Table of Contents
Organization: HelpAge International
Location: Global (Remote or Based in a HelpAge office)
Department: Advocacy and Evidencing
Reports to: Head of Advocacy and Evidencing
Grade: UK Grade E or equivalent according to location
Contract Type: Open-ended
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
About HelpAge International
HelpAge International is a global network of around 200 organizations in 99 countries, united in promoting the rights and well-being of older people. With a vision for a fairer world for all as they age, HelpAge advocates for the dignity, security, and inclusion of older individuals across society. Through locally led partnerships, the organization prioritizes inclusive, impactful work grounded in lived experience, social justice, and human rights.
Role Overview
HelpAge is seeking an experienced Social Protection Adviser to lead and advance its global advocacy work, with a strategic focus on social pensions. This role will co-create and drive advocacy strategies in collaboration with network members, provide technical guidance, and amplify the leadership of older people in the global social protection dialogue.
The adviser will lead efforts to improve the coverage, adequacy, and financing of social pensions while enabling and connecting partners and stakeholders across the HelpAge network. A key part of the role involves managing the Pension Watch platform, mentoring team members, and coordinating cross-country advocacy efforts.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Lead the development and implementation of HelpAge’s global advocacy strategy on social pensions, ensuring strong engagement of network members.
- Represent HelpAge in international advocacy spaces, building strategic relationships with key UN agencies, INGOs, and policy influencers.
- Manage and promote the Pension Watch platform, overseeing content development and external positioning.
- Foster the active participation of older people, especially those facing exclusion, in shaping social protection dialogues and policies.
- Provide tailored technical support and capacity strengthening to HelpAge staff and network members.
Network Support and Collaboration
- Support network member-led advocacy, ensuring it is locally grounded and aligned with global advocacy strategies.
- Facilitate evidence-based engagement by coordinating research initiatives and translating findings into policy recommendations.
- Develop tools, training, and resources to promote rights-based, inclusive advocacy on social protection.
Communications and Knowledge Sharing
- Produce and contribute to high-quality policy briefs, reports, and advocacy tools.
- Work with communications teams to ensure timely and strategic messaging on social protection issues.
- Monitor emerging global trends and conduct horizon scanning to identify opportunities and threats to social protection systems.
MEL and Learning
- Strengthen monitoring and evaluation of social protection advocacy outcomes.
- Promote use of sex-, age-, and disability-disaggregated data to inform programming and advocacy.
- Capture and share learning across the network to build a knowledge base on social protection for older people.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- Proven expertise in social protection policy, particularly social pensions.
- Strong understanding of global social protection frameworks, actors, and financing mechanisms.
- Track record of strategic advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and influencing global decision-makers.
- Experience supporting civil society organizations in advocacy efforts at national and regional levels.
- Proficiency in policy research and translation of findings into effective advocacy outputs.
Skills and Competencies
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills and the ability to set clear priorities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing advocacy materials.
- Skilled facilitator and mentor with strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
- Confident in public speaking and representation at high-level forums.
- Experience in line management and supporting collaborative, multi-stakeholder processes.
Desired Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Social Policy, Public Policy, Development Studies, or a related field.
- Working knowledge of French, Spanish, Arabic, or other UN languages.
- Knowledge of population ageing, ageism, and intersections with climate resilience and inclusion.
- Familiarity with SADD data and robust MEL practices.
Key Behavioral Competencies
- Collaborative Leadership – Builds inclusive relationships with stakeholders and partners.
- Adaptability and Change Facilitation – Embraces innovation and facilitates transformation.
- Strategic Impact Orientation – Extends HelpAge’s reach by identifying new opportunities.
- Diversity and Inclusion – Champions the voice and leadership of older people, especially those facing discrimination
Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment
All roles at HelpAge require commitment to safeguarding and child protection policies. The Social Protection Adviser will be responsible for ensuring operations and programs prevent harm, support inclusive engagement, and comply with internal reporting and vetting mechanisms.
All employment offers are subject to reference checks, background screening, and compliance with HelpAge’s safeguarding framework.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified individuals should submit a CV and Cover Letter to:
jobs@helpage.org
Deadline: Sunday, 31 August 2025
Candidates are strongly encouraged to review the job description in full at www.helpage.org before applying.
FAQs
1. What is the role of the Social Protection Adviser at HelpAge International?
The Social Protection Adviser will lead technical guidance, policy development, and advocacy on social protection systems, focusing on older people’s rights and inclusion. They will work with governments, NGOs, and donors to strengthen social protection programs globally.
2. Who can apply for this position?
Applicants with strong expertise in social protection policy and program design, especially in low- and middle-income countries, are encouraged to apply. A relevant postgraduate degree in social policy, development studies, economics, or related fields is preferred.
3. What are the key responsibilities of the Social Protection Adviser?
- Provide technical support on social protection program development.
- Conduct research and analysis to influence policy.
- Support partner capacity building.
- Represent HelpAge in global social protection forums and donor meetings.
- Ensure inclusion of older people and marginalized groups in policy frameworks.
4. Where is the role based?
This is a global role with potential for remote or flexible working arrangements, depending on the applicant’s location and organizational needs.
5. Is travel required for this position?
Yes. Occasional international travel may be necessary to attend workshops, trainings, partner meetings, and conferences.
6. What type of contract is offered?
The position will be offered as a fixed-term contract, with details on duration specified during the recruitment process.
7. What skills and experience are essential for this role?
- Proven experience in social protection policy/programs.
- Strong analytical and research skills.
- Advocacy experience at national and/or international levels.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
8. When is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is 31 August 2025.
9. How can I apply for the Social Protection Adviser role?
Interested candidates should visit HelpAge International’s official careers page, review the detailed job description, and submit their CV and cover letter via the online application portal before the deadline.
10. Does HelpAge International encourage diversity in applications?
Yes. HelpAge International promotes equality and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of age, gender, disability, or background.
