Front Line Defenders Hiring Protection Coordinators for Africa and Asia(2026) – Join a Global Human Rights Organization

Overview

Front Line Defenders is an international human rights organisation that protects defenders at risk because of their peaceful work, through emergency support, advocacy, security training, grants and relocation assistance. It is recruiting two regional Protection Coordinators: one for East and Southern Africa, posted on 23 July 2026, and one for South Asia, posted on 28 July 2026.

Protection Coordinators monitor the human rights situation in their region, assess security risks and protection needs, coordinate emergency protection responses, build relationships with local partners and civil society organisations, support advocacy at regional and international levels, advise on security and protection strategies and manage regional projects and reporting. The roles call for people who can work well in complex environments and keep strong relationships with partners.

Other opportunities

Front Line Defenders also offers other programmes. A 12-month internship in Banjul, The Gambia, supports the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders and Focal Point on Reprisals in Africa at the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights. Applicants should be fluent in English and French, interested in human rights protection, and experience as a human rights defender in Africa is highly valued. The Frank Jennings Fellowship combines three months at Front Line Defenders in Dublin, six months in Geneva with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and a final three months back in Dublin, with priority for candidates with human rights experience in Ireland. Volunteers can help with awareness raising, fundraising, supporting visiting defenders during rest and respite programmes and language assistance, and skills in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian and other languages are valuable.

How to apply

Applications go through the Front Line Defenders recruitment portal, and applications sent by email are not accepted. The organisation is an equal opportunities employer that welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, and candidates who need adjustments during recruitment can contact the recruitment team.