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 experienced and influential leader to head its African Union (AU) Advocacy & Liaison Office in Addis Ababa.
As a member of the Africa Platform Senior Leadership Team, you will lead Oxfam’s engagement with the African Union and its institutions, shaping and delivering high-impact advocacy strategies that influence continental policy and practice. You will serve as Oxfam’s principal representative to the AU, building strategic relationships and positioning Oxfam as a trusted and credible partner.
This role is central to advancing Oxfam’s mission across Africa – linking continental policy spaces with country-level realities and ensuring that advocacy efforts are coherent, impactful, and grounded in the lived experiences of communities.
This role reports to the Africa Director, with matrix management by the Director ACE (Advocacy, Campaigns & Engagement).
What we're looking for
We are looking for a senior advocacy and influencing leader with extensive experience engaging with the African Union or similar multilateral institutions. You bring a strong track record of designing and delivering impactful influencing strategies, combining policy, advocacy, media, and partnerships to achieve meaningful change.
You are a skilled relationship builder and negotiator, able to operate effectively in complex, multi-stakeholder environments and influence at the highest levels. With strong strategic thinking and political analysis skills, you can translate AU processes into actionable opportunities for impact across countries and partners.
An experienced leader, you are comfortable managing diverse teams and working across a global network, while fostering collaboration and accountability. You demonstrate a deep understanding of Africa’s socio-political landscape and are committed to feminist, decolonial, and partner-led approaches.
Professional proficiency in English and French is essential.
Why Join Us
This is a rare opportunity to influence policy and practice at the highest continental level. At Oxfam, you will shape our engagement with the African Union, drive advocacy on critical issues such as inequality, poverty, and justice, and work alongside governments, diplomats, and global institutions to deliver real change. As part of a diverse and collaborative leadership team, you will help bridge continental policy with community impact, ensuring that high-level decisions translate into meaningful outcomes for people across Africa.
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.
How to apply
If you are passionate about influencing continental policy and strengthening engagement with the African Union to drive impactful change across Africa, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit an up-to-date CV and a cover letter https://oxfam.current-vacancies.com/Jobs/Advert/4325897?cid=3360 clearly outlining your suitability against the essential criteria in the Job Profile for the Head of AU Advocacy & Liaison Office role.
Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, usually within 2 weeks of the closing date.
About us
Oxfam is a global movement of people working together to end the injustice of poverty.
That means we tackle the inequality that keeps people poor. Together we save, protect and rebuild lives. When disaster strikes, we help people build better lives for themselves, and for others. We take on issues like land rights, climate change and discrimination against women. And we won’t stop until every person on the planet can enjoy life free from poverty.
We are an international confederation of 22 organizations (affiliates) plus the Oxfam International Secretariat, working together with partners and local communities in the areas of humanitarian, development and campaigning, in more than 76 countries.
Oxfam in Africa (OiA) is a continental platform overseeing country offices in Africa and working with civil society organizations, academics, governments, and private sector, to create a more equal Africa by challenging power structures that perpetuate inequality and injustice. In doing so, Oxfam in Africa provides dynamic thought leadership and a space to collaborate with its partners. Oxfam in Africa plays a leading role in supporting and empowering local communities, promoting gender equality, advocating for policy changes, and building the capacity of local civil society organisations.
All our work is led by our core values: Empowerment, Accountability, Inclusiveness, Courage, Solidarity and Equality.
Our commitment to safeguarding
Oxfam is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behavior at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. Oxfam expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.
Note: All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and may be subject to appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Oxfam International Secretariat also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, if a job applicant has been employed by another member of the scheme, we will request information from that organization about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of this recruitment procedure.