Director, Policy Advocacy & Research

JOIN OUR TEAM AS DIRECTOR, POLICY ADVOCACY & RESEARCH

Looking to use your policy expertise & strategic acumen to make a direct impact on the lives of children?

Join 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.

We are seeking a talented individual for the role of Director, Policy Advocacy & Research.

Position Details

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 (NatComms) 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 launches our bold new Strategic Plan in 2026, a key priority will be amplifying our voice through our policy and advocacy efforts to further advance the children’s rights in Canadian laws, policies and budgets.

Be part of this next phase of impact!

The Opportunity

A vital source of policy expertise, relationship management, and political acumen, the Director, Policy Advocacy & Research joins UNICEF Canada at a pivotal time as we shape our next strategic plan and navigate a shifting political landscape to drive meaningful advocacy for children’s rights.

A collaborative and visionary leader, you will guide UNICEF Canada’s domestic and international public policy advocacy, continuing to grow UNICEF Canada’s impact and influence with the Canadian Government.

Working across teams, sectors, and civil society, you will direct our efforts to champion children’s rights in Canadian laws, policies, and budgets. Leveraging research, political acumen, and bold advocacy, you will influence decision-makers, empower young voices, and ensure alignment with national and global priorities.

If you’re passionate about turning policy into action, amplifying youth voices, and making a lasting impact on children’s lives in Canada and around the globe, this is your opportunity to lead transformative change.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Development and Impact (30%)

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for UNICEF’s domestic and international policy advocacy and government fundraising objectives.
• Develop and execute advocacy strategies, ensuring alignment with UNICEF global policy positions, organizational priorities and resource allocation.
• Manage policy analysis and advocacy efforts to influence legislation and secure children’s rights in Canada and influence GoC to support children’s rights globally.
• Build opportunities to bring profile to UNICEF’s expertise in humanitarian, development and gender responsive programming with government stakeholders.
• Actively embed youth voices into advocacy efforts, ensuring safe, meaningful engagement in coordination with UNICEF Canada’s Child Safeguarding Focal Point.
• Identify and implement campaigns and events to drive policy impact and public awareness.
• Serve as a media spokesperson on key issues, articulating key in both French and English.
• Contribute to the development of funding proposals, impact reporting, and financial oversight to ensure accountability.
• Oversee team compliance with federal lobbying regulations and internal governance policies.
• Manage program staff and resources for effective implementation and impact and align operational plans with financial and human resources.

Expertise and Influence (30%)

• Maintain expert knowledge of UNICEF’s global advocacy policies and programs, ensuring that UNICEF Canada’s policy initiatives leverage both national and international guidance and best practices.
• Maintain expert knowledge of policy trends, legislative changes, parliamentary affairs, and political discourse related to children’s rights and a rights-based approach.
• Identify opportunities to raise the profile of UNICEF Canada with public policy decision-makers and influencers within Canada.
• Develop strategic, effective, non-partisan relationships with government officials, policymakers, and civil society leaders to advance policy goals.
• Represent UNICEF Canada at high-level sector and government discussions to position the organization as a thought leader within the child and youth space.
• Coordinate and/or undertake the writing of policy statements, briefs, reports, presentations and ensure research quality and advocacy outputs meet high standards for credibility and impact.

Collaboration and Effectiveness (20%)

• Build impactful, respectful, and influential partnerships with government, civil society, and sector leaders to advance shared goals on behalf of children.
• Provide strategic insights on Canada’s child policy and international development landscape, advising senior leadership on trends, opportunities, and risks.
• Support UNICEF Canada’s President and Chief Programs Officer with strategic advice on high-level advocacy engagements, including key interactions with government and civil society leaders.
• Work cross-functionally across the Programs Team and with other UNICEF Canada team to present a cohesive and impactful advocacy voice.
• Be a key source of direction, guidance, counsel and support to staff and supporters on domestic and global child policy issues.
• Help shape engaging advocacy experiences for supporters, driving awareness and action.
• Work collaboratively with UNICEF international offices to contribute to organizational knowledge and impact.

People Leadership and Development (20%)

• Lead and support a high-performing, motivated team, ensuring clarity, accountability, and a results-driven culture.
• Conduct individual annual goal setting, planning and performance oversight.
• Foster an agile and collaborative work environment, ensuring effective workflows and result-driven execution.
• Facilitate engaging and productive meetings that drive strategic outcomes.
• Ensure personal and team alignment with the organizational mission, values and policies at all times.
• Ensure alignment with UNICEF Canada’s mission, values, and policies, embedding an anti-colonial and anti-racist approach in domestic programs.
• Implement and maintain systems and tools to streamline team operations, documentation, and reporting.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in public policy, human rights, law, or a related field (master’s level highly desirable)
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in government, government relations, advocacy, or public policy
• Expert understanding of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, human rights frameworks/systems, the Canadian political system, and issues facing children
• Effective relationship management skills with government and sector leaders
• Proven strategic thinker with strong creative problem-solving and ability to take initiative
• Exceptional communications skills with ability to craft and deliver compelling, audience-specific content
• Expertise in policy analysis, research & knowledge translation, and advocacy strategy.
• Strong political judgement, a diplomatic approach, and understanding of protocol
• Demonstrated leadership in managing teams and fostering collaboration
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills with strong attention to detail and quality in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation, and actively embedding these principles in our work
• Willingness to travel locally, nationally, and occasionally internationally, with some evening and weekend availability
• Passion for continuous learning and professional development
• Fluency in French is required
• Desirable: Experience working with Global Affairs Canada

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:

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 a fair and thoughtful hiring experience.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter as one document to careers@unicef.ca by Thursday, March 5, 2026. Please include your salary expectations in your cover email and reference Director, Policy Advocacy & Research in the subject heading. 

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).