The Moving Minds Alliance Expert Advisory Group 2026–2028 is inviting applications from experts with lived experience of forced displacement, humanitarian crises, emergencies, and other crisis-affected situations. This opportunity is designed for individuals who can bring authentic community perspectives, professional expertise, and practical knowledge to international efforts to improve early childhood development and the care and support available to young children and their caregivers affected by emergencies and displacement.
The Expert Advisory Group (EAG) works alongside the Moving Minds Alliance Steering Committee and Core Team to ensure that the Alliance’s governance, strategy, advocacy, and activities reflect the realities, priorities, and needs of children and caregivers living through crises. Selected advisors will have opportunities to contribute to policy discussions, advocacy initiatives, disability inclusion, safeguarding, education, research, communications, and collaboration with local and refugee-led organisations.
The new cohort will serve a two-year term from 30 October 2026 to 30 October 2028, with the possibility of one further two-year renewal by mutual agreement. Members may receive an honorarium of up to US$2,000 per year, subject to participation, contribution, funding availability, and the applicable approval and payment procedures.
Applications close at 12:00 BST on Thursday, 15 October 2026. Interested candidates should review the role description and Terms of Reference carefully before completing the official online application form.
Overview of the Moving Minds Alliance Expert Advisory Group 2026–2028
The following table summarises the main details of this opportunity.
| Opportunity detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity name | Moving Minds Alliance Expert Advisory Group 2026–2028 |
| Organisation | Moving Minds Alliance (MMA) |
| Group | Expert Advisory Group (EAG) |
| Main focus | Early Childhood Development in Emergencies and Crises |
| Opportunity format | Expert advisory and strategic contribution role |
| Eligible applicants | Experts with lived experience of forced displacement, crises, emergencies, or displacement-affected contexts |
| Term duration | Two years |
| Term dates | 30 October 2026–30 October 2028 |
| Renewal | One additional two-year term may be agreed mutually |
| Indicative honorarium | Up to US$2,000 per year, normally up to US$500 per quarter |
| Estimated core time commitment | Approximately 15 hours per quarter, or around five hours per month |
| Annual meeting | Three-day in-person meeting, with travel |
| Application deadline | 15 October 2026, at 12:00 BST |
| Application method | Online application form |
What Is the Moving Minds Alliance?
The Moving Minds Alliance is a collaborative alliance of organisations, funders, and academic institutions working to advance Early Childhood Development in Emergencies (ECDiE). Its work focuses on improving the care, protection, development, and well-being of young children and their caregivers in humanitarian crises, conflict settings, forced displacement, and other emergency situations.
Early childhood is a critical stage of human development. When families experience conflict, displacement, natural disasters, or other emergencies, young children may face interrupted education and care, limited access to health and protection services, psychological distress, disability-related barriers, and separation from familiar support systems. Caregivers may also experience insecurity, economic hardship, displacement-related stress, and reduced access to essential services.
Addressing these challenges requires more than humanitarian assistance alone. It requires coordination between local organisations, governments, international agencies, researchers, funders, and the communities directly affected by crises.
The Moving Minds Alliance supports this broader approach by bringing together organisations and stakeholders working to improve early childhood development in emergency contexts. Its work includes advocacy, research, learning, knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and support for initiatives that strengthen services for children and caregivers.
A central principle of this work is that people who have personally experienced forced displacement and crises should have meaningful opportunities to influence the decisions, programmes, and policies that affect their communities.
What Is the Expert Advisory Group?
The Moving Minds Alliance established its Expert Advisory Group in 2024 to strengthen meaningful refugee participation and leadership within the Alliance. The group brings together experts with lived experience of crisis and displacement who can provide practical insights, strategic advice, and community-informed perspectives.
Although the EAG has a formal advisory role, its contribution extends beyond providing recommendations to the Steering Committee. Members can actively participate in programme design, advocacy, communications, strategic initiatives, disability inclusion work, webinar and meeting organisation, and support for the Alliance’s Research Fellowship Programme.
