Humanitarian policy and advocacy advisor

About Trócaire 

Trócaire is an International NGO. We work with local partners in the world’s most at-risk communities and with people in Ireland to tackle the underlying causes of poverty and injustice and respond to the crises they create. Together we bring about positive and lasting change for a just world. Trócaire works in up to 20 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

 We work towards five goals:

• Promote Access to Justice;

• Achieve Climate & Environmental Justice;

• Ensure Women & Girls’ Protection, Voice & Influence;

• Save Lives and Protect Human Dignity and

• Mobilise the Public on the island of Ireland to achieve Global Justice.

Our work is rooted in Catholic Social Teaching and in our values of Solidarity, Courage, Participation, Perseverance and

Accountability.

Millions of people face extreme challenges every day because of conflict, climate change, displacement and growing inequalities. As Humanitarian Advocacy Advisor for Trócaire, you can work to change this.  

You will advocate for a more equitable humanitarian system that prioritises local actors and for quality funding in humanitarian contexts and for sustainable development and human rights. You will work with partner agencies in humanitarian contexts to advocate for the protection of women and girls in emergencies, for adequate responses to and prevention of GBV, and for strong accountability mechanisms. 

The initial focus areas for this role will be on advocacy relating to meeting commitments to localisation within the "Humanitarian Reset", advocacy on quality financing for development including at Irish and EU level, and advocacy for the protection of women and girls in emergencies.

You will analyse the issues, devise clear strategies and policy solutions and work in civil society networks for effective change. You will engage with media and lobby decision-makers in Ireland, within the EU and at the UN.

The role will report to the Head of Policy and Advocacy. The role is based in Ireland.

Key responsibilities

Develop and implement effective advocacy for bringing about change on humanitarian advocacy priorities.

·         In collaboration with other relevant staff members, develop and implement a humanitarian advocacy strategy, in line with Trócaire’s best practice approach to advocacy, including a strong gender analysis.

·         Ensure advocacy and policy is informed by the experience in country programmes and supports the organisational ambition around partnership and localisation.

·         Engage in consistent advocacy with relevant duty bearers at the UN, EU and in the Irish political system as appropriate.

Policy development

·         Develop high quality policy and advocacy materials, including position papers, briefing papers, research and advocacy reports.

·         Develop and maintain an excellent working knowledge of current and emerging policy trends to underpin Trócaire’s humanitarian work (including through maintaining strong links with Trócaire’s localisation hub).

Work with country offices

·         Provide support to staff in country offices and partners on humanitarian policy and strategic advocacy.

·         Elevate the humanitarian issues and trends from country teams to influence policy change.

·         Engage and work closely with country teams to ensure Trócaire’s policy positions are grounded in direct experience and capture key trends and issues.

Representation and reporting

·         Represent Trócaire effectively in key external networks and at relevant national and international humanitarian policy discussions.

·         Provide regular updates to management, humanitarian team, and country offices on emerging global and regional issues and trends within the sector.

·         Ensure regular reporting, monitoring and evaluation of the advocacy strategy.

·         Provide ‘rapid response’ policy and advocacy support to Trócaire CEO /Deputy CEO and management as required.

Essential Requirements

Skills:

•                      Knowledge of international humanitarian architecture.  

•                      Ability to analyse complex humanitarian and political issues and devise appropriate policy solutions.

•                      Demonstrable capacity and commitment to working in collaborative fashion with programme staff, international staff and partners. 

•                      Excellent written and verbal communication skills and willingness to undertake media and public speaking work.

Experience:

•                      At least 5 years’ experience of policy analysis and advocacy in a relevant area (including gender, humanitarian, development and/or human rights).  

•                      Experience developing and implementing effective advocacy strategies.

•                      A proven track record in effective advocacy and lobbying at UN, EU or Irish level.

•                      A proven track record of policy development, research and production of advocacy materials on a relevant policy area, with a strong gender lens.

Qualifications:

•                      Relevant third level degree – in humanitarian law/action, international relations, conflict studies, human rights law or similar.

Qualities:

•                      A proven commitment to teamwork and working in networks.

•                      An ability to maintain a positive attitude working in an environment where results are difficult to achieve and quantify.

The salary for this role is €50,084

Closing date for applications is 30th September 2025

Safeguarding Programme Participants-Children & Adults

Trócaire is committed to safeguarding people within our programmes from exploitation and abuse and has specific policies on this commitment (including a Global Code of Conduct) which outlines the expected behaviour and the responsibility of all staff, consultants and other organisational representatives. More information on Trócaire’s safeguarding policies available here.

Diversity and inclusion

We welcome diverse applicants to join our inclusive workforce.

Trócaire is an equal opportunities employer. We are an organisation that embraces diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds to bring their experiences and perspectives to Trócaire.

Diversity and Inclusion statement available here