The Opportunity

In this new role, the Head of Engagement leads the “One Plan” approach in driving the Global Strategy through collective influencing, ensuring Plan International is seen as a global leader in girls rights and girls in crisis.  As part of the refreshed remit of the Strategy and Engagement department and in partnership with the Chief Strategy and Engagement Officer (also a new role) – there is increased focus and support on ensuring Plan International’s policy, advocacy, and influencing profile is more visible and effectively communicates the global impact we have – via our youth centred approach.

Using the Global Strategy, Global Advocacy Strategy (GLAS), and Global Influencing Ambition (GIA) – Plan has outlined on average 6 global engagement opportunities per fiscal year – that leverage policy windows, enhance advocacy outcomes, fundraising opportunities, and partnership development.

Our preparations for these engagement opportunities must be holistic “One Plan” and encompass many key departments within Global Hub, but also equally importantly across Regional Hubs, National Organisations, and Country Offices, whilst also ensuring Disaster Risk Management (DRM), Policy & Advocacy, and Girls and Youth Power and Action Hub (GYPA) colleagues can continue to lead on thematic and technical expertise while ensuring coordination is overseen by the Engagement Hub.
The Head of Engagement will lead the overall Plan International Engagement Strategy – from structure, to priorities, to process – in partnership with the Head of Profession for Policy & Advocacy – and working closely with the GLAS Steering Committee, and other key internal and external stakeholders.

For FY24 the key engagement opportunities include:

• Women Deliver 2023 (July 2023) – Kigali
• United Nations General Assembly/Sustainable Development Goals Summit (September 2023) – NYC
• Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (October 2023) – virtual
• International Day of the Girl (October 2023) – virtual
• COP28 (November 2023)
• Davos, World Economic Forum (January 2024)
• Commission on the Status of Women (March 2024) – NYC

Further 2024 engagement opportunities to be defined collectively via the GLAS Steering Committee and the Chief Strategy and Engagement Officer

The Individual

The following requirements are essential;

• Proven commitment to and expertise in advancing Plan International’s Purpose to advance children’s rights and equality for girls (in all their diversity), gender equality, diversity and inclusion .
• Ability to think critically and to research and analyse complex information.
• Ability to assess risks, issues and opportunities with a high degree of coherence and clarity to solve complex problems and innovate.
• Experience of planning and prioritisation of external global engagement initiatives, projects and work programmes to achieve quality outcomes and benefits within agreed timelines.
• Strong background in public affairs, advocacy, government relations or other similar field – expert understanding of and ability to navigate global political environment
• Strong project management skills and the ability to report and resolve risks, issues and dependencies.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and strength in forming relationships and supporting colleagues to deliver on their commitments within corporate policies, values and established good practice.
• High degree of cultural sensitivity within a global context.
• Ability to communicate with clarity and effectiveness to different audiences, using a range of media.
• Experience of providing professional advice and guidance to leaders within an organisation of comparable complexity.
• Staff management and motivation skills.
• Business administration and/or project management qualifications
• Experience of working within a global organisation.