Oxfam Hiring: Business Operations Lead – Drive Strategy, Finance, and Risk in Global Humanitarian Work. Business Operations Lead Role at Oxfam Kenya – Drive Strategic Financial Planning, Risk Management & Compliance | Apply by August 5, 2025
Background & Job Description
Oxfam Kenya is inviting applications for the pivotal position of Business Operations Lead (INT11154). This fixed-term role offers a hybrid work environment in Nairobi, Kenya, and is central to delivering strategic oversight in financial planning, business intelligence, risk mitigation, and performance management.
This role is part of the Business Support & Admin Job Family under Oxfam’s International Division, graded at B2, with a 35-hour work week. The successful applicant will be instrumental in ensuring strategic alignment and operational efficiency during a transformative phase for Oxfam Kenya.
As a prospective affiliate of Oxfam International, Oxfam Kenya is building a localized model of leadership and advocacy to combat poverty, foster equity, and deliver humanitarian aid. This transformation demands robust operational systems and a dynamic leader to manage business services and ensure compliance with global financial standards.
The Business Operations Lead will be at the heart of operational transformation, tasked with improving systems, safeguarding resources, and providing strategic counsel to uphold financial integrity. This role is especially crucial in the context of Oxfam Kenya’s four core programmatic focus areas:
- Governance and Accountability
- Natural Resource Management
- Gender Justice and Women’s Rights
- Humanitarian Systems Strengthening
This is a high-impact opportunity to join one of the world’s most respected development organizations and shape the operational future of its Kenyan affiliate.
Oxfam Hiring: Business Operations Lead – Drive Strategy, Finance, and Risk in Global Humanitarian Work
Tasks
Performance Management & Business Intelligence
- Lead the development of operational plans and manage financial planning, budgeting, and reporting for the Kenyan office.
- Oversee business intelligence initiatives to guide strategic decision-making and drive continuous improvement.
- Analyze the implications of various financing strategies and assess their potential impact on Oxfam Kenya’s objectives.
- Monitor funding gaps and collaborate with the Business Development Lead to secure financial sustainability.
- Deliver real-time financial reports and counsel to support evidence-based programmatic investment decisions.
- Maintain high-quality financial information aligned with Oxfam’s global reporting requirements.
- Provide financial oversight of partner organizations to ensure compliance with donor regulations.
- Guide outsourcing strategies for critical business services to improve operational efficiency.
Risk Management
- Conduct ongoing risk analyses, such as trend and variance analysis, across operational areas.
- Collaborate with program leads to implement preventative strategies for managing financial and operational risks.
- Ensure organizational compliance with local and international legal and financial reporting standards.
- Lead risk mitigation efforts related to anti-terrorism financing, money laundering, and financial fraud.
- Implement strong internal controls to prevent financial misconduct.
Strategic Coordination & Transformation
- Oversee the implementation of new operational systems, processes, and policies in collaboration with pillar leads.
- Promote organizational unity through the One Oxfam approach, encouraging inclusive participation across functions.
- Support transformation efforts, including organizational change initiatives and regional action plans.
Capacity Building
- Support training initiatives to build financial literacy and procedural compliance among staff and partners.
- Develop and implement best practices in financial governance.
- Assist in creating performance frameworks for operational and financial functions.
Reporting & Compliance
- Ensure the timely and accurate preparation of reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Establish and manage key performance indicators to monitor project outcomes.
- Align operations with the Global Program Influencing and Investment Framework (GPIIF).
- Support the regional reimbursement process with accurate financial data and reporting.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
- A bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, public policy, development studies, or a closely related field.
- Professional certification in finance or risk management is an added advantage.
Experience
- Proven track record in strategic financial planning, budgeting, and risk assessment.
- Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in financial management or operational leadership, preferably within international NGOs or development organizations.
- Demonstrated ability to implement internal controls and ensure policy compliance.
- Experience overseeing complex program budgets and donor compliance.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Knowledge of Kenyan regulatory frameworks and donor requirements.
Additional Information
Organizational Culture & Values
Oxfam Kenya is deeply committed to the values of Inclusion, Accountability, Empowerment, Courage, Solidarity, and Equality. The organization seeks individuals who uphold these principles and are prepared to apply feminist leadership values in both personal conduct and professional roles.
Successful candidates must:
- Embrace Oxfam’s code of conduct and uphold safeguarding policies.
- Be open to learning and evolving in line with intersectional justice and diversity principles.
- Be willing to undergo background checks, including criminal records and anti-terrorism finance screenings.
- Understand that employment offers are subject to satisfactory references and ethical compliance.
Diversity & Inclusion Commitment
Oxfam recognizes the power of diversity and strives to build an inclusive workplace where individuals from various backgrounds can thrive. Applicants of all genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities, and socioeconomic statuses are encouraged to apply.
The organization is particularly interested in applicants who bring diverse lived experiences and can contribute to dismantling systemic inequalities.
Application Process
To apply for this role, candidates must:
- Submit an up-to-date CV.
- Write a compelling Cover Letter explaining suitability based on the essential criteria.
- Complete the Job Matching Template provided by Oxfam Kenya.
Deadline for Application: August 5, 2025
Please note: Upload all documents in the appropriate sections of the online application portal. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Safeguarding Measures
Oxfam Kenya places a strong emphasis on the safety of all people with whom the organization interacts. The successful candidate must be prepared to:
- Undertake safeguarding training.
- Adhere to safeguarding policies designed to prevent exploitation, abuse, and misconduct.
- Participate in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.
About Oxfam
Oxfam is a global community dedicated to ending poverty and fighting inequality. With a presence in more than 90 countries, the organization collaborates with grassroots partners to build resilient communities and shape systems that serve all people equitably.
As part of the broader Oxfam International confederation, Oxfam Kenya is advancing localized leadership, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, and implementing systemic changes through its core focus areas.
Join a dynamic organization where people power drives sustainable change, and every role plays a part in creating a future free from poverty.
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