Senior Advocacy Advisor Humanitarian Response

YOUR MISSIONWe believe no child should be part of war. Ever. War Child is seeking a Senior Advocacy Advisor – Humanitarian Response (US-based, New York) to lead our humanitarian advocacy and influence decision-makers to better protect and support conflict-affected children. This role will build and sustain influential relationships with key humanitarian partners, including UN agencies and institutional donors, respond rapidly to emerging and protracted crises, and shape organisational positions on humanitarian reform and system-wide change. The postholder will champion locally driven, equitable responses and ensure children’s voices are reflected in global policy discussions.Success in this role includes leading the renewal of War Child Alliance’s ECOSOC status, organising high-impact advocacy events and engagements in UN policy spaces, including UNGA and other global forums, and representing War Child with credibility and authority. We are looking for a senior professional with significant experience in humanitarian advocacy or policy influencing within an INGO, UN, or multilateral setting; a strong understanding of the humanitarian system and reform agenda; and excellent analytical and writing skills to produce high-quality, evidence-based policy materials. The role requires strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy and emotional intelligence, experience supporting country teams in conflict-affected contexts, and a clear commitment to child rights, safeguarding, and humanitarian principles.What you will do:Strategy and Leadership* Lead and implement War Child’s humanitarian advocacy strategy in line with organisational priorities and country realities. * Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on humanitarian policy trends, risks, and opportunities affecting children in conflict. * Shape organisational positioning during major crises, emergencies, and global policy moments.Knowledge and Policy Development* Analyse humanitarian policies, funding mechanisms, and reform agendas through a child rights lens. * Produce high-quality, evidence-based policy briefs and advocacy materials grounded in programme learning and community experience. * Ensure meaningful input from local partners and stakeholders in policy development.Collaboration, Safeguarding and Accountability* Work closely with country teams, technical specialists, and communications colleagues to align advocacy with operational realities and ensure coherent messaging. * Uphold safeguarding standards, ethical storytelling, and accountability commitments. * Promote safe and meaningful participation of children and young people in advocacy.To learn more about the role, please review the Job Description.YOUR PROFILEEducation* Graduate degree level educationExperience* Significant experience in humanitarian advocacy, policy, or influencing roles, ideally within an INGO, UN agency, or similar organisation. * Proven ability to influence decision-makers and contribute to policy change at national or international level. * Experience working on child protection, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), education in emergencies, or related sectors. * Experience of work in within UN agency and multilateral system. * Experience supporting or working with country teams in conflict-affected or fragile contexts. * Experience engaging directly with institutional donors.Languages* English essential, French / Arabic desirableKnowledge* Strong understanding of the humanitarian system, including donors, coordination mechanisms, and current reform agendas. * Familiarity with humanitarian–development–peace nexus debates and practice.Skills* Excellent analytical and writing skills, with experience producing high-quality policy and advocacy materials. * Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and work collaboratively across cultures and functions.WHAT WE OFFER* Location : New York City/ within commuting distance. Preference is given to applicants who reside and have valid working permits. War Child does not offer relocation or visa sponsorship. * Type of Contract : Local contract with salary and secondary labour conditions based on the in-country salary scale, local T&C's will apply.Why You Should Apply* Meaningful Impact : Contribute directly to improving the lives of children and families affected by conflict through quality education and long-term, sustainable change. * Professional Growth: Join a dynamic organisation that values learning, innovation, and professional development, with opportunities for capacity building and growth through the role and War Child’s global network. * Global Reach : Play a key role in scaling a ground-breaking programme across multiple conflict-affected contexts worldwide. * Collaborative & Inclusive Culture : Work alongside passionate, mission-driven colleagues in a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace that prioritises safety, fairness and equal opportunity for all.HOW TO APPLYQualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications (CV and motivation letter in English) by March 25, 2026. We are reviewing submissions on a rolling basis, so early applications are strongly recommended.________________________________________________________________________________ By submitting your application you certify that all of the statements made in your application are true, complete, and correct and are made in good faith. You understand that falsifying, misrepresenting or intentionally withholding information will be grounds for rejection of your application or withdrawal of any offer of appointment or, if an appointment offer has been accepted, this will be ground for employment sanctions, such as, but not limited to, instant dismissal. In addition, you understand that you need to submit a Criminal Record Certificate and that, if you fail to submit it, no employment relationship can be established.Disclaimer* Only applications received via our website are processed. * If we appoint a suitable candidate before the given closing date, we reserve the right to remove the vacancy from our website before that date. In such a case, any responses received after that time are not processed. * It could be that during our selection process the closing date for the vacancy is extended. If so, and you have not yet heard from us, your application will remain active.Apply for this jobAbout usThe War Child Alliance is an international non-governmental organization committed to providing psychosocial support, child protection, youth empowerment programming and quality education to the children affected by armed conflict. We implement evidence-based interventions to empower key stakeholders—including governments, educators, caregivers, and communities—to foster children’s wellbeing, education, and self-determination. We work with global teams with team members being based in different locations. War Child is currently operates in: Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Colombia, DR Congo, Germany, Jordan, Lebanon, the occupied Palestinian territory, South Sudan, Sweden, Syria, Uganda, Ukraine (soon to be registered), and Yemen. We also have offices in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.Learn more about War Child and our programmes https://www.warchild.net/Safeguarding and Integrity Our work with children and at-risk adults to keep them safe is the most important thing we do. We are committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults in all areas of our work. We have zero tolerance for any behaviours and practices that puts children and/or vulnerable adults at risk of abuse and/or harm. All (prospective) employees will be expected to be compliant with and sign up to our Child Safeguarding policy, our Code of Conduct and PSEA: Adults at Risk Policy. You can find the Child Safeguarding and Adults at Risk policy here: Integrity & Safeguarding - HomeJustice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) and Belonging (DEIB) We value diversity and inclusion and are committed to ensuring that all our people and job applicants are treated fairly, irrespective of where, what or whom they were born, or of other characteristics. We want to offer a safe and inclusive workplace where all our people, especially those who are currently marginalised or underrepresented, can be themselves at work. You can read our Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) and Belonging (DEIB) policy on our website, and if you have any questions about our commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) and Belonging (DEIB) do get in touch: [email protected] for this job