HuMENA Programs Lead Recruitment 2026: Remote Human Rights Leadership Opportunity for MENA Professionals

HuMENA for Human Rights and Civic Engagement is inviting applications for the position of Programs Lead, a senior remote coordination role designed for experienced professionals passionate about civic space, human rights advocacy, and operational leadership across the MENA region.

The organization is seeking a highly organized and politically aware professional who can strengthen internal systems, coordinate complex projects, and support sustainable organizational growth. The selected candidate will work closely with HuMENA’s Executive Director and collaborate with teams across Brussels, Beirut, and the wider MENA region.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the deadline to apply is 21 May 2026.

About HuMENA

HuMENA for Human Rights and Civic Engagement is a non-profit and non-partisan organization rooted in the Middle East and North Africa and connected to its diasporas worldwide. Operating from Brussels, Beirut, and across the region, HuMENA focuses on defending civic space, protecting human rights defenders, and supporting marginalized communities facing repression and shrinking freedoms.

The organization works extensively with activists, journalists, grassroots organizers, and civil society actors through:

• Human rights advocacy
• Capacity-building initiatives
• Strategic communications
• Evidence-based research
• Protection-oriented support
• International engagement

HuMENA’s work prioritizes freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, digital rights, public participation, and protection against reprisals.

Position Overview

Position Details

• Role: Programs Lead
• Location: Remote / MENA
• Contract Type: Twelve-month consultancy agreement
• Duration: 12 months, renewable based on funding and performance
• Time Commitment: Full-time (40 hours weekly)
• Reporting Line: Executive Director
• Expected Start Date: 15 June 2026 or earlier
• Application Deadline: 21 May 2026

Compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and seniority level.

Key Responsibilities

The Programs Lead will oversee operational coordination and implementation tracking across HuMENA’s projects and partnerships. The role focuses on ensuring that projects, consultants, reporting obligations, and workflows are effectively managed.

Main Duties Include:

• Coordinating project implementation and tracking deliverables
• Managing internal workflows and operational systems
• Supporting consultant recruitment and onboarding
• Monitoring donor reporting deadlines
• Coordinating advocacy and communications outputs
• Supporting cross-team collaboration
• Maintaining project trackers and organizational documentation
• Identifying operational risks and proposing solutions

The successful candidate will help transform scattered processes into structured systems that improve accountability and efficiency across the organization.

First 60 Days Expectations

Within the first two months, the selected Programs Lead will:

• Map all active projects, donor obligations, and consultant assignments
• Build operational project and consultant tracking systems
• Establish regular internal coordination routines
• Improve implementation monitoring processes
• Strengthen organizational workflow visibility

Required Qualifications

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Minimum 6 years of relevant professional experience
• At least 3 years in independent coordination or management roles
• Experience working with MENA-focused civil society or human rights organizations
• Strong project management and operational coordination skills
• Fluency in Arabic and professional-level English
• Experience managing consultants and donor-related deliverables
• Ability to handle sensitive information professionally
• Strong remote collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications

Additional assets include:

• Experience in small or growing organizations
• Familiarity with donor reporting systems
• Experience with civic space or digital rights advocacy
• Knowledge of tools like Airtable, Notion, Asana, Trello, or Slack
• French language proficiency

Inclusive Recruitment Commitment

HuMENA strongly encourages applications from underrepresented and marginalized communities. The organization welcomes candidates regardless of gender identity, nationality, race, religion, disability, migration status, or socio-economic background.

The organization emphasizes contextual understanding, lived experience, and commitment to human rights values alongside formal qualifications.

Application Requirements

Interested applicants must submit:

• A CV (maximum three pages)
• A one-page cover letter
• Contact information for two professional references
• One writing sample in Arabic or English

Applications should be sent via email with the subject line:

Programs Lead — [Candidate Name]

Applications and inquiries should be directed to:
Jobs@humena.org

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Recruitment Process

Shortlisted candidates will participate in:

1. A first interview
2. A practical assignment lasting approximately 90 minutes
3. A final interview
4. Reference checks

Candidates are encouraged to apply early because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Why This Opportunity Matters

This role presents a unique opportunity for experienced professionals committed to human rights, civic engagement, and operational leadership in the MENA region. The position allows candidates to contribute directly to protecting civic space and supporting human rights defenders while helping build sustainable organizational systems within an internationally connected advocacy organization.

Professionals with strong coordination abilities, political awareness, and a passion for human rights work are encouraged to apply before the deadline on 21 May 2026.