Global Advocacy Lead

Organisatie

About NLR

For almost sixty years, NLR has been working to end leprosy and its consequences.

Together with partners in Brazil, India, Indonesia, Mozambique and Nepal, among others, we support governments in the implementation of proven solutions for prevention, treatment and inclusion.

Our vision is clear: a world in which no one is affected by leprosy or its consequences.

A world without leprosy. It must happen. And it can.

The world is closer than ever to ending leprosy. The medical knowledge is there. Effective treatment and prevention are available. The biggest challenge now lies in political choices, sustainable investments and the translation of scientific evidence into national and international policy.

That is precisely where the work of NLR (Leprastichting) lies.

With its new Multi-Year Strategy 2027–2029, NLR is strengthening its international advocacy work. We want to ensure that governments, multilateral organisations and international funders embrace proven solutions faster and implement them sustainably. Not only to treat leprosy, but to eliminate the disease permanently.

This is why we are looking for a Global Advocacy Lead for 32-38 hours per week.

Taken

The position

As NLR’s Global Advocacy Lead, you will give direction to the international advocacy work of the organisation. You will further develop its strategy, expand influential international networks and ensure that scientific knowledge actually leads to policy change.

You are the connecting link between research, programmes, communication and policy. You know how to bring together various parties around a common ambition.

You will work closely with colleagues in Amsterdam and partners in countries where leprosy is still present. In addition, you will represent NLR within international networks, strategic coalitions and policy forums.

This position offers the opportunity to have a direct impact on the global public health agenda and thus contribute to ending a disease that still affects thousands of people.

What will you do?

You will develop and implement the organisation’s international advocacy strategy and translate the ambitions from our Multi-Annual Strategy into concrete policy advocacy.

You follow international developments in the field of global public health and know how to translate them into opportunities for NLR and its partners.

You will develop policy briefs, position papers and other strategic documents that convince governments, multilateral organisations and funders to invest in proven solutions.

Building international cooperation

You maintain and strengthen relationships with WHO, ILEP, governments, donors and international NGOs, among others.

In addition, you actively seek collaboration outside the traditional leprosy sector, for example within the themes of Neglected Tropical Diseases, inclusion and universal health coverage.

You will support partner organisations in the development of their own advocacy capacity and encourage collaboration with organisations of people affected by leprosy.

Connecting knowledge and policy

You translate scientific insights into clear policy messages that appeal to administrators, policymakers and funders.

You ensure that research, programmes, communication and advocacy reinforce each other and prepare management and colleagues for international consultations and conferences.

Strengthening impact

You will develop ways to make the results of advocacy visible and measurable.

In addition, you will actively contribute to the further professionalisation of advocacy among senior NLR staff members and international partners.

Functie-eisen en profiel

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for an experienced professional who feels at home at the intersection of international policy advocacy, global health and strategic cooperation. Someone who moves easily between science, politics, governments and civil society organisations and who knows how to connect different interests to joint results.

Prior experience directly in leprosy is not essential. We find experience with international health advocacy, coalition building and translating complex content into convincing policy much more important.

In addition, you have:

• Completed a master's degree, for example in Public Health, Global Health, International Relations, Public Policy or a similar field;
• At least ten years of relevant experience in international advocacy, public affairs or policy advocacy;
• Experience in global health, international development or a similar policy area;
• Experience in translating scientific research into policy development;
• Extensive experience with international networks and strategic partnerships;
• Excellent communication and analytical skills;
• Excellent command of Dutch and English. Knowledge of Portuguese, Bahasa Indonesia or Hindi is an advantage.

Ons aanbod

What do we offer?

At NLR, you are part of a committed, passionate and international team that works together towards a world without leprosy. You will have the opportunity to develop within an international and person-oriented working environment.

We offer, among other things:

• A one-year contract with the prospect of renewal.
• A monthly salary of €5,160 (min.) to €7,209 (max.) gross per month according to prior relevant experience for full-time service (38 hours per week).
• 8% holiday pay and a 4% end-of-year bonus.
• An excellent pension scheme.

With NLR you will also receive a working from home allowance, full public transport travel allowance and an individual budget of your choice. We also offer the freedom to alternate working from home and working in the office. Our office is located near the Amstel station in Amsterdam. We attach great importance to a healthy and positive working environment. The atmosphere at NLR is informal and you work with committed colleagues who work every day for a world without leprosy.

Informeren en solliciteren

Interested?

Send your motivation and CV to vacaturesNLR@leprastichting.nl no later than 14 August 2026.

For questions about the position, please contact Duane Hinders, Head of Programmes, Research & Partnerships, via d.hinders@nlrinternational.org.

NLR is an inclusive organisation in which there is room for different backgrounds, perspectives and talents. We cordially invite everyone who recognises themselves in this profile to apply.

Our preference is for candidates who live in the Netherlands or are willing to relocate who already have a valid work permit for the European Union.