About this role
<p><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><strong>The Organisation</strong></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">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.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Working together with children, young people, supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges girls and vulnerable children face. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood and we enable children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">For over 85 years, we have rallied other determined optimists to transform the lives of all children in more than 80 countries.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">We won’t stop until we are all equal.</span></p><p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Role Purpose</strong></span></p> <p> </p> <div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">The Policy & Positioning Lead provides strategic support to the Executive Director of Global Affairs to strengthen and elevate Plan’s organisational voice through high‑quality policy positioning, strategic communications, and compelling external products. It ensures that Plan’s flagship initiatives, evidence, and impact are consistently articulated, packaged, and communicated across the organisation and externally to build recognition of the impact on girls of Plan’s work and expand partnerships and investments in girls programming. This position is attuned to developments within the sector and helps position the externally facing communications material to current and potential partners (including institutional, academic, governments, donors and foundations). </span></p> <p> </p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">The role translates complex internal analysis, data, and intelligence into powerful, accessible narratives—supporting speeches, proposals, opinion pieces, and communications that influence priority stakeholders and position Plan as a leader in the sector. </span></p> </div> <div> <p> </p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">This role reports to the Executive Director of Global Affairs, with close interactions with the Office of the CEO (OCEO). The Global Affairs department has multiple teams that together provide strategic guidance and high-level coordination to strengthen external communications and alignment across Plan International. It contributes to advancing Plan’s global strategy by ensuring effective external communication and engagement, particularly during times of change. Aligned with the ‘One Plan’ approach, the Global Affairs department fosters transparent and inclusive messaging, amplifies diverse leadership voices, and supports integration of local insights into global messaging and action. </span></p> </div> <div> <p> </p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Dimensions of the Role </strong></span></p> <p> </p> </div> <div> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Organisational influence: Works across the Global Affairs department including External Communications, engaging with programme teams, the Office of the CEO, regional hubs, and country offices to enhance Plan’s global positioning. </span></li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Scope of work: Leads on packaging major flagship initiatives for organisational positioning, business cases, and external engagement strategies. Supports leadership’s relationships with external stakeholders to facilitate critical collaborations and opportunities. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Outputs used by: CEO, executive leaders including Executive Director of Global Affairs, regional offices (ROs), country offices (COs), and national organisations (NOs). </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div> <div> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Cross-functional coordination: Aligns with external communications for profile-raising while ensuring programmatic and policy substance is reflected in strategic messaging. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Geographical reach: Global – drawing from country-level impact, regional intelligence, and global analysis for technical impact narratives. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Internally: Represent Global Affairs in various internal networks when needed. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <p> </p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Accountabilities </strong></span></p> <p> </p> </div> <div> <p><strong><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Strategic Positioning & Policy Packaging </span></strong></p> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Develop unified, high-level positioning for Plan’s flagship initiatives and priority areas. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Produce powerful and compelling narrative and statements on Plan’s impact and value proposition. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Create polished packaging for business cases, proposals, and strategic briefs for external audiences (e.g., donors, multilaterals, partners). </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Coordinate leadership messaging for high-profile events, conferences, and strategic engagements in partnership with key internal technical expertise. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Source timely geopolitical and sector insights from technical experts across the organisation to ensure the Plan is well positioned and prepared for external engagements. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <p> </p> </div> <div> <p><strong><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Evidence Translation & Thought Leadership </span></strong></p> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Translate complex programmatic evidence, data, and internal intelligence into clear narratives and policy-ready content. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Compile problem/solution sets demonstrating how Plan adds value and contributes to transformational change. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Ensure coherence and consistency in messages shared across the organisation and externally. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <p> </p> </div> <div> <p><strong><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Leadership Communications </span></strong></p> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Lead, edit and coordinate the development of high-quality contextually attuned speeches for the CEO and senior executives ensuring consistency, clarity, and impact in all communications. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Develop op-eds, expert-driven arguments, and other written materials that reflect Plan’s strategic priorities. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Ensure that external communications consistently integrate power-shifting narratives that centre youth perspectives and reflect Plan’s purpose. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Work with communications colleagues to align speech opportunities with key external moments. