International Development jobs in Canada

Senior Advisor, Policy & Advocacy – Plan International Canada • Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Advocacy, Government Relations, Influencing and Federation Engagement (50%)

• Take a leadership role in Plan International Canada’s efforts to influence federal government policy to promote children’s rights and equality for girls globally in global development and humanitarian action.
• Engage in ongoing policy influencing, advocacy and strategic communications work supporting Plan International Canada’s priorities in global development such as education, health, meaningful youth engagement and youth advocacy.
• Chair monthly meetings on Humanitarian Policy Advocacy and represent Plan International Canada at key federation-wide and Canadian civil society coalitions and working groups related to humanitarian action.
• Build relationships with Members of Parliament, Senators, political staffers and the federal public service relevant to delivering advocacy objectives.
• Represent Plan International Canada vis‑à‑vis Government of Canada stakeholders and issue‑based coalitions, and build relationships with NGO partners to promote joint policy and advocacy positions, research and events.
• Work closely with Plan International staff across the federation (Global Hub, Liaison Offices, National Offices, Regional Offices and Country Offices).

Youth Leadership Programming and Advocacy (35%)

• Work closely with the Youth Engagement Unit and Plan International Canada’s Youth Council to meaningfully engage young people in the organization’s policy advocacy and influencing campaigns.
• Lead capacity‑building initiatives to support young peoples’ understanding and ability to engage in policy influencing, coordinating workshops, briefings and seminars on key advocacy priorities for Plan International Canada.

Project Management, Knowledge Management and Operations (15%)

• Serve as the go‑to person for reporting needs internally and externally, including providing regular updates and reports to the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying in Canada.
• Contribute to monthly, quarterly and annual planning and reporting related to policy and advocacy achievements.
• Draft quarterly and annual unit reporting and any separate reporting required for Plan International’s global headquarters in the UK.
• Provide strategic advice and contribute to weekly information‑sharing, intel gathering and planning meetings of the Policy and Advocacy team.
• Support the Director in preparing the unit’s annual budget and work plan.
• Track results of policy and advocacy initiatives at the output and outcome levels.

• Master’s degree in international relations, international development, political science, law or a relevant field, or equivalent professional experience.

• Experience in successful policy and advocacy work, preferably in humanitarian action and international development, with experience working in Latin America, Africa and/or Asia.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Fluency in French is a strong asset.
• Successful track record as a policy strategist/analyst with INGOs, government or multilateral organisations.
• Proven experience working on policy advocacy at the federal level in Canada and in global forums such as the G7, G20, UN, World Bank and others.
• Demonstrated capability in producing cross‑functional integrated advocacy campaigns (policy recommendations, campaign messaging, resource mobilization, stakeholder engagement).
• Highly skilled at developing effective, engaging, action‑oriented presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Proven track record drafting and contributing to a range of products (presentations, internal briefing notes, policy briefs, op‑eds).
• Recognised capacity to translate complex information in a compelling and accessible way for non‑technical audiences.
• Project management experience, particularly working on complex projects with large cross‑functional teams, managing deadlines and delivering quality results.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and advocating for gender equality and child rights policies.
• Demonstrated experience working on humanitarian policy advocacy priorities.
• Demonstrated experience meaningfully engaging young people in policy advocacy and influencing campaigns.
• Experience working with young people through youth programme facilitation, workshop design and resource design, through both in‑person and digital delivery.
• Strong policy research and analysis skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop analytical, evidence‑based policy papers and reports.
• Demonstrated understanding of Canada’s current political landscape and humanitarian assistance, international development, and foreign affairs policies that impact the fulfillment of children’s rights, particularly girls.
• Experience with ensuring adherence to lobbying rules and regulations for Canadian NGOs/charities.
• Experience working in a collaborative and matrix environment – resourceful, innovative and with a can‑do attitude.
• A flexible and adaptable work style; open to collaboration; thrives in a fast‑paced evolving work culture.

Required Experience: Senior IC

How to Apply:

To express interest in this opportunity please apply by December 14 2025.

Plan International Canada is a hybrid workplace. You will work from the office and from home.

The salary range for this position is anticipated to be between $73,000 and $91,000. We comprehensively evaluate a variety of factors to determine fair compensation, including experience, specific job‑related skills and relevant educational or professional training. We also ensure that compensation is equitable across our team and aligns with current market trends. This role qualifies for an extensive benefits package and generous paid time off.

Plan International Canada hires based on merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community and to providing an inclusive workplace. Plan International Canada especially welcomes applications from Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women, persons of all sexual orientations and genders, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

If you have a disability that may affect your ability to perform in a role you are interested in, we will be happy to discuss what adjustments or arrangements we can make to accommodate your needs. If your disability is likely to affect you adversely within the application process itself, please let us know (as soon as you feel comfortable) by emailing so that we can consider any adjustments to the process that will allow you to be considered fairly for the role.

Consistent with our Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy, the successful candidate must receive clearance by a police background check, including the vulnerable sector screen.

Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada for the duration of the work term. Proof of eligibility will be required.