Advocacy Officer

Front Line Defenders is seeking expressions of interest from exceptional candidates for the post of Advocacy Officer, commencing from January 2026. This two-year fixed-term role will be based in the organisation’s Brussels office and will report to the Head of Global Advocacy.

Overview

The Advocacy Officer will have the responsibility to provide support to HRDs at risk in the Middle East and Africa regions through, in coordination with the Protection Team, engaging international stakeholders to take action on individual HRD cases, as well as through advocating for the adoption and reviewing of relevant policies to strengthen the protection of HRDs. Under the supervision of Head of the Global Advocacy Team, the Advocacy Officer will engage directly with EU institutions and EU member States, other states, the UN, civil society, HRDs and other relevant international, regional, or national actors.

Background

Front Line Defenders is an international organisation based in Ireland that works exclusively for the protection of human rights defenders at risk. Human rights defenders are people who are persecuted because of their peaceful work for the rights of others. Front Line Defenders provides practical help through protection grants, physical and digital protection training, lobbying, advocacy and campaigning.

Role responsibilities

• Outreach to EU/member state authorities and other international stakeholders on cases of HRDs at risk, pressing for action in accordance with national Guidelines on HRDs, including the EU Guidelines, and beyond;
• Liaise directly with HRDs as needed and in coordination with the Protection Team, to advise on tailored advocacy actions;
• Identify and develop FLD’s input into key relevant processes at the EU and UN levels and regionally in the Middle East and Africa that impact HRDs
• Identify key opportunities for advocacy on cases and also to ensure the accessibility and participation of HRDs in relevant international settings;
• Organise advocacy rounds for HRDs ( travel, visa support, accommodation and other logistics etc);
• Conduct advocacy research to identify advocacy pressure points;
• Write and edit high-quality advocacy content including letters, statements, briefings and other relevant communications destined for EU, UN and states;
• By delegation of the Head of Global Advocacy, represent Front Line Defenders in advocacy meetings;
• Carry out administrative tasks such as note taking, regularly updating key contacts and the advocacy calendar, database.

Salary & Benefits

• €2,577 – €4,744 per month gross, plus holiday pay and 13th month payment
• 26 annual leave days
• Pension
• Paid Health Insurance
• Income Protection & Life Assurance
• Employee Assistance Scheme (EAP)
• Monthly Well-Being Provisions

Requirements

Interested applicants must have:

• Minimum of two years of relevant experience in a similar role and sound knowledge of the functioning of the EU Institutions, EU human rights instruments, policy and practice, and the UN and international human rights standards.
• Ability to defend and explain complex issues and positions to international, regional, and national actors including governments and diplomats.
• Strong communication skills including the ability to clearly and concisely communicate ideas and render complex concepts accessible to human rights defenders not familiar with advocacy and/or the functioning of the international human rights architecture.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and advocate effectively.
• Excellent English, Arabic and French communication and drafting skills.
• Ability to multi-task effectively, manage time, adjust to changing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively within Front Line Defenders, as well as develop constructive relationships with HRDs, NGOs, international and regional organisations, and governments.
• Computer skills (office applications, database updating)

For further information, please view https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/sites/default/files/advocacy_officer_jd.pdf