Hans Thoolen on Human Rights Defenders and their awards

• Coordinate the implementation of our Great Lakes region project, including project design and planning, implementation, coordination of activities, budget management, evaluation and reporting to ensure that the project is effectively and efficiently managed in accordance with the strategy of DefendDefenders and the parameters of its partner regulations and procedures;
• Ensuring high quality, integrity, transparency and accountability of key processes in the project, including: project design, development, and budgeting; project approval process; financial management; and reporting;
• Ensure swift communication and collaboration with the Great Lakes region project partners for the effective implementation of the project;
• Establish or reinforce partnerships with other organizations in the field, to create synergies for raising awareness on human rights compliance and protection in the Great Lakes region ;
• Undertake regular visits to countries of the Great Lakes;
• Monitoring the human rights legislations, issues and development in the Great Lakes region;
• Support network of human rights defenders and organization in the Great Lakes region;
• Engage in strategic advocacy activities, including press releases and statements in conjunction with the advocacy team.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (spoken/written), including the ability to listen to and incorporate the views of stakeholders;
• Ability to engage with project partners, donors and state authorities clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Proven ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Ensure all personnel related issues for the staff are carried out in accordance with DefendDefenders guidelines;
• Strong time management and coordination skills.
• Ability to foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning;
• Ability to identify beneficiaries’ needs and suggest appropriate solutions;
• Strong comfort with usage of information and internet technologies;
• Ability to follow digital security protocols.

• A master’s degree in human rights, law, social sciences, political science or a related field from an accredited academic institution with a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience on project management;
• A solid understanding of human rights and protection mechanisms;
• Familiarity with the Great Lakes region and previous experience working in the region ;
• Good conceptual and analytical capacity;
• Very good budgeting, project management and report writing skills;
• Ability and willingness to travel.

• Fluency in English and French (both spoken and written) is a must, and fluency in Kirundi and/or Kinyarwanda a strong asset. As part of the recruitment process, short-listed candidates will be tested on their knowledge of both English and French.

Source: – East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project