The EAG is intended to function as an integrated part of the Moving Minds Alliance rather than simply as an external advisory mechanism.
Its work helps ensure that the Alliance’s priorities remain connected to the experiences of children, caregivers, refugees, internally displaced people, stateless persons, and other communities affected by humanitarian crises.
Through this role, members can help identify gaps in existing responses, recommend improvements to policies and programmes, strengthen relationships with local and refugee-led organisations, and ensure that affected communities are represented in discussions about early childhood development in emergencies.
Objectives of the Expert Advisory Group
The EAG contributes to the Moving Minds Alliance’s mission through several interconnected objectives.
1. Strengthening lived-experience leadership
One of the group’s principal objectives is to ensure that people with lived experience of forced displacement and crisis have meaningful influence over the Alliance’s strategy and activities.
Advisors can contribute perspectives based on their personal experiences, community relationships, professional knowledge, and understanding of the practical challenges faced by families affected by emergencies.
2. Improving early childhood development in emergencies
Members help the Alliance understand how humanitarian policies, programmes, and interventions affect young children and their caregivers.
Their contributions can inform advocacy, programme design, research, learning, and the development of resources that respond to the needs of crisis-affected families.
3. Strengthening local and refugee-led organisations
The EAG supports greater engagement with refugee-led organisations, local-led organisations, and other community-based actors working directly with affected populations.
Members can help identify relevant networks, share technical knowledge, facilitate connections, and encourage more equitable partnerships across the humanitarian sector.
4. Promoting inclusive and accountable decision-making
The group provides recommendations to the Steering Committee and contributes to discussions about strategic priorities, membership, partnerships, and working groups.
Its advisory function helps the Alliance identify gaps between organisational plans and the realities experienced by affected communities.
5. Supporting advocacy, learning, and knowledge-sharing
Members can contribute to advocacy messages, publications, campaigns, meetings, training activities, and knowledge-sharing platforms.
They may also help connect the Alliance with relevant stakeholders and opportunities in their regions.
Who Can Apply for the 2026–2028 Expert Advisory Group?
The application form begins with an essential eligibility question asking whether the applicant identifies as an expert with lived experience of forced displacement and/or crisis and emergencies.
The form specifically refers to the following groups and circumstances:
- Refugees.
- Stateless persons.
- Internally displaced persons (IDPs).
- Local experts living in a crisis context.
- People with lived experience of war and armed conflict.
- People affected by climate-related emergencies.
- People affected by natural disasters.
- Other individuals with lived experience of forced displacement, crises, or emergencies.
Applicants should understand that the opportunity is specifically intended for people who can contribute expertise grounded in lived experience of these situations.
The application form asks candidates to select either Yes or No in response to the lived-experience eligibility question. Applicants should answer truthfully and ensure that their circumstances align with the stated criterion.
However, satisfying this initial eligibility criterion does not automatically guarantee selection. Candidates should also review the complete role description and application requirements to understand the experience, expertise, and regional perspectives sought for the incoming cohort.
Regional representation and international participation
The EAG uses a mixed approach to regional representation, combining focus-country and regional seats with global seats.
The current focus areas include:
- Syria and the Arab world: Advisors with relevant lived experience and connections to Syria or the surrounding region.
- Colombia and Latin America: Advisors with relevant lived experience and connections to Colombia or the wider Latin American region.
- Nigeria and West Africa: Advisors with relevant lived experience and connections to Nigeria or the surrounding region.
- Other global regions: Additional opportunities are intended to bring in perspectives from regions that are not adequately represented in the Alliance, including East Asia and East Africa.
Where a focus-country seat cannot be filled by a qualified applicant from that specific country, the Alliance may consider a qualified applicant from the surrounding region. For example, an applicant from another Latin American country may be considered for the Colombia-linked seat.
The Terms of Reference states that the EAG currently has a maximum membership of five experts. The Alliance may explore expanding the group to seven members, subject to funding availability.
This approach is designed to improve regional diversity and ensure that the group reflects the range of contexts affected by crisis and displacement.
