Manager, International Advocacy

Canadian Partnership for Women and Children; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible-hybrid work environment

Wellness days

Pension plan

Parental leave top-up

Job summary

UNICEF Canada is seeking a collaborative, high-performing Manager, International Advocacy to advance Canada’s commitments and resources for children globally. The role reports to the Director of Policy, Advocacy and Research and will help shape advocacy strategies and engage with government, civil society, and international partners.

The position requires a degree in a related field and at least five years in policy/advocacy, with experience in international development and strong communication

Qualifications

• Degree in International Development, Political Science, Public Policy, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience in public policy or advocacy.
• Knowledge of government and international development actors in Canada.
• Strong strategic thinking, political acumen, and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advocacy strategies to influence legislation, policies, investments and knowledge for child rights globally.
• Represent UNICEF Canada in advocacy networks and with government and non-government institutions.
• Coordinate meetings with senior political and policy stakeholders for the Executive Team and UNICEF experts.
• Collaborate with global UNICEF teams to implement joint policy strategies and partnerships.

Skills

Policy analysis

Advocacy

Public policy

Stakeholder management

Written communication

French language

Education

Degree in International Development or related field

Tools

MS Office

Digital literacy

Job description

Are you looking to use your international policy & advocacy expertise to make a direct impact on the lives of children?

Consider joining UNICEF Canada – one of Canada’s most respected and historic charities – and be part of a high-impact, mission-driven team working across Canada and globally to create a better world for children.

UNICEF Canada is seeking to recruit a talented & high-performing individual in the role of Manager, International Advocacy

Why UNICEF & UNICEF Canada? UNICEF is the world’s most powerful force for children. Across 190 countries and territories, and in the world’s toughest places, we provide and advocate for education, health and nutrition services. Protect children from violence and abuse. Bring clean water and sanitation to those in need. Keep them safe from climate change and disease. Serve as the world’s largest provider of vaccines. Before, during and after emergencies, we’re on the ground with life-saving help and hope. The needs of children around the world continue to increase and the role of UNICEF is more important than ever.

UNICEF Canada is one of 32 National Committees (NatComs) located in high-income countries around the world. Our team exists to fundraise for UNICEF’s highest priorities and to work neutrally with governments and the private sector in Canada and internationally to advance the rights and well-being of children and youth.

As UNICEF Canada implements a bold new Strategic Plan (2026-2029), our policy and advocacy agenda will be more important than ever as we work to drive change on behalf of children around the globe.

Be part of this next phase of impact!

The Opportunity

UNICEF Canada is seeking a collaborative, high-performing individual to join our Programs team and contribute to UNICEF Canada’s mandate as the world’s leading child rights advocate by advancing advocacy efforts to enhance Canada’s commitments and resources for children globally.

Reporting to the Director of Policy, Advocacy and Research, the Manager, International Advocacy will support the development and implementation of advocacy strategies and help identify and pursue opportunities to influence legislation, policies, investments and knowledge to advance child rights globally. The role also represents UNICEF Canada in advocacy networks and supports relationship building with government and non-government institutions in Canada.

Key Accountabilities

The responsibilities of the position will include, but are not limited to:

Policy & Advocacy

• Research and analyze the Government of Canada’s foreign policy and international assistance priorities to inform UNICEF Canada’s policy strategies.
• Identify opportunities and contribute to efforts for UNICEF Canada to present a unified voice for children and UNICEF’s global programs with the Government of Canada.
• Monitor political and public discourse on international and humanitarian policy, sustainable development, and children’s rights in Canada and internationally, identifying opportunities to promote UNICEF’s thought leadership in international development priorities, such as education, climate change, health and nutrition, and humanitarian efforts.
• Develop policy and advocacy resources, such as briefing papers, official correspondence, and articles, in collaboration with the communications team to educate, influence and support the adoption of children’s rights by decision-makers and influencers.
• Participate in NGO/INGO coalitions to advance international policy and advocacy objectives, ensuring UNICEF’s representation.
• Stay informed about UNICEF’s policies, programs, and relevant national and global developments.
• Represent UNICEF Canada at select forums domestically and internationally to enhance presence, support advocacy objectives, and strengthen stakeholder relations.

