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

Front Line Defenders is recruiting experienced professionals to strengthen the protection of human rights defenders through two regional Protection Coordinator positions. The organization is currently seeking qualified candidates for roles covering East & Southern Africa and South Asia.

These positions offer an opportunity to work with one of the world’s leading international human rights organizations, supporting activists and defenders who face threats because of their peaceful work promoting human rights.

Current Job Openings

1. Protection Coordinator – East & Southern Africa

• Region: East & Southern Africa
• Posted: 23 July 2026
• Organisation: Front Line Defenders

The successful candidate will coordinate protection initiatives for human rights defenders across the East and Southern Africa region, working closely with local partners to respond to security risks and strengthen protection mechanisms.

2. Protection Coordinator – South Asia

• Region: South Asia
• Posted: 28 July 2026
• Organisation: Front Line Defenders

This role focuses on supporting human rights defenders throughout South Asia by coordinating protection strategies, managing regional activities, and engaging with civil society organizations and international partners.

About Front Line Defenders

Front Line Defenders is an international non-governmental organization dedicated to protecting human rights defenders who are at risk because of their peaceful advocacy. The organization provides emergency support, advocacy, security training, grants, relocation assistance, and international protection for defenders working in challenging environments around the world.

The organization is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

What Protection Coordinators Do

Protection Coordinators play a key role in safeguarding human rights defenders by:

• Monitoring human rights situations across their assigned region.
• Assessing security risks and protection needs.
• Coordinating emergency protection responses.
• Building relationships with local partners and civil society organizations.
• Supporting advocacy initiatives at regional and international levels.
• Providing guidance on security and protection strategies.
• Managing regional projects and reporting activities.

These roles require professionals who can work effectively in complex environments while maintaining strong relationships with partners and stakeholders.

Inclusive Recruitment

Front Line Defenders is an Equal Opportunities Employer and encourages applications from individuals from all sections of the community. The organization values cultural diversity and is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities it serves.

Fellowships and Internship Opportunities

In addition to employment opportunities, Front Line Defenders offers programmes that support emerging human rights professionals.

Internship at the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR)

This 12-month internship is based in Banjul, The Gambia, and supports the work of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders and Focal Point on Reprisals in Africa.

Applicants should:

• Be fluent in both English and French.
• Have an interest in human rights protection.
• Experience as a human rights defender in Africa is highly valued.

Frank Jennings Fellowship

The Frank Jennings Fellowship provides practical experience working with Front Line Defenders and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

The fellowship includes:

• Three months at Front Line Defenders in Dublin.
• Six months in Geneva with the United Nations.
• A final three months back at Front Line Defenders.

Priority is given to candidates with experience in human rights work in Ireland.

Volunteer Opportunities

Front Line Defenders also welcomes volunteers who wish to support human rights defenders through:

• Raising awareness about human rights issues.
• Fundraising activities.
• Supporting visiting human rights defenders during rest and respite programmes.
• Providing language assistance.
• Accompanying visitors to cultural and community activities.

Language skills in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, and other languages are particularly valuable.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their applications through the Front Line Defenders recruitment portal. The organization does not accept applications sent by email.

Applicants requiring adjustments or accommodations during the recruitment process may contact the recruitment team for assistance.

Why Join Front Line Defenders?

Working with Front Line Defenders offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by protecting individuals who promote justice, equality, and human rights worldwide. Whether serving as a Protection Coordinator, participating in the ACHPR Internship, or joining the Frank Jennings Fellowship, successful candidates will contribute to strengthening global human rights protection and supporting defenders working in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the  organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, 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.