DDP is looking for a Co-Lead: Program Manager who will take responsibility for implementation and the (financial) sustainability of the program. The Hivos Digital Defenders Partnership (DDP) program, was launched in 2012 by the Freedom Online Coalition, an international program that contributes to strengthening the resilience of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) by increasing their digital security through a holistic and sustainable approach.

To this end, the DDP program provides emergency response and sustainable protection funding, strengthens rapid responders and local protection networks, increases trainers’ capacities, and contributes to long-term organizational safety. Over the past 10 years, DDP has expanded, growing into a team of 48 dedicated members spanning across continents in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

DDP promotes a co-leadership model for its senior leadership, emphasizing a shared approach to power, influence, accountability, and responsibility. We are guided by values of feminism, decolonization and power-sharing (see also our website for more information and our new strategy: www.digitaldefenders.org.).  In alignment with this shift, we are actively seeking an exceptional program manager who will, together with the program manager, play a key role in the management, implementation, and sustainability of this exciting program.

This position is a co-leadership position with the Program Manager Operations. Jointly you will play a pivotal role in implementing the program’s strategy for 2024-2027, guiding the team, and ensuring the safety and support of Human Rights Defenders around the world. Together, you will be integral in making a lasting impact that contributes to strengthening the resilience of HRDs by increasing their digital security through a holistic and sustainable approach. You will be instrumental in the execution of DDP’s overarching strategy and vision from a program/content perspective, while fostering seamless coordination with regional project managers and other teams within and beyond our program. Join us in the mission to defend digital freedom and protect activists in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Join us in the mission to defend digital freedom and protect activists in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Responsibilities Co-Lead: Program Manager DDP.

Leveraging DDPs track-record, the DDP Program Manager, ensures that the DDP project continues to be cutting edge and a recognized frontrunner in its domain. You take the lead in the implementation of the new DDP strategy. Building on the present foundations, you take responsibility for programming and the (financial) sustainability of DDP’s future.

Furthermore you:

• Embrace and uphold the principles of co-leadership, including shared power, influence, and decision-making.
• Provide overall leadership based on principles of equity, inclusivity, diversity, collective care, collaboration, and accountability.
• Build and maintain – as their line manager – a cohesive and successful project team by mentoring, coaching, and fostering professional growth among team members.
• Co-create a safe working environment for all staff.
• Execute and operationalize the strategic vision for DDP in alignment with the organization’s mission to support Human Rights defenders under threat.
• Act as a representative and advocate for DDP within the broader digital rights community, attending conferences, events, and engaging with stakeholders.
• Foster and maintain constructive partnerships with funders, external project managers, allied organizations, and other stakeholders to enhance the impact of DDP’s work.
• Fundraising and Resource Mobilization: Lead efforts to secure funding and resources necessary to sustain DDP’s operations and support digital activists effectively.
• Take responsibility for the sustainability of the project for the future.
• Proactively promote Hivos – DDP synergy on content, networks and outreach.

The Program Manager reports to the Hivos Hub Global Director.

Profile

You are a pro-active, energetic bridge-builder, bringing a vision to holistic protection and human rights and an ability to put this vision into action. You are a convincing and engaging advocate for the program.  A team player who enjoys a good challenge. You can move swiftly when the situation so requires but also have the ability to look and plan ahead. You have a coaching management style but do not shy away from taking decisions, if the situation so requires. Your communication style is open, inclusive with respect and empathy for different positions and needs.

• Level of professional and analytical ability: A holder of a Bachelor or Master with an emphasis on (digital) activism, human rights, civil society or related field.
• 5-10 years of experience in programmatic leadership and project management.
• An ability to translate relevant external trends into DDP approach and positioning.
• Strong, convincing and engaging communication ability.
• An ability to engage and empathize with DDP’s communities and stakeholders that instills trust and collaboration.
• Experience in intercultural line- and team management, in such a way that values of diversity, equality and inclusion are respected.
• Prior experience in working in a decentralized, project based (I)NGO environment.
• Experience in business development targeting bilateral funders and foundations.
• A willingness to work in a diverse, and feminist team, to assert your needs, respect those of your colleagues, and contribute to an empowering and joyful working environment.
• Proficiency in English in both written and verbal skills; good command of oral and written Spanish and/or French is a plus.

What we offer

In this position you will work in one of the Hivos regional offices around the world. We offer a stimulating work environment in a professional international organization with very dedicated staff. We offer a local contract based on Hivos local labor conditions, with remuneration commensurate with the experience and expertise. Contract renewable depending on performance.

Want to apply?

You are welcome to submit your application on the apply button by May 12th, 2024 midnight UTC. You must submit both a letter of motivation/cover letter (maximum 1 page) and resume/CV (maximum 3 pages) in English.

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Candidates are highly encouraged to provide a clear track record of results in their CV and to use their cover letter to clearly and concisely address the requirements of the role elaborated above.

Hivos is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diverse candidates and persons from negatively racialized groups to apply. For this particular position we particularly welcome applications from suitable applicants from the Global South.

* Kindly note that you have to be in possession of a valid work permit for the country in which you will work.

Hivos reserves the right to close the position before the application deadline if a suitable candidate is identified. Therefore, interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible. If you are selected, please note that professional references and a background check will be requested prior to making an offer. We may check social media – unless applicants state they do not wish us to do so. Accuracy of information in the curriculum vitae will also be checked. Hivos is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diverse candidates.