Influencing Lead at Terre des hommes (TDH)

Job Description

Terre des hommes is the leading Swiss child relief agency. We are committed to improving the lives of millions of the world’s most vulnerable children. Children are the first to suffer in times of war, natural disasters and as a result of poverty. At Terre des hommes, our goal is to steadily improve the conditions of the most vulnerable children worldwide. We are focused on five main objectives: • Improving the health of infants up to the age of 3 and of children in need of specialised medical care • Protecting migrant children • Preventing child exploitation • Promoting restorative justice for children in conflict with the law • Providing humanitarian aid to children and their families in times of emergency and crisis OUR PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS REVOLVE AROUND • Children’s rights and their best interests • Creating a strong local presence in close proximity to children, their families and communities • Establishing close cooperation with local bodies based on respect • Constant improvement and innovation • Enhancing heath and protection systems in the long term • Gaining recognition in Switzerland as a reliable organisation and source of financing

Purpose of the role

Responsible for delivering on TdH NL’s strategic influencing objectives. Influencing covers Lobby and Advocacy and Private Sector Engagement.

Share knowledge, communicate new insight, share expertise and methods that work and influence systemic change.

Position in the organisation

The Influencing Lead reports to the Head of REI and has four direct reports. The Lead will also be accountable for managing contractors when required.

Result areas & Core activities 

Develop and implement TdH NL influencing agenda through lobby and advocacy or private sector engagement at international level, and support influencing by Global Programmes and regions; Manage teams; Collaborate closely with Child Participation and Research Leads, Global Heads of Programmes and teams and partners in regions and countries where TdH NL works; Facilitate use of research for influencing; Facilitate influencing through TdH NL Child Participation Network (once established); Expand strategic partnerships and influence; Build or join a child-friendly conference on prevention and response to CE.

About you

Required knowledge and experience:

Has at least a Master’s education level; 10 years experience in similar or progressively challenging roles; Track-record in successfully influencing legislation, policy change or private sector engagement among multi-national institutions; Influencing expertise in a relevant thematic area, ideally connected directly to child exploitation (SEC, WFCL or CTUM); Familiarity and network among global and/or regional human/child rights mechanisms; Ideally with experience of influencing with children, including especially vulnerable groups of children; Competence in safeguarding children in influencing, and balancing children’s need and desire to speak up with risk of harm and their best interests; Working knowledge of children’s rights and intersectionality frameworks.

Competences:

Project management; Ability to balance priorities for safeguarding children with the need to bring about systemic change in LMICs and humanitarian emergency settings; Manage budgets; Communication for advocacy; Creativity in designing and executing influencing campaigns; Cultural literacy; Ability to work and communicate effectively in English.