At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global advocacy efforts to influence policy and engage with key stakeholders.
- Company: MAG is a humanitarian organisation dedicated to removing landmines and promoting safety worldwide.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and making a positive impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in global advocacy and humanitarian efforts while working with passionate teams.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in advocacy and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56220 - 56220 £ per year.
MAG (Mines Advisory Group) is an international humanitarian organisation based in Manchester, UK, and working in 32 countries. We remove landmines and unexploded ordnance to release safe and productive land for communities, and work to reduce the threat of armed violence by supporting governments to safely manage weapons and ammunition. In 1997, MAG was a co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for our work campaigning for the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.
Job Purpose
You will provide leadership for MAG’s global advocacy and influencing work, ensuring engagement with political, institutional, and sector stakeholders is focused, coordinated, and aligned with organisational priorities. The Head of Advocacy will lead the development and delivery of MAG’s advocacy strategy across key geographies and fora, including national governments, multilateral institutions, and sector networks. The role ensures that MAG’s policy positions are translated into clear and targeted influencing approaches, and that advocacy activity supports organisational objectives. Working closely with the Director of Policy and Strategic Partnerships, the Head of Policy, and colleagues across MAG, the role strengthens MAG’s external influence and ensures a coordinated approach across teams and regions.
Advocacy Leadership and Strategy
- Lead the development and delivery of MAG’s global advocacy strategy, aligned with organisational priorities and policy positions
- Identify priority targets, geographies, and influencing opportunities across national, regional, and multilateral contexts
- Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on advocacy opportunities, risks, and positioning
External Engagement and Representation
- Represent MAG at senior level with governments, multilateral institutions, and sector networks
- Build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers and advocacy peers across priority geographies
- Lead MAG’s engagement in relevant advocacy fora, including parliamentary, multilateral, and sector spaces
- Support senior MAG staff to engage effectively with advocacy targets
Delivery of Advocacy and Influencing
- Oversee the design and delivery of advocacy initiatives that support MAG’s objectives
- Ensure the development of high-quality advocacy materials, including briefings and messaging
- Ensure advocacy activity is coordinated across MAG and aligned with organisational priorities
Advocacy Management and Internal Coherence
- Provide leadership and line management to the Advocacy Manager and wider advocacy function
- Conduct appraisal meetings in line with MAG policy, agreeing and reviewing progress towards individual targets on a regular basis
- Ensure clear planning and prioritisation of advocacy activities
- Strengthen internal understanding of advocacy priorities and approaches
- Ensure consistency of messaging across advocacy, policy, communications, and programme engagement
Sector Engagement and Positioning
- Build and maintain relationships with advocacy peers and coalitions across the humanitarian and disarmament sectors
- Influence sector advocacy agendas in line with MAG’s priorities and expertise
Management
- Contribute to PSP planning and organisational strategy
- Support business planning and programme development
- Manage resources in line with agreed priorities
- Provide updates to the Director of Policy and Strategic Partnerships
- Deputise as required
Requirements
Essential Experience
- Significant experience in advocacy, influencing, or external engagement in humanitarian, development, or related sectors
- Experience engaging with political stakeholders, including governments and/or multilateral institutions
- Experience developing and delivering advocacy strategies or influencing initiatives
- Experience producing high-quality advocacy materials and briefings
- Experience working collaboratively across teams and with external partners
Essential Skills and Knowledge
- Strong understanding of political and influencing processes across relevant geographies and institutions
- Understanding of humanitarian, disarmament, or related policy environments
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong relationship management and influencing skills
- Ability to identify and respond to emerging opportunities in dynamic political contexts
Essential Aptitude
- Ability to represent MAG with credibility and authority
- Strategic thinking and sound judgement
- Collaborative and solutions-focused approach
- Ability to work with autonomy and prioritise effectively
- Commitment to MAG’s mission and values
Desirable
- Experience engaging in multilateral fora (UN, CCM, APMBC, CCW, ATT, UNPoA)
- Experience working across multiple geographic advocacy contexts
- Experience managing or developing a team
- Additional languages
Benefits
The starting salary will be £56,220, based on a 37.5 hour working week. MAG has a system of incremental pay increases, up to a limit, based on length of service in the role. Further information will be provided to the successful candidate.
Closing Date: 12.00 (GMT) - 18th June 2026
To apply please visit our website via the link. Please note that as part of MAG's commitment to safeguarding, this post is subject to background checks before an offer of employment is confirmed. For more information on MAG’s approach to safeguarding and background checks on our website. MAG is committed to the principles of diversity, equality and inclusion. If you think you would be suited to one of our roles we would welcome your application regardless of your background.
We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment where all employees feel respected and supported in fulfilling their potential. 25 days Annual Leave.
Head of Advocacy employer: MAG (Mines Advisory Group)
MAG (Mines Advisory Group) is an exceptional employer that prioritises meaningful work and employee development in a collaborative environment. Based in Manchester, we offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to make a global impact through our commitment to safeguarding and inclusion. Join us to grow your career while contributing to vital humanitarian efforts across 32+ countries.
Contact Details:
MAG (Mines Advisory Group) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Advocacy
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the humanitarian sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for advocacy! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express why you care about their mission. Share your experiences and how they align with MAG’s goals – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by knowing MAG inside out. Research their recent projects, understand their advocacy strategies, and think about how you can contribute. This will show you’re genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨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 MAG. So, what are you waiting for? Get that application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Advocacy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with MAG's mission. Highlight your advocacy experience and how it relates to the role of Head of Advocacy.
Showcase Your Strategy Skills:In your written application, emphasise your ability to develop and deliver advocacy strategies. Use examples from your past work to demonstrate how you've successfully influenced stakeholders in similar contexts.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas effectively, as this reflects the communication skills we value at MAG.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at MAG (Mines Advisory Group)
✨Know Your Advocacy Stuff
Make sure you brush up on MAG's advocacy strategies and recent initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their key policy positions and how they engage with political stakeholders. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand the organisation's mission and can contribute meaningfully.
✨Build Relationships Before the Interview
If possible, try to connect with current or former employees of MAG on LinkedIn or through professional networks. Understanding their experiences and insights can give you a unique perspective on the organisation's culture and priorities, which you can reference during your interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific advocacy challenges or opportunities. Think about past experiences where you've successfully influenced stakeholders or developed advocacy strategies. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
MAG values teamwork and collaboration, so be ready to discuss how you've worked effectively with others in previous roles. Highlight examples where you've led teams or partnered with external organisations to achieve common goals, demonstrating your ability to foster relationships and drive collective success.
