Humanitarian Policy and Advocacy Advisor

About Trócaire

Trócaire is an international non-governmental organisation that partners with local organisations in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities, while also working with people in Ireland to address the root causes of poverty and injustice and to respond to the crises they create.

The organisation aims to create positive, lasting change for a fairer world and operates in up to 20 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

Its mission is guided by five goals: improving access to justice, advancing climate and environmental justice, strengthening the protection, voice and influence of women and girls, saving lives and protecting human dignity, and mobilising public support in Ireland for global justice.

Trócaire’s work is grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and the values of solidarity, courage, participation, perseverance and accountability.

Role overview

This position offers the opportunity to shape humanitarian policy and advocacy on issues affecting people facing conflict, displacement, climate pressure and inequality. The role focuses on influencing a more equitable humanitarian system that places local actors at the centre, improving the quality of humanitarian financing, and supporting sustainable development and human rights.

You will also work with partner agencies in humanitarian settings to strengthen advocacy around the protection of women and girls in emergencies, prevent and respond to gender-based violence, and promote accountability. Another important area is defending international humanitarian law in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.

The first priorities for the role include advocacy on localisation commitments under the Humanitarian Reset, quality financing for development, and the protection of women and girls in emergencies.

You will assess issues, build policy positions, shape advocacy strategies, and collaborate across civil society networks to drive change. The role also involves engaging with media and influencing decision-makers in Ireland, the EU and the UN.

The position reports to the Head of Policy and Advocacy and works closely with the humanitarian team. It is based in Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland.

Responsibilities

• Create and deliver advocacy approaches that advance Trócaire’s humanitarian policy priorities.
• Work with colleagues to design and implement a humanitarian advocacy strategy aligned with Trócaire’s advocacy standards and a strong gender analysis.
• Ensure policy and advocacy positions reflect country programme experience and support the organisation’s partnership and localisation goals.
• Maintain regular advocacy engagement with relevant duty bearers across the UN, EU and Irish political system.
• Produce strong policy and advocacy outputs such as position papers, briefing notes, research pieces and advocacy reports.
• Stay closely informed on emerging policy developments and trends that affect humanitarian work, including through links with Trócaire’s localisation hub.
• Support country office staff and partners on humanitarian policy and strategic advocacy.
• Bring humanitarian issues and evidence from country teams into policy discussions to support change.
• Work closely with country teams so that policy positions are rooted in direct experience and reflect key trends and challenges.
• Represent Trócaire in external networks and at national and international humanitarian policy forums.
• Keep management, the humanitarian team and country offices updated on global and regional sector developments.
• Track, review and evaluate the advocacy strategy on a regular basis.
• Provide quick-turnaround policy and advocacy support to the CEO, Deputy CEO and management when needed.

Requirements

• Minimum five years of experience in policy analysis and advocacy in a relevant field such as gender, humanitarian work, development or human rights.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering advocacy strategies.
• Strong record of advocacy and lobbying at UN, EU or Irish level.
• Proven ability to develop policy content, conduct research and prepare advocacy materials, ideally with a strong gender perspective.
• A relevant third-level degree in humanitarian law/action, international relations, conflict studies, human rights law or a closely related discipline.
• Working knowledge of the international humanitarian system and architecture.
• Ability to examine complex humanitarian and political issues and turn them into practical policy responses.
• Clear evidence of collaborative working with programme teams, international colleagues and partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with willingness to contribute to media and public speaking activities.
• Ability to work well in networks and maintain a constructive, team-oriented approach.
• Comfort working in a results-challenged environment while staying positive and resilient.

Benefits and conditions

Trócaire offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including a pension scheme and policies that support work-life balance, such as hybrid working.

The role is offered as a full-time two-year position based in Maynooth.

Applicants must already have the legal right to live and work in this location, as work permit sponsorship and relocation support are not available.

Shortlisted candidates will take part in a competency-based interview, with questions drawn from the competencies listed for the role.

The application closing date is 21 July 2026.

Safeguarding

Trócaire is committed to protecting people from exploitation and abuse by its employees, consultants and other representatives. The role requires adherence to Trócaire’s safeguarding framework, including its Global Code of Conduct and Global Safeguarding Policy.

Diversity, equity and inclusion

Trócaire is an equal opportunities employer and values diversity, inclusion and equity. The organisation aims to run a fair recruitment process where candidates are assessed on skills, experience and competencies. Reasonable accommodation and accessibility support can be provided during recruitment, and requests may be made in the application or by contacting People@trocaire.org.

Trócaire welcomes applicants from a wide range of lived experiences, perspectives and identities, and seeks to maintain an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.