Applicants should not assume that every country or region has an equal number of seats. Regional representation and the Alliance’s current priorities will influence the composition of the incoming group.
Roles and Responsibilities of Selected Advisors
Selected members will be expected to participate actively in the work of the Moving Minds Alliance. The role involves attending meetings, reviewing policies and strategies, contributing to initiatives, engaging with partners, and helping ensure that the perspectives of affected communities are reflected in the Alliance’s work.
1. Participate in scheduled meetings
Members are expected to attend and contribute to quarterly EAG meetings, which are approximately 1.5 hours each.
They will also participate in monthly project team meetings, biannual meetings with the MMA Steering Committee, and the three-day in-person annual meeting.
Occasional additional meetings may be organised when urgent issues or emergency matters require discussion.
2. Prepare for meetings and follow up on actions
Advisors should review relevant materials before meetings, prepare their contributions, and follow up on agreed action points.
The Terms of Reference estimates that core participation, including meetings, preparation, and follow-up, typically requires approximately 15 hours per quarter, equivalent to around five hours per month.
Additional contributions to specific projects or workstreams may require more time.
3. Provide expertise and community-informed perspectives
Members will contribute their knowledge of the challenges faced by children and caregivers affected by displacement.
They may advise on how humanitarian coordination, services, policies, and advocacy can better respond to the needs of crisis-affected communities.
Their contributions should help ensure that decisions are informed by practical realities rather than relying solely on institutional or external perspectives.
4. Review policies and recommend improvements
Advisors may review strategies, policy documents, advocacy materials, and programme approaches developed by the Alliance.
They are expected to identify gaps, recommend improvements, and help ensure that the needs and perspectives of affected communities are considered.
5. Advise the MMA Steering Committee
Members participate in meetings with the Steering Committee twice a year to review progress against the Alliance’s strategy and advise on strategic priorities.
These discussions may cover membership, equitable partnerships, the development of working groups, and other issues relevant to the Alliance’s direction.
The EAG’s role remains advisory. Where the Steering Committee decides not to act on a recommendation, it is expected to provide clear feedback and a reasoned justification.
6. Contribute to projects and strategic initiatives
Members may volunteer to lead or contribute substantially to particular workstreams and outputs, depending on their expertise, interests, and availability.
Examples include drafting or co-leading strategic documents, developing guides, contributing to campaigns, reviewing publications, and helping deliver project outputs.
The Alliance aims to offer flexibility rather than assigning every member a rigid set of responsibilities. Contributions can be matched to each member’s strengths through an annual skills and expertise mapping exercise.
7. Represent the Alliance in advocacy activities
Where appropriate and feasible, advisors may represent the Moving Minds Alliance at global, regional, or local advocacy events.
They can contribute to discussions about early childhood development in emergencies, displacement, disability inclusion, child protection, and the needs of affected families.
8. Strengthen the Alliance’s visibility and community engagement
Members may help the Alliance connect with communities, organisations, and stakeholders in the countries and regions they represent.
This can include supporting public engagement, media activities, advocacy events, and other forms of communication where appropriate.
9. Engage directly with Alliance members
Advisors can share tools, resources, practical lessons, good practices, and technical knowledge with organisations that are members of the Moving Minds Alliance.
They may also support members facing specific advocacy, technical, or contextual challenges.
10. Support local and refugee-led organisations
An important part of the role is using lived experience and professional expertise to support local organisations and refugee-led organisations working directly with refugee communities.
This may involve sharing information, strengthening connections, supporting advocacy, and contributing to efforts that promote more equitable collaboration.
11. Collaborate with other stakeholders
EAG members are expected to work constructively with other advisors, the MMA Core Team, the Steering Committee, and the Strategy Committee.
Effective communication, collaboration, respect for different perspectives, and a shared commitment to the Alliance’s objectives are important aspects of the role.
Priority Thematic Areas for the 2026–2028 Cohort
The Terms of Reference identifies several priority thematic areas for the next phase of the EAG’s work. These priorities will help inform the skills-mapping process and recruitment of incoming members.
