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Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child but know this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it is girls who are most affected.

 

Plan International is seeking a Director of Global Affairs to elevate our voice, sharpen our influence, and strengthen our reputation on the global stage. This role will lead our advocacy at the highest levels of the UN and other multilateral fora, while ensuring that our brand and communications inspire engagement, and action, across internal and external audiences.

As the organisation continues to adapt to a rapidly changing world, the Director will lead a streamlined and impact-led function that prioritises strategic influence, global positioning, and fundraising effectiveness. This role will be pivotal in shaping how Plan International speaks with one voice, builds alliances, and drives collective action to advance children’s rights and equality for girls.

The Director of Global Affairs provides strategic leadership for Plan International’s global positioning, advocacy, and communications, ensuring that the organisation has strong visibility, influence, and credibility on issues impacting children, especially girls. The role works across Plan International to set direction for Plan’s global advocacy agenda, oversees global brand and communications, and ensures alignment and integration of internal and external communications.

The Director will lead a multi-skilled team focused on delivering core value through, high-impact campaigns aligned with organisational priorities as well as global moments. The role will leverage real-time intelligence and feedback systems to ensure relevance, agility, and measurable outcomes.

The Director works closely with senior leaders, Country Offices, Regions, and National Organisations to build influence, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and ensure a consistent and values-based narrative across the organisation.

EXPERTISE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

· Senior leadership experience in global advocacy or public affairs within an international organisation.

· Extensive experience influencing at senior levels in the UN, intergovernmental bodies, and international policy spaces.

· Proven ability to lead global communications and brand strategies that support organisational positioning, reputation, and fundraising.

· Strong understanding of humanitarian advocacy and communications, particularly in fast-moving or crisis contexts.

· Demonstrated success advising senior leadership on political, reputational, and strategic issues in complex global environments.

· Expertise in crisis communications, risk management, and reputational safeguarding, including proactive scenario planning.

· Track record of leading cross-functional transformation, delivering measurable impact through lean, multi-skilled teams.

· Experience managing diverse, multi-location teams and budgets, with strategic resource allocation and operational efficiency.

· Knowledge of international development, humanitarian child rights, and gender equality, with a commitment to localisation and equity.

· Understanding of donor engagement and private sector partnerships as they relate to advocacy, influence, and communications.

· Excellent communicator, politically astute, with sound judgement and the ability to distil complex issues into compelling narratives; multilingual skills (especially French and/or Spanish) are an asset.