Director, Eastern Neighbourhood Human Rights Programs

Institut for Menneskerettigheder; København; On-site; DKK 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

The Danish Institute for Human Rights in Copenhagen seeks a Department Director for the Eastern Neighbourhood to lead a team of seven professionals and oversee programmes across Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, the Balkans, Turkey and Central Asia. You will report to the International Director and help shape strategy, fundraising, and cross-border collaboration.

You will manage budgets, oversee work plans, and support national colleagues in challenging environments, ensuring high impact and well-being

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in international law, political science or related field.
• Experience managing international development programmes in human rights, good governance and rule of law.
• Proven fundraising experience and donor relations skills.
• Ability to lead multicultural teams and work across diverse contexts.
• Fluent English; reading Danish; understanding Ukrainian/Russian/Turkish is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of about seven professionals in Copenhagen and oversee regional operations.
• Develop strategy, manage budgets, outcomes, and fundraising efforts.
• Collaborate with partners and donors; advance gender, inclusion, and rule of law themes.
• Support national colleagues in challenging environments and build trust across contexts.
• Oversee project portfolios, work plans, and performance across multiple countries.

Skills

International development

Leadership

Fundraising

Donor relations

Budget management

Policy translation

Cross-cultural teamwork

English fluency

Danish reading ability

Regional knowledge (Eastern Neighbourh

Education

Master's degree in international law or related field

Job description

The Danish Institute for Human Rights in Copenhagen seeks a Department Director for the Eastern Neighbourhood to lead a team of seven professionals and oversee programmes across Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, the Balkans, Turkey and Central Asia. You will report to the International Director and help shape strategy, fundraising, and cross-border collaboration.

You will manage budgets, oversee work plans, and support national colleagues in challenging environments, ensuring high impact and well-being