Vacancy

Head of Programs and Advocacy (40hrs)

Do you want to guide humanitarian aid and advocacy that truly makes a difference? 

Stichting Vluchteling (the Netherlands Refugee Foundation) is an emergency relief organization that supports partner organizations worldwide in helping displaced populations. In cases of acute need, Stichting Vluchteling provides funding to international and national partners to deliver direct assistance, such as shelter, medical care, protection, cash, clean drinking water, or sanitation. In the Netherlands, we inform the Dutch public about the situation of refugees and emergency aid in general. 

Stichting Vluchteling currently has a diverse and enthusiastic team of about 50 employees, mainly working from The Hague. The working atmosphere is informal but decisive, which is necessary to respond quickly in emergencies. 

Stichting Vluchteling is looking for an: 

Inspiring strategic leader who can further develop our programs and advocacy.  

As Head of Programs and Advocacy, you play a key role in realizing our mission: facilitating emergency aid to people on the run through our partners, quickly, effectively, and with respect for human dignity. 

In the coming years, Stichting Vluchteling will strengthen its efforts especially in hard-to-reach and conflict-affected areas, often in collaboration with local partners. We want to be where the need is greatest, and we do so with courage, trust, and solidarity. 

About the role
As Head of Programs and Advocacy, you guide our humanitarian strategy, policy agenda, and external positioning. You are a member of the management team and ensure that Stichting Vluchteling remains a responsive, credible, and value-driven humanitarian actor. 

You play a crucial role in further developing our approach in complex crisis situations and strengthening cooperation with partner organizations (local, national, and international). In doing so, you directly contribute to fair and sustainable humanitarian aid, even in the most challenging contexts. 

You work closely with the director and other department heads (Communication, Fundraising, and Internal Operations). You directly manage the Humanitarian Program Manager and strategic advisors (access, medical, and advocacy). 

What you will do

Strategic leadership and collaboration:

• Determine and safeguard the strategic direction of our programs and advocacy, in line with our mission and values.  
• Actively contribute to decision-making within the management team. 
• Strengthen collaboration between program staff and thematic experts to ensure coherence and quality in our work. 
• Lead and support experts in advocacy, humanitarian access, and medical priorities. 
• Develop and oversee safety management (during business trips) and lead the crisis management team if necessary.  

Policy influences and external representation:

• Represent Stichting Vluchteling among other organisations like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, DRA, SHO, and international forums.  
• You are one of our main spokespersons on topics such as migration, humanitarian aid, and civic space.  
• Build and maintain sustainable relationships with donors, policymakers, and partners to influence humanitarian and migration policy. 

Program quality and accountability:

• Ensure, in collaboration with the Humanitarian Program Manager and through, among others, the MEAL advisor, high quality standards and accountability principles within our programs.  
• Stimulate innovation, learning, and evidence-based working. 

Localization and partnerships:

• Develop and implement our localization strategy aimed at fair, sustainable, and equitable partnerships.  
• Advocate externally for stronger local leadership and accountability, in line with international agreements such as the Grand Bargain. 

Strategic fundraising: 

• Support the development of new funding streams and collaborations with non-traditional donors.  
• Re-present Stichting Vluchteling in strategic consortium and donor dialogues. 

Who you are

• You have a master’s degree in international relations, humanitarian affairs, or a related field.  
• You have at least 10 years of experience in leadership roles within humanitarian operations, policy or program. 
• You think strategically. You see the bigger picture, know how to translate organizational goals into concrete actions, and can set priorities that truly make a difference, using diplomatic sensitivity when needed. 
• Networking comes naturally to you. You gain energy from making new contacts and strengthening existing relationships. You actively build bridges and know how to develop a sustainable network in external representation as well as with donor relations.  
• You are a connecting leader. You inspire your team, ensure an open and safe working environment, and create the conditions for everyone to excel in their role.  
• You take initiative and are proactive. You bring new ideas and perspectives, always with respect for the values and policies of Stichting Vluchteling.  
• Integrity and responsibility characterize your approach. You handle your tasks and decisions carefully and reliably.  
• You feel strongly connected to humanitarian values. You want to contribute to an organization that makes social impact and helps make the world better, step by step.  
• You communicate with enthusiasm and persuasiveness, always with an eye for diplomacy and respect for your conversation partner. You know how to engage others in our story and radiate confidence. Fluency both in Dutch and English, orally and in writing. Also, knowledge of other languages such as French or Arabic is an advantage.  
• You have experience working in the humanitarian field and do not mind traveling regularly, even to less safe areas.  
• You have a work permit to work and live within the EU/Netherlands. 

What we offer

• A meaningful position in a committed and dynamic team of about 50 colleagues. 
• Location: The Hague.  
• Room for initiative, vision, and innovation.  
• A one-year contract with the prospect of extension.  
• Employment conditions and salary appropriate to a non-profit organization, depending on experience and education.

Something for you? Then respond as soon as possible.  

Send an e-mail before 03/11 with your motivation and your CV to Benoit de Gryse, via solliciteren@vluchteling.nl stating “Head of Programs & Advocacy”. Applicants will be notified before 17/11.

• For more information about this vacancy or the procedure, please contact Alfred Sahassanondha (HR Manager) via humanresources@vluchteling.nl
   

Stichting Vluchteling has a Code of Conduct, containing the values and principles of  Stichting Vluchteling, including with regard to integrity & reliability and the prevention of any form of discrimination and / or abuse of power. Every employee must endorse these and act accordingly at all times. Taking references and requesting a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) are part of the application procedure. 

Acquisition is not appreciated.