Disability inclusion
Disability inclusion is a priority because children with disabilities may face additional barriers to protection, education, development, and essential services during emergencies.
Relevant areas of contribution include:
- Early screening and identification of children with disabilities.
- Case management and referral pathways.
- Inclusive education in humanitarian settings.
- Advocacy for children with disabilities who experience barriers to education and services.
- Strengthening disability-inclusive approaches in the Alliance’s focus countries.
Applicants with relevant lived experience, technical expertise, or professional knowledge in disability inclusion may be well positioned to contribute to this work.
Safeguarding and child protection
Safeguarding and child protection are essential to ensuring that children’s rights, safety, and well-being remain central to humanitarian programming.
The EAG may contribute to discussions about child protection programmes, safeguarding approaches, and ways to ensure that interventions respond appropriately to the needs of children affected by crises.
Members can help identify concerns, share community perspectives, and recommend approaches that prioritise children’s well-being.
Education and well-being
Education and well-being are closely connected to early childhood development, particularly when children experience displacement, conflict, or disruption to essential services.
The priority areas include:
- Education in Emergencies (EiE).
- Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).
- Psychosocial Support (PSS).
- Digital inclusion.
- Equitable access to services.
Contributions in these areas can help the Alliance consider the educational, social, emotional, and developmental needs of children and caregivers in crisis settings.
Impact and learning
The Alliance also seeks to strengthen how it measures the results of its initiatives and advocacy.
This thematic area includes developing clearer indicators and success measures, capturing lessons learned, documenting evidence of change, and demonstrating the outcomes of country-level coalition work.
Advisors can contribute to discussions about how to assess progress and communicate the impact of interventions more effectively.
Expected Work and Contributions During the Term
In addition to participating in meetings and providing strategic advice, members may be asked to review or contribute to specific activities throughout their two-year term.
These activities currently include:
- Ethical engagement: Supporting the rollout of an Ethical Engagement Guide for working with early childhood development in emergencies organisations, refugee-led organisations, local-led organisations, caregivers, and children affected by crises and displacement.
- Diversifying Alliance membership: Helping the Alliance connect with refugee-led and local networks involved in advocacy for children and early childhood development in crisis settings.
- Disability inclusion initiatives: Supporting disability inclusion work in the Alliance’s focus countries.
- Training and capacity strengthening: Supporting the design and delivery of training for refugee-led and local-led organisations in Colombia, Nigeria, and Syria, working alongside the Alliance’s national and local coordinators.
- Advocacy messaging and research: Contributing to the revision of the Alliance’s early childhood development in emergencies advocacy messaging and supporting the development of research and publications.
- Meetings and coordination: Supporting preparations for the Alliance’s annual meeting and RECONNECT meetings.
- Learning platforms: Contributing to learning and knowledge-sharing platforms that enable organisations to exchange experiences and practical information.
- Communications: Supporting communications activities that raise awareness of the needs of young children and caregivers affected by emergencies.
- Regional connections: Connecting the Alliance with early childhood development actors, including local organisations, refugee-led groups, and government stakeholders in members’ regions.
- Sharing regional information: Identifying and sharing relevant funding opportunities, policy discussions, advocacy events, forums, and other developments related to early childhood development in emergencies.
The group may take on additional responsibilities as new challenges emerge. Its focus areas and membership may also be adjusted periodically to maintain relevant expertise and respond to changing needs.
Time Commitment and Participation Requirements
Applicants should consider the time commitment carefully before applying.
The estimated core commitment is approximately 15 hours per quarter, or around five hours per month. This includes participation in scheduled meetings, preparation, and follow-up.
Members should also plan for:
- Quarterly EAG meetings lasting approximately 1.5 hours each.
- Monthly project team meetings.
- Two Steering Committee meetings per year.
- A three-day in-person annual meeting, plus travel.
- Occasional additional meetings when urgent matters arise.
- Additional time for any workstreams, documents, publications, or projects they agree to lead or support.
The amount of time required for additional contributions will depend on the nature of the activity.
