The Information Security Coordinator will be working in close cooperation with the Head of Programme Protection of Human Rights Defenders within the Global Support for Democracy Unit of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union office in Brussels. In this capacity, the Information Security Coordinator will be responsible for the establishment and maintenance of a stable and secure digital and communications infrastructure in the realm of the Protection of Human Rights Defenders Programme.
Responsibilities
- IT evaluation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders Programme: in close cooperation with the IT department at the headquarters of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung in Berlin, to provide a general analysis and evaluation of the technological tools and communication structures that are being used in the everyday work of the Programme
- Hands-on security analysis and advise: depending on the evaluation of the Programme and/or particular offices in the various regions, provision of a summary of existing vulnerability issues in security and privacy, drafting and sharing of information sheets including a list of recommendations specific to the needs of the target in concern
- Guideline and support for information and digital security: analysis, documentation and improvement of the security checks for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders Programme, the international offices and particular partners when needed; drafting of easy-to-read guidelines and support in implementation
- Trouble-shooting: intervention on cyber-security incidents on a needs and requests-based manner by conducting an initial security analysis, preparing a road map of remedy or IT-security trainings based on the case-specific conditions, providing written practical suggestions and following-up on the implementation
- Capacity-building: assistance to partners and helpers of human rights defenders in defining steps to build their capacity in information and digital security needs, as well as consumer-technology and software tools, including design and conduct of trainings
- Communication protocols for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders Programme: drafting and assistance with the implementation of information security related policies and guidelines in relation to communication with human rights defenders and partners in close cooperation with the Head of Programme
- Security monitoring and documentation: designing monitoring practices for international offices and their respective partnership structure, conduct of regional or local analysis of security threats and vulnerability, drafting and disseminating of information sheets with warnings and remedy suggestions
- Secure digital infrastructure: maintaining and developing a secure digital infrastructure in close cooperation with the Head of Programme, with a special focus on secure communication and file sharing work-flows with human rights defenders and others at potential identified risks
Requirements
Education
- Relevant degree or certification, or comparable work experience in the field
Experience
- A strong knowledge of the information security and digital threats that human rights defenders might face due to their work, i.e. digital threats targeting vulnerable groups, underrepresented communities, human rights defenders, and civil society/human rights organisations and individuals working in challenging political environments
- Experience in the field: working experience in the field, knowledge of the operations and day-to-day business of civil society and human rights organisations, familiarity with rapidly changing conditions in hostile environments are an advantage
- Knowledge about human rights issues in different regions is an advantage
- Experience in case work: ideally with a focus on the support of human rights defenders and/or human rights organisations with hands-on and practical experience related to information and digital security (infrastructure, apps, tools, platforms, work-flows)
- Experience in rapid incident response: knowledge in threat analysis, categorizing risks, providing general strategies, plans for remedies and practical support in implementing the remedy plan
- Experience in network management and strong knowledge of IT systems and applications
- Experience with administration and use of free- and open-source software is an advantage
Skills
- Oral and written fluency in English (French and/or Spanish skills are a plus)
- Strong critical thinking, analytical skills, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills working with technical and nontechnical personnel at various levels and locations in the organisation
- Strong ability and openness to working in collaboration with persons and organisations from our multicultural partnership spectrum from various regions, work fields, and time zones
- Awareness in gender democracy and sensitivity of gender equality from an intersectional point of view
- Genuine interest in the values and mission of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
It is not mandatory for the candidates to fulfil all the requirements that are listed above. We are taking into consideration the fact that the priorities and overall responsibilities of this role will be shaped in conversation with our future colleague, in accordance with his/her/their qualifications and interests.
The job location is Brussels, Belgium. The position is full-time (37 hours/week, employment contract).
We strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and welcome applications from vulnerable, underrepresented, under-financed and systemically repressed groups, races, nationalities, regions, genders and socio-economic backgrounds.
Application
Please send your CV and a motivation letter with the contact details of two referees via e-mail to Melanie.Bernhofer@eu.boell.org and please mention Information Security Coordinator in the subject of your e-mail.
The deadline for applications is Monday 13 December 2021, 23:59 CET.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
You can find this vacancy on our website: https://eu.boell.org/vacancies
this job offer is not open for applications