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <p> </p> </div> <div> <p><strong><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Positioning Planning & Engagement Mapping </span></strong></p> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">With the Executive Director of Global Affairs and communications teams, identify upcoming opportunities for message amplification across venues, events, and platforms. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Develop targeted communications plans for major research releases, flagship initiatives, and sector interventions. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Identify entry points for influence across thematic areas (e.g., education, health, climate). </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <p> </p> </div> <div> <p><strong><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Cross-Organisational Coordination </span></strong></p> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Work across teams to harvest high-quality insights, analysis, and impact stories from COs, ROs, and program teams. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Ensure external packs and messaging are accessible and usable by COs, ROs, and NOs to maintain one organisational voice. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Support internal alignment between strategic communications and programmatic evidence. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring responsiveness to evolving organisational needs. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div> <div> <p> </p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Technical expertise, skills and knowledge required</strong></span></p> <p> </p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Essential </strong></span></p> </div> <div> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Significant experience in strategic communications, policy positioning, and influencing in external forums with a focus on international development. </span></li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Experience developing positioning plans linked to major initiatives, research releases, or organisational strategic priorities. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Demonstrated ability to translate complex programmatic evidence, research, and internal analysis into clear, compelling narratives for external audiences. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Proven experience drafting high‑quality speeches, op‑eds, policy briefs, and strategic positioning materials for senior leaders. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Strong track record of working cross‑functionally with programme teams, communications functions, and senior leadership supporting organisational messaging. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Experience working in a global, complex organizational environment, with a strong understanding of stakeholder management. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Knowledge of geopolitical and sector trends, experience in strategic analysis and positioning against trends, with the ability to provide informed insights for external narrative, communication and engagements. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Knowledge of and experience in the development and humanitarian sector, both the donor community and programming. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Experience producing content tailored for donors, multilaterals, or sector‑wide engagement (e.g., investment cases, flagship initiative positioning). </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Desirable </strong></span></p> </div> <div> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Experience working with or within international NGOs, multilateral institutions, or global development organisations. </span></li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Experience in global governance, advocacy, or external relations. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Familiarity with thematic areas such as girls’ rights, education, health, or climate change. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Formal training or qualifications in communications, public policy, international relations, or related fields. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Understanding of feminist leadership principles and anti-racism approaches. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Additional language skills, particularly French and/or Spanish </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> </div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <p> </p> </div><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Location:</strong> </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">The location of this role can be flexible, but given the nature of the interactions and engagements, preferably based out of the USA or our global hubs in UK or Kenya aligned with where you have the pre-existing right to work and live.<em> </em></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Type of Role:</strong> 2 year Fixed term contract </span></p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Reports to:</strong> Executive Director of Global Affairs</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><strong>Closing Date</strong>: Tuesday 21st July at 23.59pm UK</span></p> <p style="color:#000000;font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:12.0px;line-height:normal;margin-top:0.0px"> </p> <p style="margin-bottom:11.0px"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><em>Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of everything that Plan International stands for.</em></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11.0px"> </p> <p style="margin-bottom:11.0px"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><em>We want Plan International to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with, offering equal opportunities to everyone regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.</em></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11.0px"> </p> <p style="margin-bottom:11.0px"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><em>Plan International is based on a culture of inclusivity and we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas.</em></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11.0px"> </p> <p style="margin-bottom:11.0px"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><em>We foster an organisational culture that embraces our commitment to racial justice, gender equality, girls’ rights and inclusion.</em></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11.0px"> </p> <p style="margin-bottom:11.0px"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><em>Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. This means that we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with and we must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk. </em></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11.0px"> </p> <p style="margin-bottom:11.0px"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><em>A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International's Safeguarding Children and Young People policy. Plan International also participates in the <a href="https://www.schr.info/the-misconduct-disclosure-scheme">Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.</a> In line with this scheme we will request information from applicants previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures. </em></span></p>