About The Role
Closing date: 20th June 2026 @23:59 GMT/BST/EAT
Location: Any country with an Oxfam office/presence subject to being able to establish a contract of employment directly or via hosting affiliate
Contract: Fixed term – 2 Years
Internal Job Grade: B1, International
Salary: In line with Oxfam International's pay range Includes core benefits and global entitlements for internationally relocated staff
We believe flexible working is key to building the Secretariat of the future, so we're open to talking through the type of working arrangements that might work for you.
The Role
Oxfam in Africa is seeking an exceptional Head of Humanitarian to provide strategic leadership and oversight of humanitarian preparedness and response across Sub-Saharan Africa.
As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will shape and drive Oxfam's humanitarian strategy, ensuring that responses to crises are timely, high-quality, and aligned with global standards. You will lead a team of humanitarian advisors, drive regional preparedness efforts, oversee emergency responses, and strengthen collaboration across country offices, affiliates, and Oxfam's Global Humanitarian Team, while contributing to humanitarian policy and influencing, and advancing the LHL agenda and Oxfam's global commitments.
This is a highly influential role that combines strategic leadership, operational oversight, and external representation, ensuring Oxfam remains a leading humanitarian actor across the continent.
This role reports to the Programmes and Influencing Director for Oxfam in Africa, with matrix management by the GHT Deputy Humanitarian Director.
What we're looking for
We are seeking a strategic and experienced humanitarian leader with strong proven experience of managing complex emergency responses across diverse contexts. You will bring deep expertise in humanitarian preparedness, response coordination, and policy development, combined with a solid understanding of gender, protection, and internationally recognized humanitarian standards.
You will be an analytical and decisive thinker, able to navigate complexity, lead high-performing teams, and influence a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, UN agencies, and partners. Strong communication skills in both English and French are essential, along with the ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, high-pressure environments and to travel frequently at short notice, including for extended periods.
Above all, you will be values-driven, committed to feminist principles, and passionate about advancing equality, resilience, and social justice across Africa.
Why join us.
Join a vibrant, Africa platform committed to decolonizing humanitarian action and championing feminist, locally-led-leadership. This is a rare opportunity to shape how Oxfam responds to Africa's most pressing crises, and to help build more resilient, equitable and community-led systems for the future.
What we offer
At Oxfam, we believe that every aspect of our work can lead to a positive outcome. If you share this view, along with the ability to meet the challenges involved, this role offers scope for immense personal fulfilment – as well as outstanding opportunities to develop your career. Oxfam is committed to providing a fair compensation package based on a 36-hour work week.
For complete job description and to apply, visit:
https://oxfam.current-vacancies.com/Jobs/Advert/4209215?cid=3360&t=Head-of-Humanitarian-OIA
HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit an up-to-date CV and a cover letter here (https://oxfam.current-vacancies.com/Jobs/Advert/4209215?cid=3360), clearly explaining your suitability against the essential criteria in the Job Profile.
Due to the urgent need to fill this position, we will be longlisting applications on a rolling basis as they are received and may begin the shortlisting and interview process before the closing date. We therefore encourage interested candidates to apply early.
Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. As we are reviewing applications on a rolling basis, contact may be made before the closing date.