Position Details Position Title: Director, Policy Advocacy & Research Employment Type: Permanent, Full-time Reports to: Chief Programs Officer Direct Reports: 3 Salary Range: $107,000 to $131,000 annually with benefits and 4 weeks paid vacation Work Location: Ottawa (home-based) Work Environment: Occasional travel to Toronto for key meetings may be required. Role DescriptionA 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 childrens rights. A collaborative and visionary leader, you will guide UNICEF Canadas domestic and international public policy advocacy, continuing to grow UNICEF Canadas impact and influence with the Canadian Government. Working across teams, sectors, and civil society, you will direct our efforts to champion childrens 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 youre passionate about turning policy into action, amplifying youth voices, and making a lasting impact on childrens 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 UNICEFs 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 childrens rights in Canada, and influence the GoC to support childrens rights globally. Build opportunities to bring profile to UNICEFs 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 Canadas 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 messages 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 UNICEFs global advocacy policies and programs, ensuring that UNICEF Canadas 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 childrens 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 Canadas child policy and international development landscape, advising senior leadership on trends, opportunities, and risks. Support UNICEF Canadas 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 Canadas 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 (masters 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 requiredDesirable: Experience working with Global Affairs CanadaAn Employer of Choice: What We OfferMembers of the UNICEF Canada team have access to the following employee benefits: A ROBUST COMPENSATION PACKAGEExtended Health/Dental benefits, Healthcare Spending Account, and Wellness AccountLife, AD&D, & Long-Term disability insurance coverageEmployer match contributions (5%) to a Group Pension PlanAccess to parental leave top-up A COMMITMENT TO WELLNESSFlexible-hybrid work environment to support the work-life integration needs of our teamMinimum 4 weeks of annual vacation (increases with time served) & 1 additional day per year of service (max 30)10 paid sick days & 2 personal days9 to 11 employee wellness days an additional series of pre-set days off, given annually to further extend long weekendsDiscounted rate for a GoodLife gym membershipAccess to an Employee and Family Assistance Program A CULTURE OF LEARNING & GROWTH Access to a comprehensive global learning platform with over 1600 courses, webinars & resources Internal leadership development, training, & mentorship programs that integrate Anti-Racism and diversity, equity and inclusion principles Opportunities to access both local & global stretch assignments AN INCLUSIVE & PURPOSE-DRIVEN WORKPLACECentrally located head office in mid-town Toronto with satellite offices in Calgary & MontrealEasily accessed by public transit and a short walk from several parking locationsInclusive & accessible co-working and meeting spaces designed to foster purpose at every turn and accommodate the diverse needs of employees A CHANCE TO DO MEANINGFUL & LIFE-CHANGING WORK Under the leadership of a dynamic, accomplished, and experienced executive leadership team, youll be part of a diverse & talented Canada team committed to creating meaningful impact while fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.Youll join a global UNICEF family with a shared commitment to impact the lives of children.Our Commitment to Inclusive Workplaces & RecruitmentUNICEF 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 ApplyPlease submit your resume and cover letter as one document to 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.
Job Title
Director, Policy Advocacy & Research