Exciting Job Opportunity: Front Line Defenders is Hiring a Protection Coordinator | Deadline: 6th August 2026 @Unknown

Front Line Defenders Job summary

Job Summary

Job Title: Protection Coordinator
Location: Remote/Based in East and Southern Africa
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Grade F (€52,962 – €72,886)
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Reporting To: Head of Africa
Team: Protection Team
Date: 6th August 2026

About Front Line Defenders

Front Line Defenders is dedicated to protecting human rights defenders (HRDs) at risk across the globe.

The organisation’s regional teams lead protection responses, defining priorities and deploying resources where they are most needed.

The Protection Coordinator plays a vital role in safeguarding HRDs in East and Southern Africa through strategic protection, rapid response, and advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

Protection Programming

• Establish and maintain secure communications with HRDs at risk
• Provide rapid response to urgent cases, including urgent appeals
• Strengthen the capacity of HRDs to respond to security threats
• Maintain accurate records in Front Line Defenders’ database

• Support grant applications and collaborate with regional partners
• Conduct security assessments and deliver rapid training sessions
• Offer practical individual support and active solidarity to HRDs

Strategic Leadership

• Contribute to advocacy, visibility, and capacity-building initiatives
• Support gender-sensitive approaches and outreach to women and non-binary HRDs
• Advise on regional security and strategic protection measures

• Input into the design of inclusive interventions and regional strategies
• Engage in planning and representation at regional and international events

Research and Advocacy

• Undertake or collaborate on research on protection issues
• Provide analysis and briefing papers on threats faced by HRDs in specific countries

External Representation

• Develop and maintain contacts with regional and international organisations
• Represent Front Line Defenders with authorities, donors, embassies, and media
• Engage with UN bodies, European delegations, and other key stakeholders

Internal Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate closely with regional teams and global offices
• Lead annual activity planning for the region
• Contribute to funding proposals and visibility initiatives
• Coordinate with Communications and Events teams for awareness campaigns

Person Specification

Knowledge & Skills

Essential:

• Excellent communication skills in English
• Ability to produce accurate reports under pressure
• Knowledge of regional human rights trends and contexts
• Empathy and ability to work with diverse cultures
• Basic knowledge of digital security tools and online threats

Desirable:

• Experience with holistic protection approaches
• Fluency in additional languages spoken in East and Southern Africa

Experience

Essential:

• Minimum 5 years working with diverse HRDs
• Understanding of gendered and LGBTIQ+ risks faced by defenders
• Experience with research, report writing, and analytical tasks
• Experience with emergency response and team collaboration

Desirable:

• Experience developing gender-responsive protection strategies
• Managing collaborative projects with partners

Application Process

Candidates are invited to submit their CV via the ‘Apply now’ button on the Front Line Defenders recruitment page.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews, scheduled for August/September 2026.

The position is expected to commence in October 2026. a
Closing date: 6th August 2026 at 4:00 pm (Irish time).

Why Join Front Line Defenders?

Be part of a global effort to protect those who stand up for human rights.

Contribute to impactful protection work in East and Southern Africa, supporting defenders at risk and advocating for their safety and rights.

Front Line Defenders is an Equal Opportunities Employer.