Stakeholder & Knowledge Management

• Monitor the Canadian policy and political landscape to identify and/or strengthen partnership opportunities for advancing children’s rights.
• Craft key strategic messaging and advise on positioning for communications and media activities related to international policy advocacy.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with civil society organizations and stakeholders to advance UNICEF’s international advocacy goals in Canada. Represent UNICEF Canada in select working groups, workshops and meetings.
• Coordinate meetings with senior political and policy stakeholders for the Executive Team and global UNICEF experts.
• Collaborate with global UNICEF experts to develop and implement joint policy strategies – this includes Public Partnerships & Resource Mobilization Division, Programme Division, Division of Global Communication and Advocacy and other National Committees

Organizational Development & Strategic Advice

• Support effective cross-functional relationships to achieve departmental goals and optimize synergies.
• Ensure all activities align with UNICEF Canada’s mission and values.
• Share analysis and guidance with staff on the Canadian political landscape and international development sector to advance policy objectives.

Qualifications

• Degree in International Development, Political Science, Public Policy, a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience in public policy/international development/politics/parliamentary affairs/advocacy.
• Knowledge of government and international development actors in the Canadian federal landscape; existing networks are an asset.
• Strong strategic thinking, political acuity, and written communication skills.
• Organizational skills with attention to detail and quality, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Good understanding of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and other relevant human rights treaties and standards as well as the international human rights system.
• Good knowledge of the Canadian international aid environment and issues affecting children.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong relationship management abilities.
• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and initiative.
• Proficiency in MS Office and digital literacy.
• Experience working with and supporting young people in advocacy spaces (desirable)
• Experience working on climate and/or child survival advocacy (desirable)
• Fluency in French is an asset

An Employer of Choice: What We Offer

UNICEF Canada is where diverse talent & passion come together to create extraordinary impact for every child. We are committed to being an employer of choice and building a culture that is inclusive, ambitious, compassionate, and high impact.

Members of the UNICEF Canada team have access to the following employee benefits:

A ROBUST COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• Extended Health/Dental benefits, Healthcare Spending Account, and Wellness Account
• Life, AD&D, & Long-Term disability insurance coverage
• Employer match contributions (5%) to a Group Pension Plan
• Access to parental leave top-up

A COMMITMENT TO WELLNESS

• Flexible-hybrid work environment to support the work-life integration needs of our team
• Minimum 3 weeks of annual vacation (increases with time served) & 1 additional day per year of service (max 30)
• 9 to 11 employee wellness days – an additional series of pre-set days off, given annually to further extend long weekends
• Discounted rate for a GoodLife gym membership
• Access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program

A CULTURE OF LEARNING & GROWTH

• Access to a comprehensive global learning platform with over 1600 courses, webinars & resources
• Internal leadership development, training, & mentorship programs that integrate Anti-Racism and diversity, equity and inclusion principles
• Opportunities to access both local & global stretch assignments

AN INCLUSIVE & PURPOSE-DRIVEN WORKPLACE

• Centrally located head office in mid-town Toronto with satellite offices in Calgary & Montreal
• Easily accessed by public transit and a short walk from several parking locations
• Inclusive & accessible co-working and meeting spaces designed to foster purpose at every turn and accommodate the diverse needs of employees

A CHANCE TO DO MEANINGFUL & LIFE-CHANGING WORK

• Under the leadership of a dynamic, accomplished, and experienced executive leadership team, you’ll be part of a diverse & talented Canada team committed to creating meaningful impact while fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.
• You’ll join a global UNICEF family with a shared commitment to impact the lives of children

Our Commitment to Inclusive Workplaces & Recruitment

• UNICEF Canada is an inclusive workplace and is committed to championing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process.
• At UNICEF Canada, we believe strongly in personal connections and our hiring process is entirely human driven. We do not use AI or automated systems to review applications or conduct interviews. Each candidate is evaluated by our experienced team to ensure fair and thoughtful hiring experience.

UNICEF Canada thanks all applicants for their interest in this opportunity, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Consistent with our Child Safeguarding Policy, all successful candidates must receive clearance by a police background check (including a vulnerable sector screen).