Plan International has announced a vacancy for the position of Head of Global Media and Public Relations, offering an experienced communications leader the opportunity to shape the organisation’s global media strategy and strengthen its international reputation.
The globally flexible role is open to candidates who have the legal right to work in one of Plan International’s employing countries. Applications close on Sunday, 12 July 2026.
Senior Global Communications Role to Drive Media Strategy and Public Influence
As one of the world’s leading humanitarian and development organisations, Plan International works in more than 80 countries to advance children’s rights and gender equality, with a strong focus on empowering girls.
The Head of Global Media and Public Relations will play a pivotal leadership role in positioning the organisation as a trusted global voice on humanitarian response, children’s rights, and gender equality. The successful candidate will lead international media engagement, oversee crisis communications, and provide strategic advice to senior leadership on high-profile issues affecting the organisation.
The role combines strategic communications leadership with hands-on media management across a complex global network.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will lead Plan International’s global media and public relations function while strengthening the organisation’s international profile.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing a global media strategy that enhances organisational visibility and influence
- Securing high-impact international media coverage on girls’ rights, humanitarian action, and development issues
- Leading crisis communications and reputation management during emergencies and high-risk situations
- Advising the Leadership Team on sensitive public relations and communications issues
- Coordinating global media engagement during humanitarian responses and fundraising appeals
- Strengthening relationships with international journalists, media outlets, and communications partners
- Supporting advocacy campaigns, research initiatives, and global partnerships through strategic communications
- Monitoring global media trends and analysing reputational risks
- Developing media policies, guidance, and best practices across the organisation
- Leading a high-performing global media team and managing specialist consultants where required
The position also carries responsibility for team planning, budget oversight, and capability development across Plan International’s communications network.
Leading Global Crisis Communications
One of the role’s primary responsibilities will be managing communications during humanitarian emergencies and crisis situations.
The Head of Global Media and Public Relations will:
- Coordinate international media responses during humanitarian crises
- Develop messaging for emergency situations
- Guide media positioning during high-profile events
- Support fundraising communications linked to humanitarian appeals
- Protect and strengthen Plan International’s global reputation during complex operational environments
The organisation is seeking a leader who can make sound decisions under pressure while ensuring timely and effective communication across multiple regions.
Supporting Global Advocacy and External Engagement
The role extends beyond media relations to support Plan International’s broader advocacy and policy objectives.
The successful candidate will provide communications leadership across:
- Global advocacy campaigns
- Humanitarian programmes
- Research and knowledge management
- Government relations
- Strategic partnerships
- Sponsorship initiatives
- Policy engagement
By aligning communications with organisational priorities, the role will help amplify Plan International’s impact on international policy discussions and public awareness.
Candidate Requirements
Plan International is looking for an experienced communications professional with a strong background in international media and strategic public relations.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Extensive experience leading global media relations and securing international media coverage
- Proven success developing and implementing global communications strategies
- Strong expertise in crisis communications and reputation management
- Experience working in complex international organisations
- Background advising senior executives on high-profile public issues
- Excellent strategic thinking and analytical skills
- Experience working across Africa, Asia, and Latin America
- Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership-building abilities
- Excellent project management and organisational skills
- Experience leading and developing multicultural teams
A professional background in journalism, communications, or media is highly desirable, while previous experience within the international development or humanitarian sector will be an added advantage.
Skills and Leadership Qualities
The ideal candidate will possess a combination of technical expertise and leadership capability.
Essential skills include:
- Strategic communications planning
- International media relations
- Crisis and issues management
- Executive communications
- Reputation management
- Team leadership and coaching
- Stakeholder engagement
- Negotiation and problem-solving
- Cross-cultural collaboration
Candidates must also be fluent in English, with additional language skills considered beneficial.
Flexible International Location
The position offers significant geographic flexibility, allowing the successful candidate to work from one of Plan International’s employing offices across multiple regions.
Eligible locations include countries in:
- Africa
- Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- North America
- Latin America
Applicants must already possess the legal right to live and work in the country from which they intend to be employed. Working hours aligned with the UTC time zone are preferred to facilitate collaboration across global teams.
Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Safeguarding
Plan International continues to emphasise equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout its global workforce.
The organisation welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.
As a child-focused humanitarian organisation, Plan International maintains strict safeguarding standards. Successful applicants will undergo comprehensive pre-employment checks, including participation in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and safeguarding verification processes.
Application Deadline
Interested professionals are encouraged to submit their applications before the official closing date:
- Position: Head of Global Media and Public Relations
- Organisation: Plan International
- Employment Type: Permanent or fixed-term contract
- Location: Globally flexible
- Application Deadline: Sunday, 12 July 2026
Opportunity to Shape Global Humanitarian Communications
The Head of Global Media and Public Relations position offers a unique opportunity for senior communications professionals to influence global conversations around children’s rights, gender equality, and humanitarian action.
With responsibility for international media strategy, crisis communications, executive advisory, and reputation management, the successful candidate will play a central role in strengthening Plan International’s global voice while supporting life-changing programmes for children and young people worldwide.
