Head of Advocacy (f/m/d)
About Us
Light for the World is an international organization committed to building inclusive societies where people with disabilities have access to quality education, economic empowerment, and advocacy. Partnering with communities, governments, and other stakeholders, we drive sustainable change to empower individuals with disabilities to fully participate in all areas of life. Light for the World is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of diverse backgrounds to join our mission of creating a more inclusive world.
Place of Work: Kenya, Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Austria, Switzerland
- Please note: To be eligible, you must already hold a valid work permit or visa for the country you intend to work from.
Duration: Full-time, permanent
Gross salary: from EUR 62.000,00 (based on Austrian salary); market rates apply elsewhere
Effective as of: 15 November 2026
Recruiting process starts: beginning of September
About The Role
You'll lead Light for the World's international advocacy for systems change across the African continent and with global bilateral and multilateral funding agencies. Within our strategic framework, you'll set the strategic direction, provide leadership and guidance to the Advocacy Team and Country Offices, and safeguard the successful and efficient delivery of advocacy initiatives.
A specific focus of this role is our engagement with and for Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), supporting them to take the lead and be at the front of our work. If you're an advocacy leader who wants their work to connect to something that genuinely matters, and who thrives in environments that are complex, cross-cultural, and never static, this is that role.
Your tasks
Provide strategic vision to Light for the World's advocacy, meeting the ambitions set out in Strategy 2030 and Country Office strategies as they relate to systems change
Maintain an overview of key developments and contacts, in close cooperation with thematic directors and the International Director of Impact & External Relations
Act as gatekeeper of advocacy-related policies, including the policy on Organisations of Persons with Disabilities, ensuring their development, review, and implementation
Work with OPDs so they are at the centre of our advocacy actions and lead in-country with our support
Coach and lead the Advocacy Team, developing advocacy expertise across the department and the wider organisation, and managing the team's human resources
Steer strategic reflection and decision-making on priorities and implementation quality, and manage the advocacy budget (income and expenditure)
Ensure effective external representation of the organisation at relevant events and within relevant alliances
Foster strategic partnerships with regional and international actors to position the organisation, explore collaboration, and demonstrate impact
Lead international advocacy initiatives with relevant players, with a focus on Africa, the UN, and donor countries
Drive internal collaboration and knowledge transfer as an active member of the Impact & External Relations Team, coordinating cross-cutting topics and key advocacy messages
Your profile
Proven experience leading advocacy for systems change, ideally with and for persons with disabilities, in an international or African context
A strong track record in strategy development and policy influencing with governments, bilateral, and multilateral funding agencies
Demonstrated ability to build and steward strategic partnerships, including with OPDs, regional bodies, the UN, and donor countries
Experience leading and coaching teams across multicultural and multi-country environments
Sound budget and resource management experience
The ability to navigate ambiguity and build approaches in complex, cross-cultural, and evolving environments
Strong facilitation, representation, and influencing skills
Experience in international NGOs, development organisations, or other mission-driven, matrix environments
Fluency in English (additional languages relevant to the African continent, like French, are an asset)
Our offer
You join a highly motivated team, appreciating your experience and eager to jointly shape Light for the World’s monitoring and steering mechanisms
We are offering an outstanding opportunity to bring about change through an international development organization with strong expertise and a growing profile
We are committed to giving our colleagues space to explore new directions, test new ideas and to excel as individuals through and with their team We emphasize a good work-life-balance, have flexible working hours and Home-Office opportunity.
We are a professional team that strives towards continuous development
We believe that learning from mistakes is an important way of developing and put emphasis on our culture of learning
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion in our organization. We welcome and encourage applications from all people regardless of national origin, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation or gender identity, and we very much welcome applications from people with disabilities.
For any questions related to accessibility and inclusion at Light for the World, please do not hesitate to contact us at
[email protected].
Apply now
Back