Head of Research & Influence

Job Description

Role: Head of R & I (Research & Influence)
Location: in the local office in either The Hague Nairobi or Bangkok another location is not preferred.
Language: Near or fully native-level English

About Terre des Hommes Netherlands

Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH NL) is a mission-driven organisation committed to catalysing change to end child exploitation. We work across Africa and Asia partnering with local organisations to protect children from trafficking sexual exploitation child labour and other forms of child exploitation. Our work is grounded in evidence child participation and safeguarding principles.

The Role

TdH NL is seeking a Head of Research & Influence to lead TdH NLs global agenda on research evidence-based advocacy and high-impact influencing ensuring our work drives lasting systemic change to end child exploitation. Based in one of TdH NLs locations in The Hague Nairobi or Bangkok this role is critical in positioning TdH NL as a recognised and trusted actor within the global child rights and protection ecosystem and in ensuring that decision-makers cannot ignore the realities facing children.

This is a senior leadership role with high external visibility. You will lead the organisations research and influencing strategy across its global portfolio of child exploitation-focused programmes steering the organisations contribution to global and regional policy debates and strengthening TdH NLs role in an evidence-based advocacy ecosystem committed to exposing and addressing contemporary forms of child exploitation.

Reporting to the Director of Impact you will provide strategic and political direction to ensure TdH NLs research and influence work advances the organisations mission and priorities. You will work closely with colleagues across the organisation to ensure that TdH NL speaks with authority credibility and purpose and that our influencing strategies are anchored in robust evidence strategic alliances and a clear understanding of political and policy dynamics.

A core responsibility of this role is ensuring that childrens voices and experiences inform decision-making and that their perspectives are meaningfully represented and amplified in regional and global fora. You will champion child participation as a central pillar of TdH NLs influencing work ensuring it is ethical safe and genuinely impactful not tokenistic.

This role requires a leader who can operate confidently in complex environments mobilise coalitions influence policy and practice at scale and ensure TdH NL is seen heard and respected where it matters most.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a clear vision and strategy for research expertise and influence;
• Ensure integration of research and advocacy across programmes and organisational priorities;
• Drive innovation and risk management in research and influencing approaches;
• Promote a learning culture and ensure evidence informs programme design and policy engagement;
• Build strategic partnerships to mobilise resources and amplify impact.

External Representation and Advocacy

• Represent TdH NL in global research advocacy and policy fora;
• Engage with high-level stakeholders donors and governments to advance child rights;
• Deliver persuasive speeches and presentations to influence opinions and foster buy-in;
• Position TdH NL as a thought leader through publications events and networks.
  
  

Organisational and Staff Leadership

• Lead and develop the R&I team fostering collaboration and innovation;
• Ensure safeguarding and ethical standards are embedded across all activities;
• Promote cultural sensitivity and integrity in all engagements;
• Respond decisively to crises and manage risks to ensure organisational continuity.

What You Bring

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in research advocacy or influencing within international development or child rights sectors;
• Minimum 5 years of management experience in a senior leadership role;
• Proven ability to craft and deliver persuasive messages to diverse audiences;
• Strong track record in building alliances and partnerships for strategic influence;
• Deep commitment to safeguarding ethics and cultural awareness;
• Near-native English proficiency with excellent communication skills.

Competencies

• Visionary and strategic leadership;
• Influence and advocacy at global level;
  
• Evidence-driven decision-making;
  
• Ethical and inclusive leadership;
  
• Crisis and risk management;
  
• Effective external representation;
  
• Strategic resource mobilisation.

What We Offer

• A key position within an international child rights organisation;
• An inspiring mission-driven working environment;
• Opportunities to shape global engagement and drive systemic change;
• A market-competitive salary and secondary employment benefits. The salary scale for this position is scale 13 actual remuneration depends on location and experience.
• 25 days of paid annual leave based on a full-time contract; pro rata for part-time employees;
  

Interested in this Position
Click the Apply button at the top of this page and fill in all mandatory fields. Also upload your most recent CV including relevant experience responsibilities skills and qualifications. For any questions you can contact Rutger Prins directly at

Required Experience:

Director