Country Representative Colombia

Selection process developed by matteria

Location and Work Mode

Bogot Colombia (with regional scope to South America)

Who we are

Protection International (PI) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the right to defend human rights. For over 20 years PI has worked alongside human rights defenders (HRDs) in more than 30 countries building their capacity to manage their own protection through participatory methodologies research advocacy and direct accompaniment.

With a decentralized structure PI operates through regional hubs and local teams across Latin America Africa and Asia. Our global headquarters is based in Brussels Belgium. PIs vision is a world where everyone can safely exercise their right to defend human rights free from violence criminalization and impunity.

Our impact

• Present in 30 countries through operations or technical partnerships

• 3 consolidated regional hubs: Latin America Africa Asia

• 20 years strengthening the protection of HRDs worldwide

• 50 local partners fostering collective protection

• Our Theory of Change: Empowerment legitimacy and resilience for HRDs

Purpose of the Position

The Country Representative will lead the operations strategy and regional expansion of Protection International in Colombia with direct scope into South American countries. This is a pivotal role at a critical time for the organization.

This person will act as the legal representative in Colombia consolidate PIs territorial presence and help reshape the organizations strategy in a context of organizational transition internal tensions and an urgent need for fundraising.

The Country Representative must bring a strong leadership presence a clear strategic vision and hands-on capacity to manage operations navigate complex political contexts and mobilize financial resources within a short timeframe.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Representation

• Lead PIs territorial strategy in Colombia and support regional expansion in Brazil and other South American countries.

• Act as the legal representative of PI in Colombia and oversee the legal and operational setup in Brazil.

• Define and implement the strategic roadmap for PI in the region ensuring alignment with the Global Strategy and Theory of Change.

Organizational Governance & Team Management

• Manage the local team and foster cohesion and clarity of roles amidst internal tensions and high workload.

• Ensure security protocols and staff well-being are upheld across all operational territories.

• Represent PI in global governance coordination and learning platforms.

Political Analysis & Programmatic Development

• Analyze political and human rights contexts in Colombia Brazil and the region to shape timely and relevant interventions.

• Maintain updated risk assessments and protection strategies for HRDs in the region.

• Promote cross-learning and collaboration with PIs global teams and hubs.

Resource Mobilization & Financial Sustainability

• Lead regional fundraising efforts in collaboration with the Global Team (GT).

• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities to sustain and expand PIs presence in the region.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors diplomatic missions and strategic allies.

Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL)

• Oversee the implementation monitoring and evaluation of all regional projects.

• Ensure timely and high-quality reporting to donors and internal stakeholders.

• Develop performance frameworks in coordination with PI Global.

Requirements and competences to work with us

Education

• Degree in International Law Political Science Sociology or related fields.

• Postgraduate studies are highly desirable.
  
  

Experience

• At least 6 years of professional experience including 3 years in executive leadership roles in NGOs.

• Proven track record managing national-level teams and delivering impactful programs.

• Experience in international organizations working with vulnerable communities and HRDs.

• In-depth understanding of the human rights landscape in Colombia and Latin America.

• Legal work authorization in Colombia is required.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong command of HRD protection mechanisms at national regional and international levels.

• Strategic planning leadership and adaptive management.

• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.

• Fundraising experience and donor engagement.

• Ability to manage high-pressure situations and navigate internal team dynamics.

• Availability to travel within the region and internationally.

Competencies

• Strategic Vision

• Influence & Leadership

• Team Collaboration

• Effective Communication

• Performance & People Management

• Resilience & Adaptability

• Analytical Thinking

• Creativity & Innovation

• Partnership Building

Languages

Full professional fluency in Spanish and English (spoken and written) is mandatory

Our team profile

PI fosters a culture rooted in solidarity horizontality and ethical commitment to the protection of HRDs. Our teams operate in complex and high-stakes environments requiring emotional intelligence collaborative leadership and political clarity.

This role enters a challenging context: recent downsizing increased team workload and internal tensions require a strong stabilizing leader who can build trust make decisive moves and align the team around shared goals. The position is also key to revitalizing team spirit and helping reimagine PIs regional future.

Key interests for working with us

Our purpose is to transform the structural conditions that endanger human rights defenders particularly in contexts marked by violence inequality and authoritarian tendencies. This role supports a regional agenda of protection and political transformation aligned with feminist anti-racist and intersectional values.

Reasons to join our team

• Lead a committed mission-driven team in a globally recognized organization.

• Contribute to social and political change from a human rights perspective.

• Opportunity to shape PIs strategy in a critical moment of organizational evolution.

• Active participation in global platforms for governance and learning.

• Flexible work conditions and openness to innovative ideas.

Relevant details before applying for this vacancy

• This is a local contract under Colombian labor law.

• Initial contract runs through December 2025 with possibility of renewal depending on fundraising success.

• Candidate must be based in Bogot or willing to relocate.

• Availability to travel regionally and internationally is required.

• Fluency in English and Spanish is mandatory.