Job Description
Director, Global Advocacy and Government Relations
London, (UK)| Washington, DC (US) | Full-time, permanent
Salary range:UK - £78,000 to £83,600 | US -$100,600 to $106,700
I. Position Summary
The Director, Global Advocacy and Government Relations will play a central role in developing and executing strategies to build and leverage Malala Fund’s relationships with government, multilateral institutions, private sector and civil society to advance the organisation’s advocacy objectives. Leading a small team, they are accountable for the development and day-to-day implementation of Malala Fund’s global influencing strategy and the coordination of Malala Fund’s international government relations outreach across key markets in the Global North and MENA region.
Working closely with colleagues in the Executive Office (in particular, Chief Advisor to Malala Yousafzai) and wider Global Advocacy department, the Director, Global Advocacy and Government Relations, will identify opportunities to advance Malala Fund’s global advocacy agenda to influence policy and funding in support of 12 years of free, safe, quality education for every girl. They will lead on direct advocacy towards global decision-makers – strengthening Malala Fund’s organisational identity as a leading advocate for girls’ education – and support opportunities to leverage and amplify the voice of Malala Fund’s co-founders – Malala and Ziauddin Yousafzai – and Malala Fund’s programme partners in support of Malala Fund’s global advocacy objectives.
The ideal candidate is a political strategist with a deep knowledge of political contexts in key global advocacy markets (e.g. G7/G20) and the wider geopolitical environment. Knowledge and experience in issues related to girls’ education is a plus. They have strong networks and connections with key global decision-makers, experience in diplomacy and are committed to building a global advocacy agenda and approach that reflects Malala Fund’s values.
This role may require international and domestic travel of up to 50 days annually.
II. Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
As part of the Global Advocacy department’s senior leadership team, develop and deliver Malala Fund’s global policy advocacy work in line with the organisation’s strategy and values, ensuring strategic alignment with regional and national influencing objectives.
Devise and oversee delivery of ambitious government relations strategies for Malala Fund in support of global advocacy objectives.
Working with the Executive Office, ensure alignment between co-founder and Malala Fund’s influencing agendas.
Advise on political opportunities that should inform the timing and focus of Malala Fund policy change campaigns and lead the government relations strategy for campaigns.
Provide intelligence and insight on political events and dynamics to the Executive Leadership Team and the Executive Office to inform Malala Fund’s positioning, advocacy actions and external communications.
High-Level External Engagements and Relationship-Building
Undertake advocacy at senior levels and represent Malala Fund in external forums, serving as a public spokesperson for the organisation and contributing to the achievement of global advocacy – including campaigning – objectives.
Develop and maintain a strong network of contacts across the education sector, donor governments and multilateral institutions, ensuring Malala Fund is operating with the latest political and sectoral intelligence.
Work closely with the Executive Office to cultivate and manage strategic advocacy relationships with high-level stakeholders in government, multilateral institutions, the private sector and global civil society.
Oversee the preparation of briefings to Malala Fund’s co-founders, the CEO and/or the Chief Global Advocacy Officer in support of their external engagements and use these as a basis for pre-meeting briefings.
Accompany the CEO, the Chief Global Advocacy Officer and/or Malala Fund’s co-founders to advocacy meetings as needed.
Leadership and Representation
Working with the Chief Global Advocacy Officer and Director, Advocacy Research and Policy, provide leadership in developing and delivering Malala Fund’s advocacy work, including advising on the role of public campaigning in achieving advocacy objectives.
Develop and present materials on Malala Fund activity to the CEO and Malala Fund’s Board as necessary.
Represent the Global Advocacy department in strategic collaborations with other departments.
Manage a High-Performing Team
Oversee a small team which directly implements global advocacy.
Actively contribute to making Malala Fund a diverse and equitable workplace through inclusive practices and openness to different perspectives, cultures and ideas.
Actively build and maintain systems that allow for the growth and development of all direct reports.
Welcome and induct new team members into Malala Fund, and facilitate collaboration across and within your team.
Co-create clear objectives and development plans for direct reports and engage in regular and constructive performance conversations.
Share key messages and relevant information with direct reports, and seek out, address and/or escalate feedback as appropriate.
Ensure all team members understand and comply with Malala Fund policies, procedures and resources.
Lead the development of global advocacy plans and budget on an annual basis in order to inform the wider departmental annual plans and budget.
Ensure that global advocacy impact is evaluated, and lessons are identified to inform Malala Fund’s on-going work.
Organisational Culture
Upholds the values of Malala Fund.
Actively contributes to making Malala Fund a diverse and equitable workplace through inclusive practice and openness to different perspectives, cultures and ideas.
Maintains behaviour and conduct that uphold the highest standards for safeguarding, professionally and personally.
Acts as a role model for a ‘learning organisation’ culture by seeking insight and using problems as opportunities to learn.
III. Knowledge, Experience and Behaviours
Essential
Undergraduate qualification in politics, international relations, development studies or relevant area, or demonstrable equivalent professional experience required.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to think critically and consistently apply good judgement.
Strong political instincts and the ability to identify timing and messaging that appeals to advocacy targets in support of Malala Fund’s advocacy aims.
Solid experience of leading government relations work internationally with a proven track record of navigating political processes in a variety of international settings.
Experience of representing organisations and building strong external relationships at senior levels.
Experience of developing and implementing advocacy strategies to deliver social change.
Project management experience, especially with delivery focus, as well as managing the work of others to achieve the same.
Proven experience in a leadership or management role.
Strong commitment to Malala Fund’s mission, purpose and values.
Strong commitment to gender equality, anti-racism, anti-discrimination, decolonisation and social justice.
Strong commitment to professional development and continued learning.
Excellent team player with ability to work independently and in collaboration with colleagues at all levels across departments and external stakeholders.
Desirable
Knowledge and exposure to education policy/advocacy programmes and/or experience in global advocacy in the international development sector.
Sound knowledge of global and regional development institutions and pathways to influence.
Experience of insider and outsider advocacy tactics, including public campaigning.
IV. About Malala Fund
Registered as a public charity in the U.K. and U.S., Malala Fund is working toward a world where all girls can learn for 12 years and lead without fear. We advocate for resources and policy changes needed to give all girls a secondary education. The girls we serve have high goals for themselves — and we have high expectations for leaders who can help them. We invest in developing country education leaders and frontline organisations — the people who best understand girls in their communities — in regions where most girls are missing out on secondary school. We amplify girls’ voices. Malala Fund is building a movement of young education activists who, like Malala, speak truth to power around the world.
V. How to Apply
Please submit your CV/resume and cover letter through the application link by 17 April 2023.
Due to the very high number of applications we receive when positions are posted, we are only able to respond directly to candidates with whom we wish to move forward in the interview process.
Please note you must have the required right to work for the location you are applying for. You will be asked to provide proof of your right to work should you be selected for an interview.
Malala Fund is an inclusive organisation and welcomes applications from under-represented and intersectional groups including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and persons with disabilities. We are seeking people from different backgrounds, cultures, age, experience and identities, to provide a wide range of experience, ideas, views and insights into the strategy, policies, culture and ambitions of Malala Fund.
Malala Fund is committed to ensuring the safety of those involved in our work. Our first priority is protecting everyone who comes in direct or indirect contact with our organisation. Malala Fund has a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and exploitation by any of our staff, representatives or partners. We commit to ensuring that those who work with Malala Fund or on our behalf are able to work in an environment that is free from harm. To this end, Malala Fund reserves the right to conduct background checks on prospective and current employees.