Department Director for “Eastern Neighbourhood” at the Danish Institute for Human Rights

About Us The Danish Institute for Human Rights is Denmark's national human rights institution (NHRI), established by an Act of Parliament to promote and protect human rights.

Our unique role and identity as a NHRI forms the basis of our international work and allows us to operate in the nexus between governments, NGOs, and businesses. Through projects and partnerships, we contribute to the realisation of human rights across five continents.

As part of its international portfolio, the Institute manages human rights projects across the Balkans, Turkey, Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia and central Asia. From January 2027 these engagements will be managed under a dedicated department in response to the growing importance of this extended region.

About the position As Director for the “Eastern Neighborhood” department you will lead a team of approximately seven professionals based in Copenhagen and oversee and further develop the Danish Institute for Human Rights’ operations in Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, the Balkans, Turkey and Central Asia. This includes the direct management of currently four colleagues working in these countries.

You will be a member of the international management team, reporting directly to the International Director and working closely with fellow Department Directors. We are seeking a colleague with solid experience and genuine interest in people and leadership management. The candidate also has solid understanding of human rights challenges, proven experience in operational management of programs and projects and flair for fundraising. Your role will involve contributing to the implementation of the Institute’s strategy within both the geographic and thematic areas under your department. This includes collaboration with partners—both state and non-state actors—in the various countries, fundraising and dialogue with donors as well as developing relevant themes such as gender, inclusion, the rule of law, security, migration and human rights.

Our approach prioritizes our partners, and we implement projects in close cooperation with them, responding to their needs and requests within the project frameworks. This requires contextual knowledge and a robust national presence in the countries where we work. As Department Director, you will support and advise our national colleagues, who often operate in challenging environments due to complex security or political situations.

You will be responsible for managing the department’s entire project portfolio, including overseeing work plans, budgets, outcomes, and fundraising efforts, as well as ensuring the well-being and development of your team.

About You We are looking for applicants who have experience with creating a supportive and collaborative work culture, including across cultures. We encourage applications from individuals who value the skills of others, and who can contribute on their own.

In addition, we are looking for candidates with:

• A master’s degree in international law, political science or a related field
• Solid and demonstrated experience, motivation and talent for managing and leading multicultural teams, with a collaborative team-oriented mindset
• Proven skills in creating well-being in teams and between colleagues
• At least 10 years of experience in managing international development programmes in the field of human rights, good governance, and the rule of law
• Solid experience with programme and project cycle management – including handling budgetary and administrative requirements
• Solid conceptual and analytical skills, with the ability to translate policies, norms, and standards into practical action
• The ability to build trust and work across diverse country contexts and stakeholders
• Experience and a keen interest in fundraising
• Experience working with donors, such as the EU and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.
• Network and working experience from any of the countries in the region is a major asset.
• Fluency in English and ability to read and understand Danish. Ability to understand Ukrainian, Russian and/ or Turkish will be an asset but is not a requirement

Salary and terms of employment You will be employed as Chief Adviser (chefkonsulent med personaleledelse) reporting to the International Director. Your primary place of work will be Wilders Plads 8K, 1403 Copenhagen K, Denmark. Frequent travel to the region can be expected.

Salary is at Chief Advisor level with the possibility to negotiate individual supplements in accordance with an agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC).

The position is not subject to an upper limit on working hours and is classified as involving self-managed working time.

Recruitment process We would like the selected candidate to take up the position on 01 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The deadline for applications is 12 noon on 04 November, and interviews are expected to take place Friday 06. November and Wednesday 18. November.

Candidates selected for the second round will undergo an assessment conducted by consultant Dorte Cohr Lützen prior to the interview.

Please submit your application, including your CV, degree certificate and academic transcripts, as well as any relevant references, via the link provided on this page. We kindly ask that you submit the documents listed above, as they will form part of the assessment process.

Contact information If you have any questions regarding the position, please contact International Director Thomas Nikolaj Hansen on +45 9132 5718 or by email at thha@humanrights.dk.

The Danish Institute for Human Rights is committed to equal opportunities and encourages all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of gender, age, ethnic background, religion or belief, disability, or sexual orientation.

We believe that diverse teams deliver better results through the inclusion of different perspectives, and we actively promote an inclusive working environment free from discrimination, harassment, and inappropriate behaviour.