Senior Advisor Advocacy and Campaigns

About ChildFund

ChildFund is a child-focused international development organization that works in 23 countries to connect children with the people, resources, and institutions they need to grow up healthy, educated, skilled and safe, no matter where they are.

ChildFund’s Values
ChildFund values a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible environment where everyone is welcomed and celebrated equally. In our culture of connection, you will have ample opportunity to grow, learn, and lead while contributing your talents and innovations to our inspiring mission.

ChildFund’s Commitment
ChildFund International has a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH) and all other forms of harm by its staff, partners, and other representatives in the delivery of its mission and services for children. ChildFund is committed to creating a safe environment in the workplace as well as in the communities where it delivers programs and services. ChildFund expects every staff member, partner, and representative to adhere to this commitment and to ensure all organizational policies and standards are followed. This position is subject to a range of vetting checks, including criminal records check and/or disclosure to ensure program participants are safeguarded.

About this role

The Sr. Advisor, Regional Advocacy and Campaigns will develop strategies and implement region-wide advocacy and campaign initiatives. The post holder will provide leadership on regional campaigns, influence policy related to the Asia Region’s priorities, seek strategic alliances, and support resource mobilization to advance the advocacy and campaign objectives and efforts.

Preference will be given to candidates based in Thailand where key events are primarily held, but applications from India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines are also considered.

Required experience and education

At least 8-10 years of proven knowledge and demonstrated experience in the development and delivery of policy influencing, advocacy and campaigning strategies for public engagement in a corporate or an NGO environment. Prior experience of a successful campaign/public engagement management will be a prerequisite.
Successful candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of formal educational requirements.

Primary responsibilities

Advocacy and Policy Influence:

• Develop, implement, and monitor, in partnership with the Country Office (CO) advocacy leads, the Asia Region advocacy priorities, and take the lead on assigned advocacy objectives.
• Assist the COs in the implementation of their advocacy plan in line with their country strategy and any relevant International Office (IO) guidelines.
• Monitor and analyze the Asia regional child protection policy landscape and position ChildFund as a leading advocate in the field, ensuring alignment with the regional priorities and active engagement with key stakeholders.
• Establish strong relationships and take leadership in regional networks such as, Joining Forces, ASEAN, SAARC, etc., to ensure ChildFund’s visibility and technical contribution.
• Organize meetings to engage key stakeholders and represent the organization at relevant forums, conferences, and meetings.

Advocacy Campaigns:

• Develop and lead regional advocacy campaigns aimed at driving policy change to advance the key priority areas/focus such as Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children (OSEAC), child-centred climate action, child and youth participation, and any other relevant issues.
• Provide clear understanding of key issues to internal and external audiences by developing policy briefs, advocacy asks, white papers, and other targeted communication materials for key stakeholders.
• Advise the senior leadership and key staff on taking informed positions when engaging with media to ensure consistent, accurate and strategic communication.
• Lead in engaging with regional bodies, governments, and other policymakers to influence policy decisions, foster collaborative relationships, and advance ChildFund’s advocacy goals.
• Collaborate with the Sr. Advisor, Lead Regional Communications, to translate identified issues into a comprehensive campaign strategy, including defining key audiences, developing messaging, and determining the appropriate channels to effectively reach them.
• In consultation with the RD, collaborate with the International Office advocacy team to roll out IO-led campaigns and donor cultivation opportunities, ensuring alignment with regional priorities and maximizing impact.

Partnership and Collaboration:

• Collaborate with like-minded organizations, coalitions, and networks, such as the Asia Joining Forces, to amplify advocacy efforts.
• Develop strong relationships and foster strategic alliances with a diverse range of stakeholders and key interest groups to support advocacy objectives.

Key Stakeholders and Public Engagement:

• Develop and disseminate compelling advocacy materials, including reports, policy briefs, and campaign toolkits.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with regional bodies, government officials, policymakers, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Collaborate with partners to amplify advocacy messages and mobilize support for child rights initiatives.
• Work with the communications staff to utilize traditional and digital media to raise awareness and mobilize public support for campaigns.
• Provide regular updates and analysis of our advocacy campaign work to staff and key stakeholders, e.g. allies and funders, as appropriate.

Resource Mobilization for Advocacy:

• Collaborate with the business development team to actively pursue funding opportunities that can support the implementation of advocacy and campaign strategic plan.
• Lead in the proposal development of advocacy-centered projects and relevant campaigns.

Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Document approaches, project/program designs and lessons, case studies and other knowledge products, and leverage feedback, lessons learned and evaluation results to refine and improve future advocacy and campaign initiatives.
• Work with global advocacy and M&E and KML teams to establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the impact and effectiveness of advocacy activities including advocacy campaigns and initiatives.
• Collect and analyze data to assess progress towards advocacy goals and objectives.
• Prepare regular reports and updates on progress, outcomes, and impact of advocacy and campaign efforts. for internal and external stakeholders.

Safeguarding:

• Remain alert and responsive to any safeguarding risks; acquire relevant knowledge and skills to enable you to understand the safeguarding policy and procedures; promote strong safeguarding practices; perform your duty and responsibility to safeguard, report violations, and promote appropriate behavior; and conduct yourself in a manner consistent with the organization’s policies and values.

Required competencies

• Teamwork: the ability to work effectively and collaborate with others; values and respects individual differences.
• Communication: demonstrates empathy and tact when communicating with others and uses a storytelling approach when appropriate.
• Results-oriented: takes proactive steps to achieve organizational goals and quality standards.
• Decision-making: uses good judgment, critical thinking, and non-traditional ways to evaluate problems and opportunities, and reflects and innovates to improve decisions and outcomes.
• Resilience: thrives and grows in rapidly changing, demanding, and complex environments.
• Digital literacy: adopts and champions new technology to relevant contexts, stays aware of technological trends and embraces technological solutions to business challenges.

Other Required Competencies

• Demonstrated expertise in child rights and child development issues.
• Strong understanding of the political and social landscape in the Asia region.
• Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to influence policy and engage with high-level stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Experience in using digital tools and social media for advocacy purposes.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-cultural team.