Director / Head of Secretariat

Protect Defenders EU

About the Organisation

Protect Defenders.eu is an organization dedicated to protecting human rights defenders at risk around the world. It serves as the European Union's human rights defenders' mechanism, providing support to those who work on the front lines advocating for human rights and facing threats due to their work.

The organization was established to ensure that those who work in challenging conditions to defend the rights of marginalized groups, speak out against injustice, or advocate for freedom of expression and assembly are safeguarded. ProtectDefenders.eu works with various international, regional, and local partners to offer protection, including emergency assistance, advocacy, legal aid, and physical relocation options.

Through its extensive network and support programs, ProtectDefenders. EU aims to address the dangers faced by human rights defenders, raising awareness of their work and advocating for their safety globally. It also supports the development of policies that create a safer environment for these defenders to carry out their vital work.

About the role

The Secretariat of ProtectDefenders.eu is a coordination entity based in Brussels, acting under the supervision of the Board of Directors, composed of four international leading NGO’s. The Director of the Secretariat is responsible for providing strategic leadership and overall management to the Secretariat team. This role encompasses oversight of all operational, financial, and administrative functions, including direct supervision of the Heads of Programs & Partnerships and the Head of Finance & Operations.

The Director will represent ProtectDefenders.eu at the highest levels, including with donors, the Board, and the Consortium of ProtectDefenders, which is composed of 12 international and regional civil society organisations for the protection of human rights defenders. This role also involves strategic guidance to departments, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and goals, as well as fundraising.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Coordination:

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for ProtectDefenders.eu, ensuring alignment with the mission and objectives of the Mechanism.
• Develop and implement a strategic plan, including setting long-term goals and priorities.
• Coordinate and provide strategic guidance to all departments, including Programs & Partnerships, Finance & Operations, and others as needed.
• Responsible for fundraising and organizational growth in line with the Board and Consortium

Management of Programs and Partnerships:

• Oversee the implementation and effectiveness of all programs and partnerships.
• Strategic leader with the ability to engage and empower senior leaders in co-creating solutions.
• Provide support and oversight for the development and execution of program strategies and annual work plans.

Financial Oversight and Administration:

• Collaborate with the Head of Finance (HoF) & Operations, ensuring robust financial management, budgeting, and compliance with financial regulations.
• With the HoF, ensure that administrative operations support the efficient functioning of the Secretariat, including human resources, IT, and office management.

Relations with Donors and Board:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with EU donors, providing regular updates on progress and financial status and cultivating strategic alliances.
• Represent ProtectDefenders.eu in high-level external meetings, including negotiating funding agreements and ensuring donor requirements are met.
• Validate consolidated narrative and financial reporting to the EU.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the Board, providing regular updates on performance, strategic initiatives, overall financial overview and key issues.
• Lead and coordinate board meetings (agenda, reporting)

Consortium Engagement:

• Engage with the Consortium of ProtectDefenders at the highest level, ensuring effective collaboration and communication among consortium members.
• Lead and coordinate consortium meetings, ensuring that agenda items align with the strategic goals and priorities of ProtectDefenders.eu.

Advocacy and Representation:

• Provide high-level advocacy, where directed by the Board, and representation for ProtectDefenders.eu, including engaging with EU institutions and other key stakeholders.
• Represent ProtectDefenders.eu at conferences, public forums, and strategic meetings as needed.

Leadership and Line Management:

• Directly supervise the Head of Programs & Partnerships and Head of Finance & Operations, providing leadership, support, and performance management.
• Foster a positive and productive work environment, encouraging professional development and team collaboration, learning, and excellence.
• Ensure that staff are aligned with the Secretariat's goals and have the resources needed to succeed.

Operational Oversight:

• Implement and monitor policies and procedures to ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and organizational standards.
• Manage organizational risks and ensure that appropriate risk mitigation strategies are in place.

Skills, Competencies & Experience

Qualifications and Experience:

• At least 5 years of senior management experience in a similar role, preferably within the non-profit sector with a focus on human rights or international development, and preferably with Consortium experience.
• Inspirational leader with vast strategic delivery and people management experience and a track record of working in the international humanitarian or human rights sector.
• Experience in successful management, leadership, risk management, and development in a complex international network.
• Must have a strong understanding and experience of the needs of human rights defenders at risk and holistic protection responses.
• Decisive, result and solution-focused, and will have demonstrable experience in building and maintaining effective working relationships, both internally and externally.
• Strategic ability to operate in a complex structure and will understand what constitutes good governance and appropriate risk management, with the ability to set and articulate a clear vision for the organization and drive its strategic objectives.
• Fluent in English; written and verbal competency in French and additional languages are an asset.

Skills and Competencies:

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate senior staff, foster team collaboration, and drive organizational success.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively represent ProtectDefenders.eu to a wide range of stakeholders.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, board members, Consortium members, and other key stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to address complex issues and make data-driven decisions.
• Ability to oversee and improve operational processes, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in organizational activities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a managerial style that fosters inclusivity, mutual respect, and collaboration.
• Politically astute, with demonstrable experience in contributing to a conducive policy environment, influencing policy processes at the global, regional, and national levels, and a clear understanding of the context for human rights defenders.
• Sensitivity towards gender, ethnic, and cultural identities and related dynamics, and an understanding of equitable employment strategies.
• Integrity, sound judgment, cultural intelligence, and passion for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in an international context, with an ability to foster respect internally and externally, and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Human Rights, International Relations, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field. A relevant professional qualification is also acceptable.

Compensation & Benefits

• 20 legal days holidays + 6 extra legal days;
• European Supplementary Holidays;
• Hospitalisation Insurance
• Meal Vouchers, Eco Vouchers
• Contribution to Pension and 
• Monthly transportation Allowance, 
• Working from home flexibility
• Training and well-being benefits;

Conditions of employment

• You must have the right to work in Belgium

Working locations

• Brussels office with occasional travel required

How to apply

• Please send an email to [email protected] with a CV in PDF and a cover letter (include information about your availability), your surname, with the subject line "Head of Secretariat" by 2nd June 2025

Interviews

• Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Interviews will be held online or in person.

Policies

• Protect Defenders.eu is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse work environment.

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