The selected candidate will work in close coordination with the Protection Coordinators for Africa, and will also provide support to other relevant staff across other programme areas in relation to our work in the region, as required. The fellowship will be for nine months and based in Front Line Defenders’ office in Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland (remote option is not available).
The fellowship is designed to provide training and practical work experience in an international non-governmental organisation to recent graduates seeking a career in human rights. The fellow will learn about Human Rights Defenders; the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders; the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur; the role of Front Line Defenders and other national and international organisations in the support and protection of human rights defenders; the specific situation and challenges facing human rights defenders in the region. They will be expected to participate in induction, periodic reviews, weekly team and case meetings, and relevant out-of-hours events.
The successful candidate will be able to draft well and have good analytical skills. They will have basic knowledge of the UN system and international and human rights law. They must be able to work in both English and French. Please note that we cannot make exceptions to the language requirement.
They will be able to work on own initiative and as a member of a team. They will have good oral and written communication skills and be computer literate. They will be flexible and cooperative. Previous work experience with organisations working in the field of human rights is desirable.
Basic terms of reference:
- Provide support to the Protection Coordinators working on Africa, including dealing with queries and correspondence with human rights defenders;
- Input HRD-related information on the Front Line Defenders’ database on a regular basis;
- Undertake research on human rights defenders in countries in the region;
- Compile and draft as requested briefings, country summaries, input to reports, urgent appeals, or other materials;
- Support follow-up on cases taken up by Front Line Defenders;
- Provide support to staff across other programme areas in relation to activities carried out in the region, including in particular in the organisation of and follow-up on trainings;
- Carry out administrative tasks as requested, including the taking of minutes in meetings;
- Provide French language support as necessary, including translation of documents and in meetings;
- Work on other specific projects and tasks relating to human rights defenders as requested.
How to apply
If this sounds like the role for you please click the ‘Apply Now’ link on the Front Line Defenders website https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/recruitment-volunteering?width=740&height=500&inline=true#job-34–description to submit your CV and Cover letter. Please include your CV and cover letter in the same attachment and title it with your last name. Applications should be addressed to Ivi Oliveira, Protection Manager. This vacancy will remain open until filled. The next Research & Admin Fellowship – Africa is expected to start in early July 2023 for a period of nine months.
Front Line Defenders is able to provide a contribution to living costs of €1469 per month. Front Line Defenders will reimburse the successful candidate the cost of their flights to and from Dublin. Please note that the cost of living in Dublin is high and that you may need additional funds to sustain your stay in Ireland. Front Line Defenders will assist with the Irish visa application process if relevant. Location and start date of fellowship may change subjected to length of visa process, in agreement with successful candidate.
Front Line Defenders is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.