About the position

Protection Officer will work closely with colleagues at HRHF as well as Human Rights Houses to improve protection of human rights defenders and their organisations at risk in the countries where HRHF and the network of Human Rights Houses operate. This is a hands-on position that will require extensive coordination with multiple stakeholders and partners most of who are Russian speakers.

Successful applicant must have previous experience working for or with civil society in the field of human rights within difficult environments. This position will be located in one of HRHF´s locations (Oslo, Geneva, Brussels or Tbilisi) and report to the Head of House Development and Support.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate protection provision with HRHF´s partners, most of who are Russian speakers;
• Coordinate and implement HRHF´s protection projects;
• Manage HRHF´s risk fund;
• Research and document cases of defenders and organisations at risk;
• Support capacity building of HRHF partners in the area of protection provision;
• Coordinate monitoring and evaluation of HRHF´s protection work;
• Maintain an overview of protection support and tools available and seek collaboration and coordination with other national and interntional protection providers;
• Write project reports, document results achieved, and share best practices within protection work;
• Other duties as assigned by Head of House Development and Support Program. 

Qualifications/skills/knowledge

• Fluency in English and Russian is a must; fluency in another Eastern Partnership country language is an advantage;
• Three to five years of experience working with civil society organisations in Eastern European countries or with Eastern European organisations as close partners;
• Commitment to advancing human rights with a locally-led mindset.
• Flexibility, can-do attitude and ability to drive processes in the face of uncertainty
• Strong communications skills including writing and speaking;
• Good knowledge of digital security;
• Experience working in multi-cultural environment;
• Ability to set boundaries and take care of own needs while working in a demanding environment;
• Demonstrated knowledge of political and social situation in Eastern Europe; knowledge of political and social situation in other regions where HRHF works is an advantage.

Other

This is a 2-year position with an opening for extension. Work authorisation in Europe and ability to travel to Eastern European countries is required.

About Human Rights House Foundation

Human Rights House Foundation (HRHF) is an international organisation which protects, empowers and supports human rights defenders and their organisations. To accomplish this, HRHF brings organisations together in Human Rights Houses and unites the Houses in an international network.

HRHF advocates with partner organisations to promote the freedoms of assembly, association, and expression, and the right to be a human rights defender at home and abroad, utilising its consultative status at the United Nations and participatory status at the Council of Europe.

Today, independent human rights organisations work together in 16 Human Rights Houses in 11 countries. The Houses are located in Eastern & Western Europe, the Caucasus, and the Balkans.

HRHF has 16 staff and is headquartered in Oslo, with an office in Geneva and representations in Brussels and Tbilisi.