Humanitarian Policy & Advocacy Lead (Maternity Cover)
Humanitarian Policy & Advocacy Lead (Maternity Cover)

Humanitarian Policy & Advocacy Lead (Maternity Cover)

Full-Time 66218 - 66218 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Christian Aid

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead humanitarian policy and advocacy to create impactful change globally.
  • Company: Join Christian Aid, a global movement fighting for dignity, equality, and justice.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a commitment to work-life balance.
  • Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in humanitarian action and influence global policies.
  • Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification and significant experience in humanitarian leadership required.

The predicted salary is between 66218 - 66218 £ per year.

12-month Fixed Term Contract (commencing July/August 2026) Full Time. Hybrid working (minimum of 2 days per week in the office) Location: London Salary: £66,218 per annum (including London allowance)

About us

Christian Aid exists to create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. We are a global movement of people, churches and local organisations who passionately champion dignity, equality and justice worldwide. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and recognise the value this brings in forming strong, creative and high performing teams. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, and from those with experience from outside of the voluntary sector. We just ask that everyone lives out our values of dignity, equality, justice and love. We value a good work-life balance, so we’re open to part‑time and flexible working.

About the role

Reporting in to the Head of Humanitarian, the Humanitarian Policy and Advocacy Lead is a senior position that will lead Christian Aid’s humanitarian programme policy and advocacy work, aligning with organisational values and goals to maximise impact. The post-holder will be responsible for shaping, leading and promoting our humanitarian policy and advocacy, and will represent Christian Aid at the global level in raising the organisation’s visibility and influencing humanitarian policy and practice.

Some of the main areas of responsibility for the Humanitarian Policy and Advocacy Lead include:

  • Lead on the development of Humanitarian Policy and Advocacy and ensure it is aligned with the overall Policy and Influencing strategy.
  • Develop and implement best practice in humanitarian response across Multi-Country Clusters (MCCs).
  • Identify and source technical support for MCCs and partners where needed.
  • Act as a key influencer in sector policy and practice regarding support to locally led responses.
  • Drive an increased visibility of Christian Aid and the work of partners across regional and global platforms.
  • Foster and build on our strong relationship with the DEC.
  • Lead engagement with international humanitarian policy forums and stakeholders.
  • Ensure learning and feedback is captured and promoted.
  • Foster a culture of innovation in developing new people‑centred humanitarian approaches.
  • Deputise for the Head of Humanitarian in their absence.

This opportunity is a Fixed Term contract for maternity leave cover commencing in July or August 2026.

About you

Who we are looking for:

  • Post graduate or equivalent qualification in an emergency or development related subject.
  • Significant knowledge of humanitarian issues and best practice in humanitarian action.
  • Significant experience of leadership in a humanitarian context.
  • Experience of leadership across a diverse range of humanitarian contexts.
  • Significant experience of influencing policy and decision‑makers globally.
  • Highly developed ability to build good contacts with senior officials and organisations in the sector.
  • Highly developed communication skills and experience of working with news media.
  • Detailed understanding of humanitarian best practice and international standards.
  • Understanding of and commitment to Christian Aid’s people‑centred humanitarian programming approaches.
  • Highly developed ability to equip and encourage staff to take responsibility.
  • Significant experience of managing performance to a high level.
  • Highly developed ability to contribute to and work successfully as part of leadership and cross‑organisational teams.
  • Highly developed oral and written communication skills.
  • Highly developed ability to negotiate, influence and persuade others.

Further information

At Christian Aid we strive to be an inclusive and diverse employer and recognise the value that this brings in helping to build strong, creative and high performing teams. We are actively encouraging under-represented groups to apply.

Humanitarian Policy & Advocacy Lead (Maternity Cover) employer: Christian Aid

Christian Aid is an exceptional employer that champions a diverse and inclusive workplace, fostering a culture of creativity and high performance. With a strong commitment to work-life balance and flexible working arrangements, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The London-based role of Humanitarian Policy & Advocacy Lead offers unique opportunities for impactful advocacy and leadership in humanitarian efforts, making it a rewarding environment for those passionate about social justice and change.
Christian Aid

Contact Detail:

Christian Aid Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Humanitarian Policy & Advocacy Lead (Maternity Cover)

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the humanitarian sector, especially those connected to Christian Aid. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to make connections that could lead to opportunities.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Christian Aid’s values and recent initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of dignity, equality, and justice. Show them you’re not just a fit on paper!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of your leadership in humanitarian contexts. Highlight your successes and how you’ve influenced policy and practice in previous roles.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Christian Aid and making a difference.

We think you need these skills to ace Humanitarian Policy & Advocacy Lead (Maternity Cover)

Humanitarian Policy Development
Advocacy Skills
Leadership in Humanitarian Contexts
Influencing Policy and Decision-Makers
Communication Skills
Networking with Senior Officials
Understanding of Humanitarian Best Practices
Experience with SPHERE and CHS Standards
People-Centred Humanitarian Programming
Performance Management
Team Collaboration
Report Writing
Negotiation Skills
Crisis Response Experience
Continuous Learning and Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Humanitarian Policy & Advocacy Lead role. Highlight your leadership experience in humanitarian contexts and how it connects with our values at Christian Aid.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role requires highly developed communication skills, don’t shy away from demonstrating your ability to convey complex ideas clearly. Use examples from your past work where you’ve influenced policy or engaged with stakeholders effectively.

Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion: We value diversity and inclusion, so be sure to mention any relevant experiences that showcase your commitment to these principles. Share how you've fostered inclusive practices in your previous roles, especially in humanitarian settings.

Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. This ensures it reaches the right people and allows us to keep track of all applications efficiently. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at Christian Aid

✨Know Your Humanitarian Stuff

Make sure you brush up on current humanitarian issues and best practices. Familiarise yourself with Christian Aid’s values and how they align with your own experiences in the sector. This will help you demonstrate your passion and commitment during the interview.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of your leadership experience in diverse humanitarian contexts. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced policy and decision-makers, and how you can bring that expertise to Christian Aid. Highlight specific instances where you've driven change or improved practices.

✨Communicate Effectively

Since this role requires strong communication skills, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss your experience with media and how you've used communication to advocate for humanitarian issues. Remember, it’s not just what you say, but how you say it!

✨Emphasise Continuous Learning

Christian Aid values a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Be prepared to share how you've fostered this in your previous roles. Discuss any innovative approaches you've implemented and how you’ve encouraged teams to learn from their experiences.

Humanitarian Policy & Advocacy Lead (Maternity Cover)
Christian Aid

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