Front Line Defenders has opened applications for the position of Protection Coordinator – East & Southern Africa, offering an opportunity for experienced human rights professionals to play a leading role in protecting human rights defenders across the region. The permanent position is based in East or Southern Africa and reports directly to the Head of Africa. The successful candidate will coordinate protection responses for human rights defenders facing threats, strengthen regional partnerships, contribute to advocacy initiatives, and help shape the organisation’s regional and global strategies. Applications close on Thursday, 6 August 2026 at 4:00 p.m. (Irish local time). About Front Line Defenders Front Line Defenders is an international human rights organisation headquartered in Ireland that works exclusively to protect human rights defenders who face persecution, intimidation, harassment, or violence because of their peaceful human rights work. The organisation provides practical protection through emergency grants, advocacy, lobbying, physical and digital security training, research, campaigning, and international solidarity initiatives. Operating across multiple regions worldwide, Front Line Defenders collaborates closely with activists, civil society organisations, and international institutions to strengthen the safety and resilience of individuals defending human rights. Position Overview Position: Protection Coordinator – East & Southern Africa Organisation: Front Line Defenders Job Type: Permanent Location: East & Southern Africa Reports To: Head of Africa Application Deadline: 6 August 2026 (4:00 p.m. Irish time) Salary: €52,962 – €72,886 per annum Role Summary The Protection Coordinator will lead Front Line Defenders’ protection work across East and Southern Africa by providing timely, coordinated, and effective support to human rights defenders at risk. Working within the regional team, the successful candidate will help define organisational priorities, coordinate emergency responses, strengthen partnerships with defenders and civil society organisations, and ensure resources are directed where they are most needed. The role combines strategic planning, case management, advocacy, research, and relationship-building to improve protection outcomes for defenders operating in increasingly complex environments. Key Responsibilities The successful candidate will undertake a wide range of responsibilities supporting the organisation’s regional protection mandate. Key duties include: Building and maintaining secure relationships with human rights defenders across East and Southern Africa Responding rapidly to urgent protection cases through Front Line Defenders’ emergency response mechanisms Supporting advocacy, visibility, protection grants, and capacity-building programmes Promoting outreach and protection strategies for women and non-binary human rights defenders Conducting research and producing analytical reports on emerging protection challenges Strengthening collaboration with regional and international human rights organisations Coordinating annual regional planning and programme implementation Working closely with multidisciplinary teams across the organisation to prioritise protection activities Providing strategic analysis to inform organisational decision-making and global advocacy efforts Required Qualifications and Experience Front Line Defenders is seeking experienced professionals with strong expertise in human rights protection and regional advocacy. Applicants should demonstrate: Excellent written and spoken English communication skills Strong analytical writing and reporting abilities Knowledge of human rights trends across East and Southern Africa Understanding of the operating environments affecting local human rights defenders Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills across diverse cultural contexts Knowledge of resilience and well-being approaches for human rights defenders Basic understanding of digital security, online threats, and freedom of expression issues A minimum of five years of experience working directly with human rights defenders Experience supporting women human rights defenders and LGBTIQ+ defenders facing gender-specific risks Experience conducting research and producing analytical reports Experience working effectively within multicultural teams, particularly in emergency or crisis environments Salary and Benefits Front Line Defenders offers a competitive remuneration package designed to support employee well-being and professional development. Benefits include: Annual salary ranging from €52,962 to €72,886 26 days of annual leave Pension scheme Paid health insurance Income protection and life assurance Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Monthly well-being support provisions Why Join Front Line Defenders? Joining Front Line Defenders offers professionals an opportunity to contribute directly to protecting individuals who work on the front lines of human rights worldwide. The organisation provides an international, mission-driven working environment where staff collaborate with courageous human rights defenders, regional partners, and global advocacy networks to strengthen protection systems and promote justice. The Protection Coordinator will have the opportunity to influence regional strategies, support emergency responses, and contribute to international advocacy aimed at safeguarding civic space and defending fundamental freedoms. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit their Curriculum Vitae (CV) through the official Front Line Defenders vacancies page using the Apply Now button. Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. Applicants requiring adjustments or accommodations during the recruitment process may contact the recruitment team directly through the organisation’s recruitment support channels. Application Deadline Applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. (Irish local time) on Thursday, 6 August 2026. Experienced human rights professionals with expertise in protection, advocacy, research, and regional engagement are encouraged to apply and join Front Line Defenders in advancing the protection of human rights defenders across East and Southern Africa. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel 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.