Front Line Defenders has announced an exciting opportunity for experienced professionals in the field of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL). The organisation is seeking a qualified MEL Officer to join its team on a permanent basis. This role will be based in either Dublin or Brussels and will report directly to the MEL Manager. It presents a strong career opportunity for individuals passionate about human rights and data-driven program improvement.
About Front Line Defenders
Front Line Defenders is an internationally recognised organisation headquartered in Ireland. Its core mission is to protect human rights defenders who are at risk due to their peaceful advocacy for the rights of others. These individuals often operate in challenging and dangerous environments, making the organisation’s work both critical and impactful.
The organisation provides a range of practical support services, including:
- Emergency protection grants
- Physical and digital security training
- Advocacy and lobbying at international levels
- Awareness campaigns highlighting human rights violations
Through these initiatives, Front Line Defenders contributes significantly to the global protection of human rights activists.
Role Purpose and Scope
The MEL Officer plays a central role in strengthening the organisation’s monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems. The position focuses on ensuring that programs are effectively tracked, assessed, and improved through structured data collection and analysis.
Working closely with the MEL Manager, Database Administrator, and various program and regional teams, the MEL Officer ensures that evidence-based insights inform strategic planning and operational decisions. The role also supports organisational learning by identifying trends, lessons, and opportunities for improvement across programs.
Key Responsibilities
The MEL Officer will undertake a wide range of responsibilities aimed at enhancing data quality, reporting, and learning processes. These include:
- Supporting the implementation of MEL frameworks across regional and program areas
- Designing and maintaining monitoring tools such as surveys, tracking sheets, and evaluation forms
- Coordinating with program and regional teams to ensure systematic data collection
- Conducting both quantitative and qualitative data analysis
- Producing clear data summaries and visualisations for internal and external reporting
- Contributing to the development of narrative and donor reports
- Supporting research initiatives by providing structured datasets
- Consolidating monitoring findings and identifying key lessons learned
- Documenting case studies and stories that demonstrate program impact
- Assisting in organising and facilitating internal learning workshops
- Supporting external evaluations by coordinating with consultants and stakeholders
- Managing and organising monitoring documentation for easy access and use
These responsibilities highlight the technical and collaborative nature of the role, requiring both analytical expertise and strong communication skills.
Salary and Benefits
Front Line Defenders offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to attract and retain top talent. The organisation prioritises employee well-being and professional development through the following provisions:
- Annual salary ranging from €36,241 to €66,700, depending on experience
- 26 days of annual leave
- Pension contributions
- Paid health insurance
- Income protection and life assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Monthly well-being allowances
This package reflects the organisation’s commitment to supporting its staff both professionally and personally.
Candidate Profile and Requirements
To be considered for the MEL Officer position, applicants must demonstrate a strong combination of academic qualifications and practical experience. Key requirements include:
- A minimum of three years’ professional experience in MEL within human rights, humanitarian, development, or philanthropy sectors
- An advanced university degree in human rights, social sciences, development studies, or a related discipline
- Proven experience in designing and implementing MEL frameworks, indicators, and tools
- Strong skills in both quantitative and qualitative data analysis
- Proficiency in using data analysis software and monitoring tools
- Experience in compiling and analysing data for internal and donor reporting
- Understanding of intersectional approaches in human rights programming
- Familiarity with the human rights defenders’ protection ecosystem
Candidates should also possess strong organisational, communication, and teamwork skills, as the role requires collaboration across multiple teams and regions.
Application Process
Interested candidates are required to submit a CV and a cover letter through the official Front Line Defenders recruitment platform. Applications must be received by midnight (local Irish time) on Sunday, 19 April 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to tailor their submissions to highlight relevant experience and demonstrate their understanding of MEL systems within the human rights context.
Conclusion
The MEL Officer role at Front Line Defenders offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the protection of human rights defenders worldwide. By strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems, the successful candidate will play a key role in improving program effectiveness and organisational learning.
This position is ideal for professionals who are not only skilled in data analysis and reporting but are also deeply committed to advancing human rights. With a supportive work environment and a strong benefits package, Front Line Defenders provides an excellent platform for career growth and global impact.
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