π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Senior Advisor of Impact Communications & External Engagement
πΉ Company: World Vision
πΉ Location: Home Working, United Kingdom
πΉ Job Type: Full-Time
πΉ Category: Non-profit Organizations
πΉ Date Posted: 2025-04-09
πΉ Experience Level: 10+ years
πΉ Remote Status: Remote OK
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Boosting World Vision's reputation and influence through strategic communications planning
- Promoting the voices of World Vision experts and partners to influence policy and practice
- Positioning World Vision leaders and experts as go-to contacts for key media
- Collaborating with Tier 1 stakeholders on communications projects
- Working with global sector/ministry leads and the Advocacy & External Engagement team to leverage research, reports, and policy documents
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders.
π Key Responsibilities
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Design and drive communications plans in support of key moments/projects of interest to Tier 1 stakeholders, coalitions, peers, and partners
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Leverage research, reports, and policy documents to shape policy and influence powerholders
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Develop and lead implementation of targeted external engagement communications efforts for pre-positioning with priority global Tier 1 and 2 stakeholders, coalitions, peers, and partners
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Maximize and leverage the attendance of senior World Vision leaders at United Nations (UN) and other global-level events
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Deliver World Visionβs best practice and thinking to powerholders
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Build the capacity of World Visionβs leaders and experts to act as thought leaders and spokespeople for planned events and to respond to breaking news
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Collaborate with colleagues to ensure children and young people have the opportunity to have their voices heard at the highest levels
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Commission and edit content to appear on an enhanced wvi.org and on other industry blog sites that raise the voices of technical experts, senior leaders, and youth
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Leverage major national and international media, specialist media, UN media, etc., to raise World Visionβs reputation as technical experts with sustainable impact
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Work with Global Centre (GC) Branding team, Global Marketing and Communications, Global Capitals, and sectors/ministries to ensure consistent branding and quality of all World Vision material sent to UN staff and partners, plus consistent messaging
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Build relationships with Tier 1 stakeholder communicators and encourage collaboration on communications projects
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On occasion, represent World Vision on coalitions and other INGO working groups to advance WVβs poverty-reduction goals
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of multitasking, prioritization, and the ability to work effectively under pressure and tight deadlines.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Master's level qualifications in Strategic Communications, Organisational Development, Business Administration, Journalism, Marketing, or equivalent
Experience: 10+ years of relevant job experience, with at least 5 years in a senior management role; 3 years working in the humanitarian or emergency response industry
Required Skills:
- Excellent writing skills and the ability to translate complex material and data into coherent narratives that resonate with policy makers and peers
- In-depth understanding of the humanitarian sector and its derivative standards, guidelines, and tools, with a well-maintained network of external industry relationships
- Excellent fluency speaking, writing, and editing skills in English. Spanish, French, and/or Portuguese are preferred
- Able to manage multiple tasks and functions effectively in high-pressure environments, while maintaining a healthy work-life balance
- Flexible worldview, emotional maturity, and physical stamina
- Able to live an exemplary lifestyle as interpreted in specific or local contexts
- Must be resilient and able to persevere in the face of disappointment and be able to function effectively in contexts of ambiguity
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with a food-based agency at HQ or field level is valuable
- Strategic approach to reputation, positioning, and communications planning and knowledge of audience engagement
- Demonstrated success in understanding audience and stakeholder needs and channel management
- Excellent negotiation and collaboration skills with a demonstrated ability to think strategically, synthesize complex information, and develop innovative influencing approaches
- Strong communication skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate successfully with players in all segments of the humanitarian field, including high-level decision-makers
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Salary information not provided. Industry standard for a Senior Advisor role in the non-profit sector, with 10+ years of experience, and a Master's degree is approximately Β£55,000 - Β£70,000 per annum (gross)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package, including health insurance, pension, and life assurance
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Flexible working arrangements
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Working Hours: Full-time, with flexibility to work outside of standard office hours during difficult periods
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the non-profit sector. Actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and the organization's internal compensation structure.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: World Vision operates in the non-profit sector, focusing on humanitarian, development, and advocacy efforts to improve the lives of children, families, and communities around the world
Company Size: World Vision is one of the largest child-focused private charities in the world, with over 34,000 staff members working in nearly 100 countries
Founded: World Vision was founded in 1950 and has been serving vulnerable children and communities for over 70 years
Company Description:
- World Vision is a Christian humanitarian, development, and advocacy organization devoted to improving the lives of children, families, and their communities around the world
- The organization serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender
- World Vision's mission is to provide sustainable, transformative impact that will live on in generations to come
Company Specialties:
- International Development
- Advocacy
- Emergency Relief
- Education & Lifeskills
- Health
- Child Protection - Anti Trafficking - Child Labour
- Water
- Sanitation
- Hygiene
Company Website: http://www.wvi.org
ASSUMPTION: World Vision is a well-established and reputable organization with a strong track record in humanitarian, development, and advocacy efforts. The organization's size and global presence provide ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior-level role with significant responsibility and influence
Reporting Structure: The Senior Advisor will report directly to the Global Director of Advocacy & External Engagement and will work closely with global sector/ministry leads, the Global Centre (GC) Branding team, Global Marketing and Communications, Global Capitals, and other relevant stakeholders
Work Arrangement: The role is primarily homeworking/remote, with flexibility to work outside of standard office hours during difficult periods. The position requires the ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 30% of the time and to deploy to the field in a communications or grants-related role up to four weeks per year
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a more senior leadership role within the organization
- Opportunities to gain experience working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including global Tier 1 stakeholders, coalitions, peers, and partners
- Chance to develop and enhance skills in strategic communications planning, stakeholder engagement, and thought leadership
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development, both within the organization and through exposure to a wide range of stakeholders and industry experts.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Primarily homeworking/remote, with occasional travel required
