Description & Requirements
Front Line Defenders is recruiting a Global Security Lead to shape and deliver its internal approach to staff safety, travel risk, and crisis readiness.
This is a senior role that combines strategic oversight with hands-on support. The postholder will lead the organisation’s security systems and provide direct guidance to staff based across a wide range of political and operational contexts, including fragile, repressive and high-risk environments.
This position sits within the operations team and works closely with colleagues across protection, grants, digital security, and senior management. It includes international travel of approximately 30 percent.
About the Organisation
Front Line Defenders works to protect human rights defenders at risk. Its mandate is global, and its approach is practical, responsive, and deeply embedded in local context. Staff and representatives operate in dozens of countries, many of which are politically sensitive or security-compromised.
The organisation provides emergency protection grants, security and wellbeing support, relocation assistance, and visibility for those facing threat because of their work. Staff are often situated close to the contexts they support, which makes internal safety and duty of care a real and present concern.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage FLD’s organisational risk and staff safety systems
- Develop and maintain security policies and procedures across travel, premises and operations
- Support staff based in or travelling to high-risk environments
- Chair the Security Working Group and contribute to leadership-level decision making
- Oversee travel risk assessments, crisis planning and incident response
- Provide training, onboarding, and security briefings for staff and consultants
- Ensure that gender, race, sexuality and other identity-based risks are integrated into all planning
- Respond to security developments in real time and provide on-the-ground support where needed
Who They Are Looking For
- At least seven years’ experience in security and risk management, with a significant portion in high-risk field environments
- Background in humanitarian, human rights, INGO, media or intergovernmental work
- Strong understanding of organisational duty of care
- Experience working with individuals at risk due to gender, race, sexual orientation, legal status or other factors
- Skilled in crisis response, staff safety, operational risk and protection planning
- Calm, clear communicator with good judgement
- Fluent in English and at least one of: French, Spanish, Arabic or Russian
- Familiarity with digital protection is desirable
- A formal qualification in security management is welcomed but not essential
Terms and Conditions
- Salary: €52,015 to €69,826 per year (based on experience)
- Benefits: 26 days’ annual leave, pension, health insurance, life assurance, income protection, employee assistance programme, and monthly wellbeing support
- Equipment: Laptop and mobile phone provided
- Travel: Approximately 30 percent international travel required
- Contract: Full time, permanent
- Start date: January 2026
How to Apply
This recruitment is being managed directly by Front Line Defenders.
Willowflow is not involved in the selection process.
To apply, submit your CV and a cover letter addressed to Olive Moore, Deputy Director, via the FLD website: https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/recruitment-volunteering
