Front Line Defenders (www.frontlinedefenders.org) is seeking an
experienced human rights researcher/campaigner to take on this
challenging post based in the region. The Protection Coordinator (MENA)
will be responsible for maintaining and developing Front Line Defenders’
contacts with human rights defenders in countries in the region,
providing rapid response to cases of human rights defenders at risk,
undertaking research on the threats and attacks that they face,
providing analysis and producing relevant materials to take action in
their support.

The successful candidate will have at least three years experience of
human rights related work in the MENA region and excellent written and
oral communication skills in Arabic and English. Please note that we
cannot make exceptions to the language requirement. Knowledge of French
is desirable. The successful candidate will have demonstrated sound
political judgement, a good cross-regional perspective and the ability
to deliver accurate and objective written information in a high pressure
environment dictated by the need to respond urgently to threats against
human rights defenders. They will ideally have experience of working
with human rights defenders and knowledge of the security risks that
they face.

The location of the post in the region will be finalised with the successful candidate. Salary according to experience.

Applications, comprising CV, cover letter and examples of published research should be sent to:

Andrew Anderson, Deputy Director Front Line Defenders Grattan House, Temple Rd, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland

Applications can be sent by email to: recruit@frontlinedefenders.org. The deadline for applications is 31 August 2012.

Please indicate the full title of the position in the subject line of the email, or the application may be missed.

Job Description: Protection Coordinator (Middle East and North Africa)

The Protection Coordinator (MENA) is responsible for maintaining and
developing Front Line Defenders’ contacts with human rights defenders in
countries in the region, providing rapid response to cases of human
rights defenders at risk, undertaking research on the threats and
attacks that they face, providing analysis and producing relevant
materials to take action in their support.

Key Tasks

1) Identify human rights defenders at risk and establish and sustain secure communications with them;

2) Providing rapid response to cases of human rights defenders at risk, including but not limited to the urgent appeal system;

3) Undertake research on the threats and attacks that human rights
defenders face, obtain information, verify it and provide input for
reports and other related materials which can be used to generate action
on their behalf, whilst ensuring the independence, accuracy and
credibility of the information Front Line Defenders publishes on the
region;

4) Provide analysis and briefing papers on the threats faced by human
rights defenders in specific countries and provide expert input to
Front Line Defenders’ advocacy, media work, training activities and
small grants program;

5) Maintain and update the relevant information on human rights
defenders and action taken on their behalf in Front Line Defenders’
database and submit timely reports on missions and other activities;

6) Develop contacts and liaise with relevant regional and other
organisations with regard to Front Line Defenders’ work for the
protection of human rights defenders in the region;

7) Represent Front Line Defenders to relevant authorities, international organizations and the media as appropriate;

8) Undertake other projects as delegated by the Director, Deputy Director or Head of Protection.

The Protection Coordinator (MENA) works as necessary in Arabic and
English and must be willing to travel on a regular basis as part of
their role.

The post reports to the Head of Protection.