Background
Open Briefing prevents and responds to serious attacks on civil society and civic space around the world and works to create the conditions in which they no longer happen.
Through unique, demand-driven projects, Open Briefing provides rapid responses to immediate threats to human rights defenders and other civic actors at risk and longer-term holistic security capacity building and mentoring to grassroots organisations.
As a social enterprise, we also help charities, foundations, and social businesses understand and meet their risk management, duty of care, data protection, and safeguarding commitments to staff and local partners.
For more information, please see our #10YearsOfImpact page.
Due to a significant increase in demand for our unique support, Open Briefing is looking to double the size of its safety and security team.
Role description
Your work with Open Briefing will include providing tailored security advice and training to CSOs and civic actors at risk and conducting security audits and risk assessments for our NGO and foundation clients.
You will be supporting those at extreme risk who are fighting to protect and promote rights in closed civic spaces and violent environments. The work is fascinating and varied: You could be working with indigenous environmental defenders in the Amazon, humanitarians in Western and Central Africa, journalists in Russia and the Caucasus, human rights defenders in Asia, or foundations in the US and Europe. Those we support face threats from highly-capable adversaries, including state security forces, corrupt corporations, armed opposition groups, and organised crime gangs, including cartels.
We recognise that as well as being hugely rewarding, the work can also be challenging. So, you will be properly onboarded, continually supported by experienced co-workers, and receive ongoing technical support and mentoring. Our consultants work remotely, from wherever they want to, but the role may require occasional travel, including to high-risk locations.
We welcome applications from established consultants with a range of backgrounds, experiences, and profiles, and from anywhere in the world. There is no minimum time commitment, and the hours can vary from month to month, depending on demand and on your availability. However, we are seeking applications from consultants wanting to be part of our team and to build long-term and valued working relationships with us and our clients. As such, this role will not suit those between jobs or searching for full-time employment.
You will receive £400 per day, a package of mental health and psychosocial support, digital security training, and access to motivated colleagues working on the frontlines of risk.
Person specification
Essential
- At least five years professional experience in the protection of human rights defenders or in NGO security management.
- A deep understanding of security risk management, security in violent environments, duty of care, and closing civic space issues.
- The ability to maintain high levels of professionalism while building effective working relationships with clients and recipients, that are based on trust and mutual understanding.
- A strong desire to be part of a team, while also being able to work under your own initiative.
- A genuine motivation to support those fighting to protect and promote rights.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
Desirable
- An understanding of the digital security and wellbeing aspects of holistic security.
- Considerable experience as a trainer, including the delivery of online workshops.
- Significant experience of working at all levels, from boardrooms to activists.
- Excellent written and spoken Arabic, French, Spanish, or Portuguese.
How to apply
To apply, please email your CV and a cover letter setting out how you meet the person specification and why you are interested in the role, to our safety and security lead, Dan Williamson, at [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the positions will remain advertised until we find the appropriate consultants. Successful applicants will need to complete a sensible vetting process before their first engagement.
Open Briefing values diversity. Please read our equality and diversity policy for more information. Our ethical and environmental policies are also available.
