The Oxfam Head of Humanitarian OIA position offers a unique opportunity for experienced humanitarian leaders to shape emergency preparedness and response across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Oxfam is seeking an outstanding professional to provide strategic leadership for humanitarian operations, influence policy, strengthen regional preparedness, and guide emergency response efforts across multiple African countries. This prestigious role sits within Oxfam in Africa’s senior leadership structure and plays a critical role in advancing locally led humanitarian action.
Applications are currently open for this highly influential position.
About Oxfam
The Oxfam Head of Humanitarian OIA role is based within Oxfam in Africa (OiA), a continental platform working to create a more equal and just Africa.
Oxfam is a global movement operating in more than 76 countries and bringing together 22 affiliates and the Oxfam International Secretariat. The organization works to end poverty, inequality, and injustice while responding to humanitarian emergencies and advocating for vulnerable communities.
Oxfam’s work focuses on:
- Humanitarian response
- Climate justice
- Gender equality
- Economic justice
- Accountable governance
- Community resilience
The organization works closely with local communities, civil society organizations, governments, and international partners to drive sustainable change.
Oxfam Head of Humanitarian OIA Overview
The Oxfam Head of Humanitarian OIA position is a two-year fixed-term international leadership role.
Position Details
- Position: Head of Humanitarian OIA
- Organization: Oxfam in Africa
- Contract Type: Fixed-Term (2 Years)
- Location: Any country with an Oxfam office or presence
- Grade: B1 International
- Closing Date: 20 June 2026
- Working Arrangement: Flexible
This role reports directly to the Programmes and Influencing Director for Oxfam in Africa while maintaining matrix management responsibilities with Oxfam’s Global Humanitarian Team.
Why the Oxfam Head of Humanitarian OIA Opportunity Matters
The Oxfam Head of Humanitarian OIA role comes at a critical time for humanitarian action across Africa.
The continent continues to face multiple challenges, including:
- Climate-related emergencies
- Food insecurity
- Conflict-driven displacement
- Public health crises
- Economic shocks
Oxfam is committed to strengthening locally led humanitarian responses and empowering communities to build resilience before disasters occur.
This leadership position will directly influence how humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across Africa.
Key Responsibilities of the Oxfam Head of Humanitarian OIA
The successful candidate will provide strategic and operational leadership across Oxfam’s humanitarian portfolio.
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement humanitarian strategies.
- Guide regional emergency preparedness initiatives.
- Strengthen humanitarian coordination mechanisms.
- Ensure alignment with Oxfam’s global priorities.
Emergency Response Management
- Oversee large-scale humanitarian responses.
- Coordinate rapid emergency deployments.
- Ensure timely and effective crisis interventions.
- Monitor response quality and effectiveness.
Team Leadership
- Manage a team of humanitarian advisors.
- Build staff capacity and performance.
- Promote collaboration across country offices.
- Support leadership development initiatives.
Policy and Advocacy
- Influence humanitarian policy discussions.
- Represent Oxfam at high-level forums.
- Engage governments and UN agencies.
- Promote locally led humanitarian approaches.
Partnership Development
- Strengthen relationships with partners.
- Collaborate with affiliates and stakeholders.
- Support local civil society organizations.
- Advance humanitarian innovation initiatives.
Skills Required for the Oxfam Head of Humanitarian OIA Position
The ideal candidate for the Oxfam Head of Humanitarian OIA role will possess significant humanitarian leadership experience.
Essential Qualifications
- Extensive humanitarian leadership experience.
- Proven emergency response management expertise.
- Strong understanding of humanitarian standards.
- Experience working across multiple countries.
- Strategic planning and decision-making abilities.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strong communication and negotiation capabilities.
Language Requirements
Candidates must possess:
- Excellent English communication skills.
- Strong French communication skills.
Bilingual capability is essential due to the regional nature of the role.
Technical Expertise
Successful applicants should demonstrate experience in:
- Humanitarian preparedness
- Crisis coordination
- Protection programming
- Gender-responsive humanitarian action
- Risk management
- Humanitarian policy development
Working Across Africa
One of the most exciting aspects of the Oxfam Head of Humanitarian OIA role is its continental scope.
The position supports humanitarian programming throughout Sub-Saharan Africa and requires collaboration with:
- National governments
- United Nations agencies
- Local NGOs
- Community organizations
- International donors
- Regional institutions
Frequent travel may be required, including deployment to emergency contexts when necessary.
Oxfam’s Commitment to Humanitarian Excellence
Oxfam remains one of the world’s most respected humanitarian organizations because of its commitment to:
Locally Led Humanitarian Action
Oxfam believes communities should lead responses affecting their lives.
Feminist Leadership
The organization actively promotes gender equality and women’s leadership.
Accountability
Transparency and accountability remain central to Oxfam’s operations.
Inclusion
Oxfam works to ensure marginalized voices are represented and empowered.
Benefits of Joining Oxfam
Professionals joining Oxfam gain access to:
Global Impact
Lead initiatives that improve lives across Africa.
International Leadership Experience
Work with some of the world’s leading humanitarian experts.
Career Growth
Gain exposure to complex emergencies and high-level policy engagement.
Flexible Working
Oxfam supports flexible and adaptive working arrangements.
Competitive Compensation
Salary is aligned with Oxfam International’s global pay structure and includes international staff benefits where applicable.
How to Apply for the Oxfam Head of Humanitarian OIA Position
Interested candidates should submit:
- An updated CV
- A tailored cover letter
Your application should clearly demonstrate how your experience meets the essential criteria outlined in the job profile.
Because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
The application deadline is:
20 June 2026 at 23:59 GMT/BST/EAT
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
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Final Thoughts
The Oxfam Head of Humanitarian OIA vacancy is one of the most influential humanitarian leadership opportunities currently available in Africa.
For experienced humanitarian professionals seeking to drive large-scale impact, strengthen locally led humanitarian action, and contribute to building resilient communities across the continent, this role offers an exceptional platform for leadership and change.
With responsibility for shaping emergency preparedness and response across Sub-Saharan Africa, the successful candidate will help influence the future of humanitarian action while advancing Oxfam’s mission to fight poverty, inequality, and injustice.
