Front Line Defenders is seeking expressions of interest from exceptional candidates for the post of HR Manager. This permanent role will be based in our Dublin office and will report to the Director of Finance and Operations.

Overview

The role of the HR manager is to provide HR guidance and strategy to the management and employees of Front Line Defenders (FLD). We currently have nearly 90 staff globally, with over 40 based in Dublin.

The successful candidate will lead on the HR and organisational practices to ensure the continued success of FLD and the fulfilment of its ambitious strategy to ensure that FLD values and competencies are embedded in organisational policies and employee culture. Leading the HR team to guide and inform on employee relations practices, learning and development strategies and overall organisation and culture development. The HR Manager acting as partner to the wider organisation is responsible for implementing the HR Workplan and leading in delivering a People Strategy that supports the Strategic plan.

The role involves direct management of one HR Officer.

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

• Leading on the development and implementation of a HR strategy which aligns with and supports the delivery of the overall Strategic Plan of FLD.
• Preparing workforce plans for approval in partnership with programmatic and operational functions and operating within agreed frameworks and budgets
• Preparation of board / managerial reports when required, specifically relating to HR KPIs and metrics.
• Contributing to periodic organisational risk reporting
• Leading, managing and developing the HR function to ensure their continued success and utilisation and supporting the development and contribution to the organisation.
• Ensuring the HR team is focused on emerging best practice and can bring these insights to FLD management for consideration and identify enhancements for service provision.
• Ensuring that all HR policies and practices are compliant with legislation
• Support the provision of benefits through managing the staff health insurance policies, supporting staff in accessing pensions, promoting the well-being supports and benefit uptake throughout FLD etc.
• Support the development and implementation of an organisational DEI plan.
• Leading organisational development initiatives from concept through planning and implementation, drawing on experience and skills in project and change management.

Salary & Benefits

• €52,962 - €72,886 per annum
• 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 7 years' experience in busy, progressive HR environment, ideally within the not-for-profit sector
• Experience of working within a global organisation
• Degree or equivalent in HRM or Business-related area. (Level 8)
• A good working knowledge across multiple HR disciplines including – Recruitment, Management Development, Organisation Development, Employee Engagement, Employee Relations, Performance Management, HRIS, Change Management
• Ability to work and influence in a progressive, open and supportive manner.
• Excellent communication, report writing, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a dynamic and changing environment.

For further information, please view https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/sites/default/files/hr_manager_jd-1.pdf

Closing Date

Applicants must submit their applications (CV & cover letter) by midnight (local Irish time) on Monday, 13^th April 2026 via the 'Apply Now' button as per FLD vacancies page: https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/recruitment-volunteering