Director/Head of Secretariat, Public Affairs, Brussels

Director/Head of Secretariat Role

The Secretariat of ProtectDefenders.eu is a coordination entity based in Brussels acting under the supervision of a Board of Directors composed of four leading international NGO’s responsible for the accountability of the EU Mechanism to support human rights defenders globally. The Director of the Secretariat is responsible for the coordination of the Consortium in order to provide strategic leadership to ProtectDefenders.eu, as well as for the overall management of the Secretariat team and programmes. ProtectDefenders.eu is seeking an experienced and values-driven Director / Head of Secretariat to provide strategic leadership to the EU Human Rights Defenders Mechanism. Reporting to the Board of Directors, this senior role oversees the coordination of an international consortium, the management of the Secretariat, and high-level engagement with donors and institutional stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities for Director/Head of Secretariat Role

• Provide strategic leadership and coordination of the ProtectDefenders.eu Consortium, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s mission and long-term objectives
• Lead and manage the Secretariat, including direct supervision of senior leadership roles across programmes, partnerships, finance and operations
• Act as the primary liaison with the Board of Directors, leading Board meetings, reporting, and accountability processes
• Oversee organisational governance, risk management, policies, and compliance
• Ensure strong financial oversight, budgeting, and donor reporting in collaboration with the Head of Finance & Operations
• Lead fundraising efforts and support organisational growth in line with Board and Consortium priorities
• Represent ProtectDefenders.eu at the highest level with EU institutions, donors, civil society partners, and international stakeholders
• Provide high-level advocacy and external representation at conferences, forums, and strategic meetings

Key Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Human Rights, International Relations, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience)
• Minimum 5 years’ senior management experience in a comparable leadership role, ideally within human rights, international development, or non-profit organisations
• Proven experience working within complex international networks or consortia
• Strong understanding of the needs of human rights defenders at risk and holistic protection mechanisms
• Demonstrated leadership, people management, and organisational development capabilities
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, compliance, and donor-funded programme oversight
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including experience engaging with Boards and EU donors
• Politically astute, with experience influencing policy environments at international, regional, or national level
• High levels of integrity, cultural intelligence, and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Fluent English required; French desirable, additional languages an asset

Selection and Appointment:

• This is a permanent position based in Brussels with occasional travel required to meet with stakeholders, partners, human rights defenders and attend conferences and other events.
• The Director may be required to work outside regular office hours to meet project deadlines or attend meetings and events.
• Gross monthly salary range: €7,000 – €8,000 depending on experience and seniority
• 13^th month salary and holiday pay according to Belgian law
• Pension scheme contribution and medical insurance
• Transportation and home-working allowances
• Meal vouchers and Eco-vouchers
• Pro-rata 20 legal days holidays + 6 extra legal days

If you have the relevant experience and this opportunity sounds interesting to you, please get in touch with our team, including a copy of your CV as soon as possible via the form below.

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