Front Line Defenders seeks to recruit staff, interns and volunteers in an open and transparent manner. Front Line Defenders is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting cultural diversity within the Front Line Defenders staff. All positions are advertised via this website as well as through other media or networks appropriate to the position being advertised.
Unfortunately, due to the volume of requests we receive, it is not possible to keep general applications or CVs on file. During a recruitment process we do not generally review applications received until after the closing date. Shortlisting can take some time given the volume of applications we receive for some posts.
Front Line Defenders is currently recruiting for the following positions:
The Head of Operations is a senior role responsible for overseeing and optimising the day- to-day operations of the organisation, including, but not limited to, human resources (HR), information technology (IT), and logistics and administration. The Head of Operations reports directly to the Executive Director and collaborates with other managers and key stakeholders to develop and execute operational strategies.
The Head of Operations is responsible for a number of key operational areas of the organisation, and to ensure high performance of key operating teams including:
- Operations, the efficient running and administration of the offices and the day-to-day operations of the organisation.
- Information Technology, ensuring our programmes and staff are able to carry out their work using secure and efficient IT and communication systems.
- Human Resources, ensuring policies and procedures covering our global workforce, comply with current legislation and best practice.
Knowledge and Skills:
Essential:
- The Head of Operations will have strong communication and analytical skills. She/he will have a strong understanding of good governance and compliance in the NGO sector in Ireland and globally.
- She/ he will have a high level of interpersonal and organisational skills and will lead by example to motivate staff and ensure the values and culture of the organisation are maintained.
- Excellent political judgement, including the ability to make strategic choices based on sound analysis of potential costs and benefits.
- A third level qualification, ideally in the area of human rights, human resources, finance, business or other relevant discipline.
- Personal leadership, initiative and proactivity. Capable of identifying and resolving potential problems before they arise.
- Sound decision making, extremely well organised and structured in approach.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills in English is essential.
Link to job description:https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/sites/default/files/jd_headoperations...
Remuneration:
Salary Scale: €64,602 - €80,278 per annum (10 Points on Scale)
Placement on scale will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Benefits Include:
26 days annual leave, Pension, Health Insurance, Income Protection, Life Assurance, Employee Assistance Scheme (EAP), Monthly Well-Being Provisions
Selection and Appointment:
- To apply, candidates need to submit a copy of their application - CV and cover letter - via the ‘Apply now’ button;
- Cover letters should be addressed to Alan Glasgow, Executive Director
- Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend for interview;
- The appointment is expected to be effective from April / May 2025;
- Closing date; midnight (local Irish time) on Friday, 28 February 2025 as per FLD vacancies page: https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/recruitment-volunteering
Front Line Defenders is seeking a talented and enthusiastic HR Officer to provide operational support in delivering a high-quality HR Service to all FLD staff, managers and fellows across the whole employee life cycle experience, collaborating both locally and internationally. This role will allow the successful candidate to develop knowledge and experience of all elements of HR in a varied and dynamic environment.
See full job description and role profile at: https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/sites/default/files/jd.hrofficer.jan2025.pdf
Remuneration:
Salary Range: €37,430 - €52,582 per annum (10 Points on Scale)
Placement on scale will be commensurate with experience and qualifications
Benefits include: 26 days annual leave, pension, health insurance, income protection, life assurance, employee assistance scheme (EAP), monthly well-being provisions.
Selection and Appointment:
- To apply, candidates need to submit a copy of their application - CV and cover letter - via the ‘Apply now’ button;
- Cover letters should be addressed to Mark Leonard, HR Manager;
- Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend for interview;
- It is anticipated interviews will be held during the month of February, 2025;
- The appointment is expected to be effective from March 25 or as close to as possible;
- Closing date for applications; midnight (local Irish time) on Sunday, 2 February, 2025 as per FLD vacancies page: https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/recruitment-volunteering
Consultancies and tenders
Safeguarding consultancy
Posted 27 January 2025
Fellowships and internships
Front Line Defenders annually recruits for two positions that are part of the organisation's commitment to strengthening international mechanisms supporting human rights defenders:
Internship at the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (Banjul)
The purpose of the Internship is to support the work of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders at the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR). It is a 12 month position based in Banjul. Candidates should be able to work in English and French. Front Line Defenders will prioritise candidates who have experience as a human rights defender in Africa.
Frank Jennings Fellowship (Dublin & Geneva)
The Frank Jennings Fellowship was set up to give an opportunity for dedicated and talented individuals to gain experience working for the protection of human rights defenders in an international NGO and at the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. It is named after Front Line Defenders former Head of Research who died after a long illness in 2005. Frank made a huge contribution to the development of human rights activism in Ireland and candidates who have some experience of human rights work in Ireland will be given priority.
The Frank Jennings Fellow spends three months at Front Line Defenders where he/she will be trained in relation to Human Rights Defenders; the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders; the Mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur; the procedures and methodology of the mandate; the role of Front Line Defenders and other national and international organisations in the support and protection of Human Rights Defenders. The Fellow will then move to Geneva for a period six months before returning to Front Line Defenders for a further three months.
Volunteering at Front Line Defenders
We greatly appreciate the valuable contribution of volunteers who support the work of Front Line Defenders.
The best way to get involved is to help Front Line Defenders raise awareness about the risks faced by human rights defenders around the world and to help raise much needed funds to increase their security and protection.
When human rights defenders visit Ireland on rest & respite, it is important to provide a network of support to them. This community of support includes volunteers interested in accompanying the human rights defender sightseeing, to music and cultural activities, sharing about Irish history and current affairs or other hobbies/activities that may be of interest. Language support is especially useful to visiting human rights defenders. The working languages of Front Line Defenders are English, French, Spanish, Arabic and Russian but sometimes we also need support with other languages.
If specific additional volunteering opportunities arise, they will be posted here.
