Plan International’s global strategy has placed an increased emphasis on influencing as a key strategy to achieve the outcomes we seek for children in both development and humanitarian contexts. Humanitarian policy, advocacy, and diplomacy has a critical role to play to ensure children, and particularly girls, realise their rights before, during and after disasters and conflicts and disease outbreaks, and therefore makes an important contribution to the implementation of Plan International’s Global Strategy. Emergencies provide an opportunity to call on humanitarian actors, including governments, donors and other agencies, to respond effectively to the needs and rights of children, and especially girls, to deliver on commitments and implement policies. Emergencies can also present a window of opportunity for changing discourse and policy.

In early December, the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs launched their Global Humanitarian Overview 2024. The forecast is terrifying. In 2024, nearly 300 million people around the world will need humanitarian assistance and protection, due to conflicts, climate emergencies, and other drivers. Humanitarian diplomacy is crucial in a fragile world – and in allowing us to best deliver for people in crisis – and our Global Humanitarian Policy, Advocacy, and Diplomacy Unit – and this deployable specialist role are key.

At times you will be expected to develop context specific humanitarian policy, advocacy, and diplomacy initiatives. You will be an important colleague in helping us ensure that our teams worldwide are supported and equipped with the ability to conduct humanitarian diplomacy, to negotiate, to be influential humanitarian advocates no matter their position or sectoral focus, and to uphold the humanitarian values and principles.

The Requirements

Considerable and demonstrable experience in advocacy strategy and messaging development, particularly in humanitarian contexts.

Proven experience and highly developed skills in policy influencing at the national level with a range of audiences, including experience in conveying complex messages in politically sensitive environments.

Demonstrable and substantive knowledge of current humanitarian issues and relevant legal and policy frameworks

Specific knowledge and expertise on children’s rights and gender in emergencies

Demonstrable commitment to gender equality

An in depth understanding of the humanitarian architecture, coordination mechanisms and its various working groups, including experience in influencing within these structures

Discretion and sound reasoning in delaing with sensitive matters; ability to independently solve complex and challenging problems

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively and smartly within a complex organisation balancing consultations and coordination with getting things done.

Strong networking and negotiation skills.

Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships in a range of cultural contexts

Experience managing themselves in a pressured and changing environment.

Adherence to humanitarian values and standards.

Working proficiency in Microsoft applications and able to effectively adapt to relevant Plan International data systems.

Committed to actively upholding Plan International’s vision, values and behaviours and policies, including the Say Yes! To Keeping Children Safe Policy.