Civil Society Pros - NGO

Fresh issue of #CivilSocietyDigest has landed — check it out for fresh opps in civil society and human rights! ➨ The Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) Germany has opened a new call under its programme “Expanding Cooperation with Civil Society in the Eastern Partnership Countries and Russia.” The programme supports civil society cooperation projects involving at least one organisation from Germany and one partner from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine or Russia; organisations operating in temporary exile in the region may also participate. Projects can focus on areas including independent media and resilience to disinformation, human rights and democratic values, democratic transformation, participation of marginalised groups and regional dialogue. Project outlines can be submitted in English or German from 7 August to 15 September 2026. ➨ The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) invites journalists, media freedom organisations and legal experts to register for the MFRR Summit 2026, taking place in Brussels on 12 October. The programme will address some of the most pressing challenges to media freedom in Europe, including the financial sustainability of journalism, digital threats, legal harassment, foreign interference. Participation is free, more info here. ➨ United Nations Human Rights invites applications for its fellowship programmes in Geneva, offering intensive training on international human rights mechanisms and standards. Opportunities are available for people of African descent, Indigenous peoples, minority rights defenders and members of civil society organisations working on torture and contemporary forms of slavery. Depending on the programme, selected fellows receive support covering travel, accommodation, living expenses and a stipend. Apply here. ➨ OVD-Info* is looking for a Director to lead the operational management of its team and support the long-term sustainability of the independent human rights media project. Responsibilities include developing internal processes, overseeing financial sustainability, crisis management, strategic decision-making and representing the organisation externally with partners. Candidates should be based outside Russia. English at B2 level or higher is required. The role is full-time and remote, with a competitive NGO-sector salary and relocation support if needed. Apply by 23 August 2026. *OVD-Info has been designated an ‘extremist organisation’ by the Russian authorities. ➨ The European Commission has opened the CERV-2026-DAPHNE call, with €21 million available for projects addressing gender-based violence and violence against children. The call is particularly relevant for civil society organisations, women’s rights and child protection networks, public authorities and consortium partners working on prevention, victim support and systemic change. Priority areas include regranting and capacity-building for grassroots CSOs, protection and support for victims and survivors, prevention of gender-based violence, implementation of the Violence Against Women Directive and Istanbul Convention and stronger integrated child protection systems. The deadline is 5 November, apply here.