Grants Coordinator – East & Southern Africa (Remote Role)|Salary: €36,241 – €66,700
Front Line Defenders is recruiting a Grants Coordinator for East and Southern Africa, a key position supporting the organization’s mission to protect human rights defenders (HRDs) who are at immediate risk. The role is remote-based within Africa and forms part of the organization’s Protection Grants team, which delivers rapid, flexible assistance to individuals and movements facing threats due to their human rights work.
Application deadline: 1 May 2026
Apply via: https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/recruitment-volunteering
Organizational Background
Front Line Defenders is an international human rights organization based in Ireland. It focuses exclusively on the protection of human rights defenders who are targeted for their peaceful work in defending the rights of others.
The organization provides practical support through:
- Emergency protection grants
- Legal and medical assistance
- Digital and physical security support
- Emergency relocation assistance
- Advocacy and international campaigning
The Grants Coordinator role directly contributes to ensuring that these protection mechanisms are delivered efficiently and effectively across East and Southern Africa.
Purpose of the Role
The Grants Coordinator plays a central role in assessing, managing, and coordinating protection grants for human rights defenders at risk. The position ensures that urgent needs are addressed quickly while maintaining strong accountability, transparency, and donor compliance.
The role requires balancing speed, accuracy, and empathy in high-pressure situations where individuals may be facing immediate threats.
Key Responsibilities
The Grants Coordinator is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of protection grant cases, from application to closure.
1. Grant Assessment and Decision Support
- Review incoming applications to determine eligibility under organizational mandate
- Assess risks and verify information provided by applicants
- Evaluate budgets and cost-effectiveness of requested support
- Make informed recommendations on grant approvals
2. Engagement with Human Rights Defenders
- Communicate directly with HRDs to understand risks and urgent needs
- Ensure respectful, empathetic, and professional communication at all times
- Identify additional support needs, including psychosocial assistance where relevant
- Maintain clear boundaries while working with sensitive cases
3. Coordination and Collaboration
- Work closely with internal teams to ensure holistic case management
- Coordinate with external partners to avoid duplication of support
- Engage in cross-team consultations on complex cases
- Contribute to regional coordination meetings and information sharing
4. Case Management and Documentation
- Maintain detailed records of all applications and decisions
- Use databases and tracking systems to ensure accurate reporting
- Document case progress, financial allocations, and outcomes
- Ensure compliance with donor reporting requirements
5. Reporting and Analysis
- Provide regular reports on grant activity and emerging trends
- Contribute to organizational learning and strategy development
- Identify patterns of risk affecting human rights defenders in the region
Candidate Profile and Requirements
The role is suitable for early-career professionals with strong interest or experience in human rights, humanitarian response, or grants management.
Essential requirements include:
- Fluency in English (written and spoken)
- Understanding of human rights issues in East and Southern Africa
- Ability to work under pressure in emergency contexts
- Strong written communication and analytical skills
- Experience working with databases, spreadsheets, or case management tools
- Ability to engage respectfully with diverse individuals and communities
Key competencies:
- High attention to detail
- Emotional intelligence and empathy
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to make objective decisions in sensitive situations
- Team collaboration across multicultural environments
Salary and Benefits
Front Line Defenders offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support staff wellbeing and professional sustainability.
Compensation and benefits include:
- Annual salary range: €36,241 – €66,700
- 26 days of annual leave
- Pension scheme
- Paid health insurance
- Life assurance and income protection
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Monthly wellbeing support provisions
Work Environment
This is a remote role based in Africa, offering flexibility while working within a globally connected human rights organization. The working environment is fast-paced, requiring responsiveness, adaptability, and strong coordination skills.
The organization emphasizes:
- Accountability and transparency
- Do-no-harm principles
- Respect for human rights defenders
- Inclusive and collaborative teamwork
Application Process
Interested candidates must apply through the official recruitment portal.
How to apply:
- Submit a CV and cover letter via: https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/recruitment-volunteering
- Ensure applications are submitted before 4pm (Irish time) on 1 May 2026
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
Final Perspective
The Grants Coordinator role at Front Line Defenders is a critical position within global human rights protection systems. It combines case management, emergency response, and donor accountability in a highly sensitive and impactful work environment.
By supporting human rights defenders at risk, the role contributes directly to safeguarding civic space and protecting individuals who work under threat to defend fundamental freedoms across East and Southern Africa.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the hiring organization. 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.
