Front Line Defenders is seeking expressions of interest from exceptional candidates for the post of Institutional Grant Manager. This permanent role will be based in either the Dublin or Brussels office and will report to the Director of Development. 

Overview

The Institutional Grants Manager leads Front Line Defenders’ established process of engagement with its consortium of private and institutional donors based throughout Europe, North America and elsewhere. This includes responsibility for reporting, relationship management and identifying new funding opportunities. 

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

• Daily oversight and management of the organisation’s funding portfolio of circa 40 funding partners. 

• The provision of timely narrative & financial reporting of excellent quality. 

• Drafting programme and project-based proposals to current and prospective donors, in coordination with relevant colleagues and possible partner organisations. 

• Identify and lead on responding to calls for proposals and funding opportunities.

• Ongoing trends mapping and analysis to ensure Front Line Defenders donor intelligence is up to date, including identifying potential new donors and establishing a funding relationship. 

• Ongoing engagement with established institutional funding partners which include Government Ministries and private foundations based throughout Europe, the US and elsewhere. This includes direct engagement with donor representatives to ensure that each donor is kept aware of developments and achievement of Front Line Defenders, and the context in which human rights defenders are operating. 

• Representing Front Line Defenders at meetings, conferences, events, networking opportunities, and seminars as required, including with a view to build the network of fundraising contracts and targets. 

Salary & Benefits

• €52,000 - €66,000 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 4 years of work experience in development, fundraising, and/or grantmaking in civil society, philanthropy and/or government settings

• Demonstrable experience in engaging with private donors, such as foundations, corporations, and high-net worth individuals. 

• Experience in project and budget management

• Knowledge of funding mechanisms of key donors in the sector

• Gook knowledge of human rights and/or development issues, and of the human rights space. 

• Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree preferred;

• Excellent written and verbal knowledge of English is essential. Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively in written and oral forms. 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and excellent representational skills. 

• Ability to work as both a key member of a team as well as working proactively alone. 

• Ability to work to tight deadlines

• Ability to thrive in a high pressure supported environment. 

For further information, please view https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/sites/default/files/institutional_grants_manager_jd_.2026.pdf