Global Advocacy Lead

OVERVIEW

Fairtrade is the most recognized and trusted sustainability label, working to make trade fairer for people and planet.For more than three decades, Fairtrade has been making an impact on the way trade works. We believe that every farmer and worker should have access to a better way of doing business, and a better way of living.Fairtrade International is an independent non‑profit organisation representing more than two million small‑scale farmers and workers worldwide. It owns the FAIRTRADE Mark, a registered trademark that appears on more than 37,000 products. Beyond certification, Fairtrade International and its member organisations (three producer networks and 19 national Fairtrade organisations) partner with producers and businesses, engage consumers, and advocate for a fair and sustainable future.

Unit’s description and purpose:

The Global Advocacy unit leads Fairtrade International's policy and citizen engagement efforts, supporting the "Inspire a collective commitment to fair and sustainable trade" pillar of the 2026–2028 Global Strategy. It amplifies the voices of farmers and workers, informs and influences policy, and builds partnerships that strengthen representation and equity in sustainable supply chains — positioning Fairtrade as a leading, coherent voice in sustainable trade at EU, global, and local levels.

Role purpose:

The Global Advocacy Lead guides Fairtrade International's advocacy work and directly manages the Global Advocacy team, supporting the wider Fairtrade system's efforts to multiply impact through proven producer‑driven solutions that deliver policy and practice change for smallholder farmers and workers globally.

Following a recent review of Fairtrade's advocacy work, the post holder works closely with the Fairtrade Advocacy Community of Practice — the three producer networks, 19 national organisations, and the Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) — to reshape advocacy output and build on existing successes. Given Fairtrade's lean global centre and inter‑dependent structure, the role's focus is on directly managing the Global Advocacy team while providing leadership, coherence, and a unified advocacy output.

PRINCIPAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Global Coherence — approx. 35%

• Lead a coordinated EU/global/local advocacy programme centred on farmer and worker voices.
• Align producer networks, national organisations, and the FTAO via the Advocacy Community of Practice.
• Produce policy briefs to build thought leadership on priority topics.

Policy and Representation — approx. 35%

• Lead Fairtrade's global advocacy presence, monitoring EU/multilateral policy and influencing decision‑makers with key partners.
• Represent Fairtrade at high‑level fora and support other senior advocates.
• Turn policy analysis into advocacy actions that improve outcomes for farmers and workers.
• Advance Fair Trade Towns and embed Fairtrade principles into local procurement.
• Strengthen national‑global advocacy links and producer network capacity.
• Sign off Fairtrade‑wide advocacy positions, escalating high‑risk cases to leadership.
• Build external coalitions with peers, multilaterals, and private sector actors.

Best Practice and Skill Development — approx. 10%

• Lead a capacity‑building programme embedding strong advocacy practice system‑wide.
• Work with producer networks and national organisations to accelerate regional advocacy.
• Develop measures to track advocacy impact.

Team Management and Relationships — approx. 20%

• Manage and develop the Global Advocacy team, setting priorities and ways of working.
• Support the Advocacy Community of Practice and its focal points.
• Partner with impact and programme teams to embed advocacy and source evidence for policy positions.
• Partner with communications for integrated advocacy work and represent advocacy in leadership forums.

Other tasks consistent with the level and responsibilities of this post

SKILLS REQUIRED

Education & Experience

Postgraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field. 7+ years senior advocacy leadership experience, with people‑management background, ideally in a decentralised structure.

Language

Fluent English with excellent written communication skills. Proficiency in a second language (e.g., French or Spanish) is desired.

Job‑Specific Knowledge

• Strong grasp of EU/multilateral institutions and how to influence them on trade and producer‑rights policy.
• Experience building advocacy strategies combining lobbying, research, media, and campaigning.
• Advanced knowledge of sustainable trade and development issues; HREDD/climate/agriculture expertise a plus.
• Proven experience representing complex issues to high‑level decision‑makers and media.
• Producer‑country experience is desirable.

Personal Qualities

• Bridge‑builder with strong people and project‑management skills.
• Balances vision, strategy, and pragmatism.
• Skilled in mediation, consensus‑building, and cross‑cultural collaboration.
• Well‑organised, able to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Committed to gender, diversity, and producer inclusion.

Software / Tools

• MS 365, Kobo Toolbox, Miro, Claude.ai (or equivalents)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• This is a full‑time position within Fairtrade International
• Location is at Fairtrade International offices in Bonn, Germany with the opportunity for hybrid work arrangements
• The office language is English.
• Salary commensurate with competencies and qualifications, starting at 95,000 Euros gross per year
• 30 days of holidays per year (for fulltime employees)
• Subsidised public transportation ticket
• Subsidised meal services
• Childcare cost subsidy

Please note that Fairtrade International is strict on compliance with the required qualification criteria mentioned above, and only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.