The Alliance seeks to accommodate members’ expertise, interests, and availability when identifying opportunities for involvement. However, applicants should be prepared to contribute consistently and communicate proactively if circumstances affect their ability to participate.
If a member cannot attend a meeting or activity, they are expected to inform the MMA Core Team in advance where possible. They should remain informed by reviewing meeting notes and contributing to agreed actions outside meetings.
The Terms of Reference also explains that repeated non-participation can affect membership. If a member misses two out of four quarterly meetings and does not meaningfully contribute to activities outside meetings without valid justification, the Alliance will first discuss the situation with the member and agree on a way forward. If engagement does not improve, membership may be revoked.
Honorarium and Financial Compensation
The Moving Minds Alliance may provide EAG members with an honorarium of up to US$2,000 per year, normally up to US$500 per quarter, in recognition of their time, expertise, and participation.
This is an important financial detail for prospective applicants, but it should be understood correctly: the amount is not presented as a guaranteed salary or fixed payment for every member.
How the honorarium is determined
The quarterly honorarium recognises overall participation and contribution to the EAG.
The assessment takes into account two broad areas.
Core participation
This includes active participation in scheduled meetings, preparation and follow-up, and participation in the annual in-person meeting where applicable and reasonably possible.
Additional contributions
These may include providing technical or strategic input, reviewing or contributing to documents and publications, participating in workstreams, representing the Alliance at external events, and facilitating connections or knowledge exchange.
Members may choose additional contributions according to their expertise, interests, and availability. The nature and extent of this work can vary between members and from one quarter to another.
No fixed monetary amount is attached to an individual activity. The honorarium is determined through an internal assessment of overall participation and contribution during the quarter.
Payment conditions
Honorarium payments are subject to funding availability and the applicable Moving Minds Alliance and International Rescue Committee (IRC) approval and payment procedures.
The Alliance may review arrangements in response to funding or programme developments and aims to provide advance notice of changes where reasonably possible.
Quarterly payments are reviewed by the MMA Operations Officer and Senior Engagement Lead and approved by the MMA Director before processing.
Members may be required to submit an invoice or other payment documentation for administrative purposes. Documentation should generally be submitted within 14 days of the end of each quarter, or by the deadline specified in the Alliance’s payment request.
If a member cannot meet the requested deadline, they should contact the MMA Secretariat promptly to agree on an alternative timeline, subject to the applicable financial and funding deadlines.
The Terms of Reference notes that payments processed through the IRC’s internal finance systems can take several weeks.
Travel and event expenses
The Alliance may provide subsidies to support travel and accommodation for the annual meeting and other events where appropriate.
Pre-approved expenses associated with in-person events are processed separately from the quarterly honorarium and remain subject to the applicable MMA and IRC procedures.
Applicants should therefore distinguish between the potential annual honorarium and any separately approved travel or accommodation support.
Support Provided to Expert Advisory Group Members
The Moving Minds Alliance outlines several forms of support for EAG members.
Meeting organisation and facilitation
The Alliance will arrange quarterly EAG meetings and biannual Steering Committee meetings and support the effective facilitation of discussions.
Access to information and resources
Members will receive relevant materials, resources, and information to help them contribute to the group’s activities and responsibilities.
Networking opportunities
The role provides opportunities to connect with experts, organisations, and stakeholders working in early childhood development in emergencies.
These connections may help members share experiences, develop partnerships, and identify opportunities for collaboration.
Training and capacity development
The Alliance may provide training related to early childhood development in emergencies advocacy and leadership, particularly advocacy and coordination.
Communication about payments
The Alliance aims to communicate transparently about the timing and process for honorarium and daily subsistence allowance (DSA) payments, while recognising that internal finance procedures may affect processing times.
Logistical assistance
Where appropriate, the Alliance may support travel and accommodation for in-person meetings and other relevant events, subject to its approval and logistical procedures.
Values and Code of Conduct
EAG members are expected to uphold the values of the Moving Minds Alliance and conduct themselves professionally throughout their engagement.
The Terms of Reference identifies the following principles.