Office Location(s): The role can be based anywhere in the world where World Vision International is registered to operate
Geographic Context:
- The role may require travel to various countries and regions, depending on the organization's priorities and needs
- World Vision operates in nearly 100 countries, providing ample opportunities for international exposure and experience
- The organization's global presence allows for a diverse and multicultural work environment
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexibility to work outside of standard office hours during difficult periods
ASSUMPTION: The primarily homeworking/remote nature of this role requires a high level of self-motivation, time management, and the ability to work effectively in a remote team environment.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screening
- In-depth behavioral and situational interview
- Final interview with senior leadership
- Background and reference checks
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and communication skills
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders
- Experience working in the humanitarian sector and with global Tier 1 stakeholders
- Cultural fit and alignment with World Vision's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Be prepared to discuss specific examples of your experience working with global Tier 1 stakeholders, coalitions, peers, and partners
- Demonstrate your understanding of the humanitarian sector and World Vision's mission and values
- Showcase your ability to think strategically, synthesize complex information, and develop innovative influencing approaches
ATS Keywords: Strategic Communications, External Engagement, Stakeholder Relations, Thought Leadership, Global Tier 1 Stakeholders, Coalitions, Peers, Partners, Humanitarian Sector, Non-profit, Advocacy, Communications Planning, Media Relations, ATS, Applicant Tracking System
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, communication skills, and experience working with global Tier 1 stakeholders, coalitions, peers, and partners. Candidates should be prepared to discuss specific examples of their relevant experience and demonstrate their alignment with World Vision's mission and values.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook)
- Video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role will depend on the organization's internal systems and processes. Candidates should be comfortable using a range of communication and project management tools to collaborate effectively with remote teams.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- We are Christian, acting in love, hope and justice
- We value people, acting with respect and dignity
- We are serving, seeking last and lost
- We are dependable, acting with integrity and accountability
- We are collaborative, acting in partnership
Work Style:
- Results-driven and focused on achieving impact
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a focus on building strong relationships with stakeholders
- Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to work effectively in high-pressure environments and contexts of ambiguity
- Strategic and innovative, with a focus on continuous learning and improvement
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with World Vision's Christian mission and values, and how do you demonstrate this in your personal and professional life?
- How do you approach building and maintaining strong relationships with global Tier 1 stakeholders, coalitions, peers, and partners, and how do you ensure their voices are represented in World Vision's communications and advocacy efforts?
- How do you balance a strategic and innovative approach to communications planning with a focus on achieving impact and results, and how do you ensure your strategies are aligned with World Vision's mission and values?
ASSUMPTION: World Vision is a Christian organization, and candidates should be comfortable working in a faith-based environment. The organization values people, acting with respect and dignity, and candidates should demonstrate a commitment to these values in their personal and professional life.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- The role may require frequent travel and the ability to work effectively in different time zones and cultural contexts
- The role may involve working with sensitive and confidential information, and candidates must be able to maintain discretion and professionalism
- The role may require the ability to work effectively in high-pressure environments and contexts of ambiguity, and candidates must be resilient and adaptable
- The role may involve working with a diverse range of stakeholders, and candidates must be comfortable working with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and disciplines
ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges associated with this role are significant, and candidates should be prepared to work effectively in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, with a high degree of autonomy and responsibility.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Senior Communications Manager or Senior External Affairs Manager in a non-profit or humanitarian organization
- However, this role has a stronger focus on strategic communications planning, stakeholder engagement, and thought leadership, and requires a higher level of experience and expertise in the humanitarian sector
- This role offers more opportunities for international exposure and experience, as well as the chance to work with a diverse range of global Tier 1 stakeholders, coalitions, peers, and partners
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on strategic communications planning, stakeholder engagement, and thought leadership in the humanitarian sector. Candidates should have a strong background in communications, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement, as well as a deep understanding of the humanitarian sector and its derivative standards, guidelines, and tools.
π Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a targeted external engagement communications strategy to raise awareness of World Vision's "ENOUGH" campaign among global Tier 1 stakeholders, coalitions, peers, and partners
- Leveraging research, reports, and policy documents to shape policy and influence powerholders, resulting in significant shifts in policy and practice
- Maximizing and leveraging the attendance of senior World Vision leaders at United Nations (UN) and other global-level events, leading to increased visibility and influence for the organization
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are illustrative of the types of initiatives the Senior Advisor may be involved in, and candidates should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and skills in relation to these examples.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into World Vision's broader communications and advocacy strategy, and how does it contribute to the organization's overall mission and goals?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how can I best support the team in achieving these objectives?
- How does World Vision approach building and maintaining strong relationships with global Tier 1 stakeholders, coalitions, peers, and partners, and how can I contribute to this effort?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the organization in the coming years, and how can this role help address these issues?
- How does World Vision support the professional development and growth of its employees, and what opportunities are there for advancement within the organization?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the organization, and the opportunities for professional growth and development. Candidates should be prepared to ask thoughtful and insightful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role and their alignment with World Vision's mission and values.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, with a focus on strategic communications planning, stakeholder engagement, and thought leadership in the humanitarian sector
- Prepare a portfolio or examples of your relevant work, including any published articles, reports, or presentations that demonstrate your expertise and impact
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application and to reiterate your interest in the role
- If selected for an interview, be prepared to discuss your relevant experience and skills in relation to the role's requirements, as well as your alignment with World Vision's mission and values
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.