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:
Front Line Defenders and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) invite applications for an Internship at the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights to support the work of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders and Focal Point on Reprisals in Africa. It is a 12-month position based in Banjul, under the supervision of the ACHPR Secretariat. Candidates should be able to work in both English and French. Candidates who have experience as a Human Rights Defender in Africa will be prioritized.
The intern will gain practical work experience in an international institution, learn about Human Rights Defenders; the mandate of the ACHPR Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders; the specific situation and challenges facing Human Rights Defenders in the region and advocacy at the African Union level. They will be expected to participate in induction, periodic reviews, hearings, meetings, and relevant out-of-hours events.
The successful candidate will be able to draft well and have good analytical skills. They will have knowledge of the ACHPR functioning, and international and human rights law. They must be able to work in both English and French. Additional Africa Union working languages are an asset. Please note that we cannot make exceptions to the language requirement.
They will be able to work on own initiative and as a member of a team. They will have good oral and written communication skills and be computer literate. They will be flexible, have good interpersonal skills, good stress management skills and be cooperative. An ability to multitask and prioritize is a must. Previous work experience with organisations working in the field of human rights is desirable and previous experience working in a regional or international context will be an added advantage.
Basic terms of reference:
- Gather information on the situation of human rights defenders in Africa (with a particular focus on themes of concern identified by the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders and Focal Point on Reprisals in Africa);
- In coordination with other thematic mechanisms and with geographic desk officers, draft urgent appeals and communications to Governments concerning human rights violations against human rights defenders;
- Support follow-up of cases taken up by the mandate;
- Analyse replies received from Governments and prepare summaries for inclusion in the annual report;
- Assist in the preparation of background materials for official missions by the Special Rapporteur;
- Assist in liaising with non-governmental organizations for the smooth implementation of the mandate, as needed.
Applications with support documents should be directed to Ivi Oliveira, Protection Manager. Interviews are expected to take place during early July 2024 and will be held online. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the role is filled. The next intern is expected to start in August 2024 for a period of 12 months.
Front Line Defenders is able to provide a contribution to living costs of USD 1,800.00 per month. Front Line Defenders will reimburse the successful candidate the cost of their flights to and from Banjul, as well as reimburse the costs of a health or travel insurance. Please note that you may need additional funds to sustain your stay in Banjul.
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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.
Invitation to tender for website redesign
Front Line Defenders is currently inviting tender submissions from interested Website Design and Development Suppliers to lead on a substantial redesign of its website. For more details and instructions on how to apply, please visit here.
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.
