Director Advocacy, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement

Job Posting Organization:
Save The Children is a global non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy, educated, and safe. Established with a mission to provide children with a brighter future, Save The Children operates in over 120 countries, employing thousands of individuals who work tirelessly to advocate for children's rights and welfare. The organization focuses on various areas including health, education, and protection, striving to create a world where every child can thrive. With a commitment to making a lasting impact, Save The Children engages in numerous initiatives and partnerships to address the needs of the most vulnerable children across the globe.

Job Overview:
The Director Advocacy, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement plays a pivotal role in Save The Children’s mission in Vanuatu. Reporting directly to the Country Director, this position is part of the Senior Management Team (SMT) and is responsible for developing and implementing advocacy, communication, and partnership strategies that drive positive changes for children. The role involves engaging with local, provincial, and national partners to promote children's rights and welfare, ensuring that their voices are heard in policy discussions. The Director will work closely with other senior leaders to enhance the social, policy, and legislative environment for children in Vanuatu, making significant contributions to the organization's overall objectives. This position requires a strategic thinker who can navigate complex organizational structures and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders to achieve impactful results.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director Advocacy, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement will undertake a variety of duties including: building relationships with advocacy actors to identify collaboration opportunities; linking local advocacy efforts to national and global initiatives; representing Save The Children in key forums; developing advocacy plans aligned with organizational strategies; producing evidence-based recommendations for policy changes; facilitating children's engagement in policy analysis; supporting program teams in advocacy activities; and collaborating with Save The Children’s Australia Policy Unit. Additionally, the Director will engage in public policy analysis, public engagement, campaign development, child campaigning, awareness raising, and managing communications and media strategies. The role also involves overseeing partnerships and networks, contributing to the leadership of the Vanuatu Country Office, and ensuring compliance with health, safety, child protection, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security requirements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this position must possess essential knowledge or experience, including at least 5 years of senior program management or operations management experience, particularly in directing and implementing programs for children in development contexts. A strong understanding of public policy processes, political dynamics, and strategic influencing is crucial. The ideal candidate should demonstrate positive management skills, sound strategic thinking, and the ability to build relationships with various stakeholders, including government personnel and development partners. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are necessary, along with fluency in English and Bislama. A commitment to Save the Children’s values and principles, including rights-based approaches, is essential.

Educational Background:
A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline related to social and international development is required for this position. Candidates with equivalent experience in the field may also be considered. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of child advocacy and development work.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in senior program management or operations management, particularly in contexts focused on children's welfare and rights. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully directing and implementing programs that address the needs of children, demonstrating an understanding of the public policy process and the ability to influence change effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in Bislama is also required. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Port Vila, Shéfa, Vanuatu, and the application deadline is set for 31 October 202

• The role offers an attractive salary package, full medical insurance coverage, and generous leave provisions, including annual leave, sick leave, maternity and paternity leave, compassionate leave, domestic violence leave, and study leave. Save the Children is committed to creating a diverse workforce and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. The organization prioritizes child safety and requires all employees to undergo necessary background checks and adhere to child safeguarding policies.