Policy and Advocacy Advisor in Save the Children

Save the Children International is a leading international humanitarian organization that has been protecting children's rights around the world for more than 100 years. We work in more than 100 countries, responding to emergencies, implementing innovative development programs and advocating for children globally. 

Our activity in Ukraine began in 2014. Since then, we have greatly expanded our geographic presence, providing support to children and families affected by war. We work in areas such as education, child protection, food security and social support, as well as advocacy activities aimed at ensuring lasting change in children's lives.  The role is aimed at promoting both urgent humanitarian priorities and long-term recovery and reconstruction goals, as well as supporting political engagement in the context of Ukraine's path to EU accession.

The key task of the position is to support and strengthen the visibility of Ukraine in international political, humanitarian and reconstruction processes, working closely with member organizations and the wider movement to influence decision-makers.

The advisor ensures the protection of humanitarian and operational space, and that the rights and needs of children and affected populations remain at the center of national, regional and global policy discussions.

Main responsibilities:

Policy analysis and development

• Lead preparation of evidence-based analytical materials on humanitarian access, child rights, protection issues, and operational constraints.

• Develop position papers on early recovery, reconstruction planning, and Ukraine's EU accession processes in accordance with the organization's goals.

• Monitor political processes, donor support trends, and international initiatives affecting Ukraine and provide timely analysis and strategic recommendations to senior management, member organizations and the broader movement, particularly during crises or sudden political changes.

Advocacy and influence

• Develop and implement an advocacy strategy for the Representation with clearly defined goals, target audiences and avenues of influence.

• Represent the organization at high-level meetings with government officials, donors, UN agencies, EU institutions and other key stakeholders.

• Lead and/or support the work of internal and external advocacy groups, ensuring effective coordination, clear agendas and achievement of common impact goals.

donors, providing political analysis materials, developing key messages and preparing leadership for policy discussions.

Project and Strategy Management

• Oversee the planning, implementation and monitoring of advocacy projects, initiatives and campaigns within the scope of responsibility.

• Manage timelines, deliverables and cross-team coordination for effective implementation of an advocacy strategy.

• Participate in the preparation of project proposals and reporting on projects containing political or advocacy components in accordance with the thematic direction of work.

• Ensure compliance of all advocacy activities with the policies of the organization, humanitarian principles and standards in the field of safeguarding.

Partnerships and interaction within movement

• Form and maintain strong partnerships with national and international NGOs, civil society organizations, networks and research institutions to enhance shared impact.

• Coordinate closely with membership, regional offices and global advocacy teams to ensure alignment of messages and strategic priorities.

• Support promotion the potential of partners and employees regarding policy analysis, advocacy, influence, EU processes, humanitarian principles and external interaction.

To be successful, you must have:

• At least five years of professional experience in policy analysis, advocacy, outreach or impact-related roles in a humanitarian, development, government or international policy environment.

• Proven experience in developing and implementing evidence-based advocacy strategies, including influencing governments, donors, EU institutions and multilateral bodies.

• Proven ability to produce high-quality policy briefings, reports and analytical materials on humanitarian access, protection, recovery or political issues.

• Deep understanding of the humanitarian system, coordination mechanisms (UN, clusters) and the dynamics of the humanitarian operational space.

• Experience of working in complex crisis, conflict or post-conflict contexts with an understanding of political dynamics, risks and safeguarding issues.

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to articulate clear and persuasive messages to senior management and a wide audience.

• Developed diplomacy, negotiation and representation skills, including experience interacting with high-level ambassadors

• Ability to transform complex political, humanitarian and EU-related processes into practical advocacy strategies.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across departments and across cultures, and lead or support multi-stakeholder coalitions or advocacy working groups.

• Strong organizational and project skills, including managing advocacy or policy projects with multiple tasks, deadlines, teams, and requests with short deadlines.

• Ability to apply sound political judgment, manage advocacy risks, and adhere to humanitarian principles in politically sensitive contexts.

• Fluency in English and Ukrainian (oral and written) is a must.

Preferred:

• Previous experience of working in an international non-governmental organization (INGO).

• Previous experience of interaction with EU institutions, enlargement processes or advocacy in Brussels, as well as knowledge of EU frameworks and financial mechanisms relevant to children, in particular the European Child Guarantee and Ukraine Facility.

style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal">International working conditions

• Working day from 9 am to 5 pm

• Medical insurance

• Life insurance and health

• Opportunities for training and professional development

Child protection policy:

We must ensure the safety of children, so our selection process includes strict background checks and reflects our commitment to protect children from abuse.  

Health and Safety:

All employees are expected to perform their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy. 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:

SCI is committed to creating a truly inclusive, effective and representative organizational culture, promoting equity and diversity among its employees and eliminating unlawful discrimination. 

Ready to hire an employee with a disability. 

If you are interested in the position, please send your resume in English by 05/11/2025. Please note that the position will remain open on the site until we find a successful candidate.

Indicate your expected salary and level of English proficiency in your cover letter.