Duration: Permanent 

Salary: £58,000 per annum 

Job Level: 3 

Hours: 35 hours per week. Other flexible arrangements will be considered 

Disclosure Level: Basic. This role involves no direct or indirect work with children  

Team: International Policy and Advocacy 

Reports to: Head of International Policy and Advocacy 

Location: Working from home and at 1 Westfield Avenue, London E20 1HZ OR Mansfield Traquair, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6BB  

At the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), we pull together to achieve the best possible results for children in danger around the world.  We believe in an inclusive workplace and in the power of fulfilled colleagues who share the same values and goals, enjoy their work and are motivated to do their utmost for children.   

Our work is guided by the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which recognise the universality of children’s rights. 

ABOUT THE TEAM  

The Advocacy team sits in the organisation’s Influence and Impact Directorate. The Advocacy Team exists to champion children’s rights and influence those with power to create change for children, in the UK and around the world. We influence decision-makers with a compelling case for change based on evidence, and through exceptional political affairs and public campaigning. We champion and amplify the voices and participation of young people and work to ensure the full incorporation of the UN Convention of the Right of the Child (UNCRC) in all UK nations.  

ABOUT THE ROLE 

This is a new role at UNICEF UK and is intended to influence the UK Government to protect and uphold the rights of children in emergencies. Working closely with UNICEF HQ and with country offices, you will set UNICEF UK’s asks of the UK Government. You’ll sit as part of a team of Senior Policy Advisors focused on commentary areas. 

What we will expect you to achieve 

• Plan and deliver advocacy strategies on two or three emergencies for children (likely in 2026 to be Sudan and Palestine), setting policy positions and recommendations for the UK Government.  

• Plan and deliver reactive humanitarian advocacy work. 

• Plan and deliver a strand of our international campaign and other advocacy activities that influence the UK Government’s wider approach to children in emergencies internationally.   

• Lead and co-ordinate humanitarian advocacy across UNICEF UK, ensuring external messaging and communications sets the scene for the asks and recommendations we put to Government and Parliament.  

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of developments in the emergency response landscape, child rights and on particular key emergency contexts, and provide timely advice on advocacy to the wider organisation.  

• Hold UNICEF UK’s relationship with UK humanitarian policy officials, primarily in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and with the UK humanitarian advocacy sector.  

• Develop close and effective relationships with UNICEF colleagues from HQ and Country Offices, sharing information and collaborating on engagements with UK Government.  

• Participate in and improve co-ordination structures across the UNICEF family, including with other national committees in strategic countries. 

• Make sure our humanitarian advocacy complements other strands of work, including on international development, domestic child rights and the UNCRC.  

• Demonstrate and model a commitment to our shared values, behaviours and inclusive practices (known as Our Shared Commitment) in all aspects of your work. 

BEHAVIOURS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS 

This section contains the essential behaviours, experience, knowledge and skills needed in order to be effective and successful in this role. All criteria in this section are essential. 

Effective Behaviours  

Communication  

• Communicates clearly, persuasively and effectively to internal and external audiences, including on complex or difficult issues.  

• Can communicate to different audiences, tailoring technical content and complexity accordingly.  

Analytical  

• Analyses developments in the humanitarian policy and political landscape at multiple levels, and steers work accordingly, to deliver the best outcome for children.  

Collaboration  

• Proactively shares expertise and works closely with colleagues across the organisation and sector to develop and deliver shared objectives, whilst working across multiple and conflicting priorities.  

• Able to project manage, providing clear and regular information on activities and responsibilities ensuring deadlines are met and relevant colleagues kept informed.  

Resilience  

• Demonstrates patience and perseverance in the face of setbacks, feedback and challenges.  

• Able to drive work forward amidst uncertainty and ambiguity.  

Relevant experience  

• Leadership – of an issue, theme or team.  

• Complex stakeholder management and internal influencing.  

• Experience influencing the UK Government, especially on emergencies and child rights.  

Specific knowledge and skills   

• Strong understanding of key issues facing children in emergencies and the UK Government’s approach.  

• Good knowledge of humanitarian principles and International Humanitarian Law.