Country Representative – Protection International Colombia At Protection International

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Who we are

Protection International (PI) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the right to defend human rights. For over 20 years, PI has worked alongside human rights defenders (HRDs) in more than 30 countries, building their capacity to manage their own protection through participatory methodologies, research, advocacy, and direct accompaniment.

With a decentralized structure, PI operates through regional hubs and local teams across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Our global headquarters is based in Brussels, Belgium. PI’s vision is a world where everyone can safely exercise their right to defend human rights, free from violence, criminalization, and impunity.

Our impact

  • Present in 30+ countries through operations or technical partnerships
  • 3 consolidated regional hubs: Latin America, Africa, Asia
  • 20+ years strengthening the protection of HRDs worldwide
  • 50+ local partners fostering collective protection
  • Our Theory of Change: Empowerment, legitimacy, and resilience for HRDs

Purpose of the Position

The Country Representative will lead the operations, strategy, and regional expansion of Protection International in Colombia, with direct scope into South American countries. This is a pivotal role at a critical time for the organization.

This person will act as the legal representative in Colombia, consolidate PI’s territorial presence, and help reshape the organization’s strategy in a context of organizational transition, internal tensions, and an urgent need for fundraising.

The Country Representative must bring a strong leadership presence, a clear strategic vision, and hands-on capacity to manage operations, navigate complex political contexts, and mobilize financial resources within a short timeframe.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Representation

  • Lead PI’s territorial strategy in Colombia and support regional expansion in Brazil and other South American countries.
  • Act as the legal representative of PI in Colombia and oversee the legal and operational setup in Brazil.
  • Define and implement the strategic roadmap for PI in the region, ensuring alignment with the Global Strategy and Theory of Change.

Organizational Governance & Team Management

  • Manage the local team and foster cohesion and clarity of roles amidst internal tensions and high workload.
  • Ensure security protocols and staff well-being are upheld across all operational territories.
  • Represent PI in global governance, coordination, and learning platforms.

Political Analysis & Programmatic Development

  • Analyze political and human rights contexts in Colombia, Brazil, and the region to shape timely and relevant interventions.
  • Maintain updated risk assessments and protection strategies for HRDs in the region.
  • Promote cross-learning and collaboration with PI’s global teams and hubs.

Resource Mobilization & Financial Sustainability

  • Lead regional fundraising efforts in collaboration with the Global Team (GT).
  • Identify and pursue new funding opportunities to sustain and expand PI’s presence in the region.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, diplomatic missions, and strategic allies.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)

  • Oversee the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of all regional projects.
  • Ensure timely and high-quality reporting to donors and internal stakeholders.
  • Develop performance frameworks in coordination with PI Global.

Requirements and competences to work with us

Education

  • Degree in International Law, Political Science, Sociology, or related fields.
  • Postgraduate studies are highly desirable.

Experience

  • At least 6 years of professional experience, including 3 years in executive leadership roles in NGOs.
  • Proven track record managing national-level teams and delivering impactful programs.
  • Experience in international organizations working with vulnerable communities and HRDs.
  • In-depth understanding of the human rights landscape in Colombia and Latin America.
  • Legal work authorization in Colombia is required.

Knowledge and Skills

  • Strong command of HRD protection mechanisms at national, regional, and international levels.
  • Strategic planning, leadership, and adaptive management.
  • Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
  • Fundraising experience and donor engagement.
  • Ability to manage high-pressure situations and navigate internal team dynamics.
  • Availability to travel within the region and internationally.

Competencies

  • Strategic Vision
  • Influence & Leadership
  • Team Collaboration
  • Effective Communication
  • Performance & People Management
  • Resilience & Adaptability
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Creativity & Innovation
  • Partnership Building

Languages

Full professional fluency in Spanish and English (spoken and written) is mandatory

Our team profile

PI fosters a culture rooted in solidarity, horizontality, and ethical commitment to the protection of HRDs. Our teams operate in complex and high-stakes environments, requiring emotional intelligence, collaborative leadership, and political clarity.

This role enters a challenging context: recent downsizing, increased team workload, and internal tensions require a strong, stabilizing leader who can build trust, make decisive moves, and align the team around shared goals. The position is also key to revitalizing team spirit and helping reimagine PI’s regional future.

Key interests for working with us

Our purpose is to transform the structural conditions that endanger human rights defenders, particularly in contexts marked by violence, inequality, and authoritarian tendencies. This role supports a regional agenda of protection and political transformation aligned with feminist, anti-racist, and intersectional values.

Reasons to join our team

  • Lead a committed, mission-driven team in a globally recognized organization.
  • Contribute to social and political change from a human rights perspective.
  • Opportunity to shape PI’s strategy in a critical moment of organizational evolution.
  • Active participation in global platforms for governance and learning.
  • Flexible work conditions and openness to innovative ideas.

Relevant details before applying for this vacancy

  • This is a local contract under Colombian labor law.
  • Initial contract runs through December 2025, with possibility of renewal depending on fundraising success.
  • Candidate must be based in Bogotá or willing to relocate.
  • Availability to travel regionally and internationally is required.
  • Fluency in English and Spanish is mandatory.

How to apply

Application process

If you meet the above skills and requirements and are interested in applying for this position, please:

Later in the process professional references will be requested. The position is subject to background checks, and the final candidate will be required to acknowledge, understand and sign the Protection International Internal Policies such as Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position might remain posted until a qualified candidate is selected. We thank all candidates for their interest and we will aim to send feedback as much as we can, however, with the high volume of responses and our internal capacities, we may only be able to contact short-listed candidates**.**

For further information about the role, please contact beatriz.white@matteria.co

Protection International is an equal opportunity employer. The organization shall not discriminate and will proactively apply affirmative action principles against discrimination in advertisements, recruitment and other conditions of our search for candidates, preventing discrimination against any candidate on the basis of race, colour, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

Adhering to Protection International means to comply with our Code of Conduct & Ethics, Anti-Corruption Policy, Security Policy, Conflict of Interest Policy, Child Safeguarding Policy, Policy for Protection from Harassment, Abuse, Exploitation & Discrimination.

Protection International’s values are:

  • Solidarity / Collaboration: We are committed to stand with HRDs and their struggle to strive for worldwide solidarity that goes beyond borders and identities.
  • Grassroots ethos: We are committed to identify the needs of HRDs and their communities, to adapt to their realities (cultural, historical, economic, etc.), to value their work and to support their initiatives.
  • Commitment to human rights: We believe that the respect of human rights will contribute to a more just global society, where everybody has the right to defend human rights and fundamental freedoms without discrimination based on their identity, nor fear of threats and attacks.
  • Participatory decision-making: We promote the respect and participation of everyone in the decision-making process, and value collaborative decision-making processes. We are committed to horizontal and active listening – recognising the value in diversity of skills and ideas.
  • Accountability and integrity: We are committed to share with others (both internally and externally), what we do, as an exercise of transparency that reflects a reliable and credible organisation, fostering trust amongst our partners. We maintain a zero tolerance policy on corruption.
  • Creativity / learning: We are committed to reflecting on our individual and collective practices; learning from our mistakes; being open to new ideas and ways of working; sharing internally in order to learn; innovating and improving our level of understanding; and putting into practice and sharing externally in order to contribute to the work of others.

Additional Information: Further information about Protection International is available on www.protectioninternational.org.