Head of Advocacy and Evidencing

About this role

HelpAge International is recruiting a Head of Advocacy and Evidencing to lead its global advocacy, policy and research agenda, ensuring that influencing work is grounded in rigorous evidence and the lived experience of older people. The post sits within the Global Impact Department, reports to the Director of Global Impact, and is a member of the Global Impact Leadership Team. The postholder will lead and be accountable for the development and results of HelpAge's global advocacy and evidencing strategy, co-created with network members. They will monitor global, regional and national policy trends, advise colleagues on influencing opportunities, and represent HelpAge in coalitions, policy forums and donor markets, including Europe.

A further core duty is oversight of the global research and evidence portfolio, ensuring outputs are ethical, participatory and actionable, and brokering partnerships with academic institutions and think tanks. The role also strengthens the advocacy capacity of network members and older people through mentoring and training, manages advocacy and research budgets, and leads a multidisciplinary team of four advisers covering humanitarian advocacy, social protection, health and rights. Essential requirements include proven strategic leadership in global advocacy, policy influencing and research within development, humanitarian or human rights settings; a track record of delivering results through diverse, remote teams; expertise in rights-based and intersectional approaches; experience of influencing policy at national, regional and international levels; and success in securing income for advocacy or research. Lived experience of the Global South is valued, as is a degree in international development, public policy, human rights or social sciences, with a postgraduate qualification an asset.

Knowledge of European donor environments, media engagement, and extra languages such as Spanish, French or Arabic are desirable. This is a full-time, open-ended contract at grade F, based in any of thirteen listed countries including Tanzania, with international travel expected. Applications close on 1 November 2026.