Senior Advocacy Advisor Humanitarian Response

We 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.

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.

• 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. 
• Salary Range: $75,000–$90,000,  depending on experience level.
• Role holders are expected to work from the office 3-days per week.
• Type of Contract : Local contract with salary and secondary labour conditions based on the in-country salary scale, local T&C's will 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.

• 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.