance and spyware attacks to online intimidation and data breaches, defenders often operate under considerable digital risk.

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the protection of activists, journalists, civil society organizations, and community leaders working to advance human rights across Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

By strengthening digital resilience, the Digital Protection Coordinator will help ensure that defenders can continue their critical work safely and effectively.

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit:

A current curriculum vitae (CV)
A cover letter outlining relevant experience and qualifications

Applications must be submitted through the official Front Line Defenders vacancies portal no later than 1 July 2026 at 4:00 PM Irish time.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, 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.