Integrity: Members should act honestly and transparently in their dealings with the Alliance, fellow advisors, and stakeholders.
Respect: Members should treat other advisors, committee members, staff, partner organisations, and stakeholders respectfully, recognising the value of different perspectives and opinions.
Confidentiality: Members must protect sensitive or proprietary information shared within the group and must not disclose it externally to unauthorised parties.
Collaboration: Members should foster teamwork, constructive communication, and mutual support among advisors and Alliance staff.
Equity and inclusion: Members are expected to promote equitable participation and inclusion, ensuring that the voices of affected communities are heard, respected, and prioritised.
Accountability: Members should honour their commitments, fulfil their responsibilities, and remain accountable for their contributions to the Alliance’s mission.
Values-oriented leadership: Members are expected to act as ambassadors and advocates for the Alliance’s values, including innovation, transparency, strategic thinking, and inclusion.
These principles are important because the EAG works with sensitive experiences, diverse communities, and issues affecting the safety, development, and well-being of children and caregivers.
Duration of Appointment and Renewal
The incoming cohort’s term runs from 30 October 2026 to 30 October 2028.
Each term lasts two years. Members may be offered one additional two-year term by mutual agreement between the member and the Moving Minds Alliance.
Renewal will depend on factors including the member’s continued interest, their contribution during the preceding term, the Alliance’s assessment of the group’s composition and needs, and the approach to regional representation.
Renewal is also subject to funding availability and applicable MMA and IRC approval and payment processes.
Applicants should therefore regard the initial two-year appointment as the defined term and any subsequent renewal as a possibility rather than an automatic entitlement.
How to Apply for the Moving Minds Alliance Expert Advisory Group 2026–2028
Interested applicants should use the official online application form to express their interest in joining the Expert Advisory Group.
Step 1: Review the role description and Terms of Reference
Before applying, carefully review the role description and the Terms of Reference. These documents explain the responsibilities, expected time commitment, regional representation approach, compensation arrangements, and code of conduct.
Understanding these requirements will help you assess whether you can contribute consistently throughout the two-year term.
Step 2: Check the lived-experience eligibility requirement
The application form asks whether you identify as an expert with lived experience of forced displacement and/or crises and emergencies.
The examples provided include refugees, stateless persons, internally displaced people, and local experts living in crisis contexts, including situations involving war, conflict, climate-related emergencies, and natural disasters.
Answer the eligibility question truthfully.
Step 3: Consider your expertise and potential contribution
Reflect on the experience, knowledge, and perspectives you could bring to the group.
Relevant areas include early childhood development, humanitarian response, child protection, safeguarding, disability inclusion, education in emergencies, psychosocial support, research, advocacy, impact measurement, and engagement with refugee-led or local organisations.
The listed themes describe the Alliance’s priorities; applicants should consult the full role description for the complete recruitment criteria.
Step 4: Consider regional representation
The Alliance is seeking a group that reflects its focus countries and a wider range of crisis-affected regions.
Applicants should consider how their lived experience, regional knowledge, community connections, and expertise could contribute to the group’s work.
The regional approach includes Syria and the Arab world, Colombia and Latin America, Nigeria and West Africa, and additional global perspectives, including East Asia and East Africa.
Step 5: Complete the official online application form
Access the application form using the official link below and follow the instructions provided.
Application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1ZWdODomt3g6QCP-8YvIAAAhQ–a6pqWisP7kW4ZOFTDp9A/viewform?usp=header
Ensure that your responses accurately reflect your circumstances and experience, and submit the form before the deadline.
Step 6: Submit before the closing time
The application deadline is Thursday, 15 October 2026, at 12:00 BST.
Applicants should not wait until the final minutes to submit their forms. Allow enough time to review your answers and resolve any technical issues before the closing time.
The application notice states that only successful applicants will be contacted. Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that a lack of immediate communication means their application has been selected or rejected.
Application Deadline and Important Dates
The key dates for this opportunity are:
- Application deadline: Thursday, 15 October 2026, at 12:00 BST.
- Start of appointment: 30 October 2026.
