Front Line Defenders is hiring a Middle East Protection Coordinator (PC): Remote or Middle East-Based

Position Summary

Organization: Front Line Defenders
Location: Remote / Based in the Middle East
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Grade Level: 5
Reports To: Protection Manager
Application Deadline: Midnight (Irish Time), Sunday, 10 August 2025

Role Overview

Front Line Defenders is hiring a Middle East Protection Coordinator (PC) to lead protection efforts for human rights defenders (HRDs) at risk in the region. Working as part of the global Protection Team, the Coordinator will drive rapid, strategic, and holistic protection responses. This includes advocacy, coordination with local and international partners, and developing strong relationships with HRDs and civil society actors.

This role demands a strong understanding of regional human rights dynamics and the unique threats faced by HRDs, alongside the ability to communicate clearly and act effectively under pressure.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead urgent and holistic protection responses for HRDs at risk in the Middle East.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with HRDs, civil society groups, and regional networks.
• Monitor and analyze human rights trends impacting HRDs in the region.
• Draft accurate and timely documentation, briefings, and advocacy materials.
• Coordinate protection efforts with FLD internal teams and external partners.
• Provide expert regional input across FLD’s programming and activities.
• Uphold empathetic engagement with HRDs while maintaining professional boundaries.

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience working on human rights issues in the Middle East.
• Strong understanding of threats to HRDs and practical protection mechanisms.
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English (Arabic or other regional languages desirable).
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver under pressure.
• Culturally sensitive, empathetic, and able to work with people from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience in advocacy, grant management, or digital/physical protection.
• Existing networks within the human rights or civil society space in the Middle East.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed approaches or psychosocial support for HRDs.

About Front Line Defenders

Front Line Defenders is an Ireland-based international organization dedicated to the protection of human rights defenders (HRDs) at risk. It provides direct support through protection grants, digital and physical security training, advocacy, and emergency responses.
Website: www.frontlinedefenders.org

Apply: Submit CV and cover letter via the ‘Apply Now’ button. Address cover letter to Olena Ivantsiv, Protection Manager.
View full job description (PDF)

Equal Opportunity

Front Line Defenders actively encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds, including women, persons with disabilities, and members of minority or marginalized communities. We are committed to a safe, inclusive, and empowering workplace.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, 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.