Save the Children Director and United Nations Representative, New York

Save the Children is the world’s leading independent organisation for children. We work in 120 countries. We save children’s lives; we fight for their rights; we help them fulfil their potential.

We work together, with our partners, to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.

We have over two million supporters worldwide and raised 1.6 billion dollars last year to reach more children than ever before, through programmes in health, nutrition, education, protection and child rights, also in times of humanitarian crises.

By mid-2013 most of our international programmes will be delivered through a merged operation with 14 000 staff, managed through seven regional hubs and reporting to a relatively small, central office. We’re changing to become more efficient, more aligned, a better partner, a stronger advocate, a magnet for world-class p eople and relevant for the 21st century.

The role:
New York is home to many of the United Nations institutions that play a critical role in shaping children’s lives and helping to ensure their rights are fulfilled, especially in the poorest countries. Save the Children’s ability to engage and influence the UN in New York is central to our aim of creating lasting positive change for the world’s poorest and most vulnerable children. The Director of Save the Children’s advocacy office in New York will lead our organisational engagement with the UN, its agencies and delegations, and the civil society organisations active in this arena. He or she will make a key contribution to our global advocacy success in our priority areas, working as an integral member of the Save the Children International team.

Qualifications and experience:
• Education to Master’s level, with a qualification in international development, international relations, economics, politics, law, or a related field is desirable. Education to Bachelor’s degree level is essential.
• Proven leadership record of advocacy success, and an ability to conceive and lead the development and implementation of a strategic plan
• Experience of creating networks, building partnerships and forging coalitions of like-minded to achieve policy change, and an ability to manage diverse professional relationships, thereby securing significant new opportunities for the organisation
• Proven ability to speak and communicate effectively, and to tailor messages to different audiences
• Experience of successfully operating in an international environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Experience of solving complex issues through analysis, definition of a clear way forward and ensuring buy in.
• Demonstrated understanding of development, human rights, and humanitarian issues.
• Knowledge and understanding of the UN system, and its role in development, human rights and humanitarian issues.
• Commitment to Save the Children’s values.
• Experience of, and willingness to travel in, developing countries.
• Fluent English essential. Ability to work in other UN languages an advantage.

We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

Please note that the closing date for applications is 12th February 2013

For further information on this role, please see our website at www.savethechildren.net/jobs

How to apply:

Please apply with a covering letter and up-to-date CV to: jobs.57286.3830@savethechildrenint.aplitrak.com