- End of initial appointment: 30 October 2028.
- Potential renewal: One further two-year term, subject to mutual agreement and the Alliance’s requirements.
The deadline is stated in British Summer Time (BST). Applicants in other time zones should convert the closing time to their local time and submit their applications in advance.
Why Consider Joining the Expert Advisory Group?
Joining the Moving Minds Alliance Expert Advisory Group offers an opportunity to contribute directly to international collaboration on early childhood development in emergencies.
The role is particularly relevant to individuals who want lived experience of displacement and crisis to inform humanitarian policy, advocacy, programming, and strategic decision-making.
Potential benefits include:
- Meaningful participation: Help ensure that the perspectives of crisis-affected communities influence the Alliance’s priorities and activities.
- Strategic contribution: Provide recommendations to the Steering Committee and contribute to the development of policies, strategies, and advocacy approaches.
- International collaboration: Work with advisors, humanitarian organisations, researchers, funders, and other stakeholders.
- Knowledge-sharing: Exchange experience, practical lessons, tools, and resources with Alliance members and community-based organisations.
- Thematic engagement: Contribute to disability inclusion, safeguarding, child protection, education, psychosocial support, research, and impact measurement.
- Capacity development: Access potential training related to advocacy, coordination, and leadership.
- Recognition of contributions: Become eligible for an honorarium of up to US$2,000 annually, subject to participation, contribution, funding availability, and approval procedures.
- Regional representation: Help strengthen the visibility and participation of communities and organisations whose experiences may otherwise be underrepresented.
The opportunity also carries responsibilities. Members should be prepared to attend meetings, review materials, respect confidentiality, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute consistently to the group’s work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Moving Minds Alliance Expert Advisory Group a paid opportunity?
The Terms of Reference states that members may receive an honorarium of up to US$2,000 per year, normally up to US$500 per quarter. The amount is determined according to overall participation and contribution and is subject to funding availability and applicable approval and payment procedures. It should not be interpreted as a guaranteed salary.
How long does the appointment last?
The initial appointment runs for two years, from 30 October 2026 to 30 October 2028. One further two-year term may be agreed mutually.
How much time is required each month?
The estimated core commitment is around five hours per month, or approximately 15 hours per quarter. This covers scheduled meetings, preparation, and follow-up. Additional project work, Steering Committee meetings, and the three-day annual meeting require further planning.
Can applicants from outside Syria, Colombia, and Nigeria apply?
The Terms of Reference includes global seats as well as seats linked to focus countries and their surrounding regions. It specifically highlights opportunities to bring in perspectives from underrepresented regions, including East Asia and East Africa. However, the number and distribution of seats depend on the Alliance’s needs and available funding.
Is lived experience of displacement or crisis required?
The application form explicitly asks whether the applicant identifies as an expert with lived experience of forced displacement and/or crisis and emergencies. The form gives examples including refugees, stateless persons, internally displaced people, and local experts living in crisis contexts.
Does the role involve travel?
Yes. Members should plan for a three-day in-person annual meeting, plus travel. The Alliance may provide travel and accommodation subsidies or cover pre-approved expenses where appropriate, subject to its procedures.
Will every applicant receive a response?
The application notice states that only successful applicants will be contacted.
Where can I submit my application?
Click HERE to use the official online application form
Conclusion
The Moving Minds Alliance Expert Advisory Group 2026–2028 offers people with lived experience of forced displacement, emergencies, and crisis contexts an opportunity to influence international work on early childhood development in emergencies. Through strategic advice, advocacy, research, collaboration, and engagement with local and refugee-led organisations, advisors can help ensure that the needs and experiences of young children and their caregivers remain central to humanitarian responses.
The two-year role includes an estimated core commitment of approximately five hours per month, participation in meetings and strategic activities, and the possibility of an honorarium of up to US$2,000 per year, subject to the Alliance’s participation, funding, and payment arrangements.
Candidates should carefully review the responsibilities, eligibility question, regional representation approach, and Terms of Reference before applying.
Application deadline: 15 October 2026 at 12:00 BST.
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