Head of Advocacy

MAG (Mines Advisory Group) is an international humanitarian organisation based in Manchester, UK, and working in 32 countries. We remove landmines and unexploded ordnance to release safe and productive land for communities, and work to reduce the threat of armed violence by supporting governments to safely manage weapons and ammunition. In 1997, MAG was a co‑recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for our work campaigning for the Anti‑Personnel Mine Ban Convention.

Job Purpose

You will provide leadership for MAG's global advocacy and influencing work, ensuring engagement with political, institutional, and sector stakeholders is focused, coordinated, and aligned with organisational priorities.

The Head of Advocacy will lead the development and delivery of MAG's advocacy strategy across key geographies and fora, including national governments, multilateral institutions, and sector networks. The role ensures that MAG's policy positions are translated into clear and targeted influencing approaches, and that advocacy activity supports organisational objectives. Working closely with the Director of Policy and Strategic Partnerships, the Head of Policy, and colleagues across MAG, the role strengthens MAG's external influence and ensures a coordinated approach across teams and regions.

Advocacy Leadership and Strategy

• Lead the development and delivery of MAG's global advocacy strategy, aligned with organisational priorities and policy positions
• Identify priority targets, geographies, and influencing opportunities across national, regional, and multilateral contexts
• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on advocacy opportunities, risks, and positioning

External Engagement and Representation

• Represent MAG at senior level with governments, multilateral institutions, and sector networks
• Build and maintain relationships with key decision‑makers and advocacy peers across priority geographies
• Lead MAG's engagement in relevant advocacy fora, including parliamentary, multilateral, and sector spaces
• Support senior MAG staff to engage effectively with advocacy targets

Delivery of Advocacy and Influencing

• Oversee the design and delivery of advocacy initiatives that support MAG's objectives
• Ensure the development of high‑quality advocacy materials, including briefings and messaging
• Ensure advocacy activity is coordinated across MAG and aligned with organisational priorities

Advocacy Management and Internal Coherence

• Provide leadership and line management to the Advocacy Manager and wider advocacy function
• Conduct appraisal meetings in line with MAG policy, agreeing and reviewing progress towards individual targets on a regular basis
• Ensure clear planning and prioritisation of advocacy activities
• Strengthen internal understanding of advocacy priorities and approaches
• Ensure consistency of messaging across advocacy, policy, communications, and programme engagement

Sector Engagement and Positioning

• Build and maintain relationships with advocacy peers and coalitions across the humanitarian and disarmament sectors
• Influence sector advocacy agendas in line with MAG's priorities and expertise

Management

• Contribute to PSP planning and organisational strategy
• Support business planning and programme development
• Manage resources in line with agreed priorities
• Provide updates to the Director of Policy and Strategic Partnerships
• Deputise as required

Requirements

Essential Experience

• Significant experience in advocacy, influencing, or external engagement in humanitarian, development, or related sectors
• Experience engaging with political stakeholders, including governments and/or multilateral institutions
• Experience developing and delivering advocacy strategies or influencing initiatives
• Experience producing high‑quality advocacy materials and briefings
• Experience working collaboratively across teams and with external partners

Essential Skills and Knowledge

• Strong understanding of political and influencing processes across relevant geographies and institutions
• Understanding of humanitarian, disarmament, or related policy environments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong relationship management and influencing skills
• Ability to identify and respond to emerging opportunities in dynamic political contexts

Essential Aptitude

• Ability to represent MAG with credibility and authority
• Strategic thinking and sound judgement
• Collaborative and solutions‑focused approach
• Ability to work with autonomy and prioritise effectively
• Commitment to MAG's mission and values

Desirable

• Experience engaging in multilateral fora (UN, CCM, APMBC, CCW, ATT, UNPoA)
• Experience working across multiple geographic advocacy contexts
• Experience managing or developing a team
• Additional languages

Benefits

Remuneration

The starting salary will be £56,220, based on a 37.5 hour working week. MAG has a system of incremental pay increases, up to a limit, based on length of service in the role. Further information will be provided to the successful candidate.

Location: London – Working from home

This position is subject to background checks before an offer of employment is confirmed.

Equal Opportunity Statement

MAG is committed to the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion. Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment, with 25 days annual leave.

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