The Role
Oxfam in Africa is looking for a highly skilled Head of Humanitarian to lead and manage the strategic direction and overall coordination of humanitarian preparedness and response initiatives throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.
As a vital part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will develop and implement Oxfam’s humanitarian strategy, guaranteeing that crisis responses are prompt, effective, and compliant with international benchmarks. You will spearhead a team of humanitarian advisors, advance regional readiness initiatives, manage emergency interventions, and foster cohesive partnerships among country offices, affiliates, and Oxfam’s Global Humanitarian Team. Additionally, you will contribute to humanitarian policy formulation, advocate for strategic influence, and advance the Localization of Humanitarian Leadership (LHL) agenda alongside Oxfam’s global commitments.
This position demands strategic leadership, operational oversight, and external representation, positioning Oxfam as a leading humanitarian actor throughout the continent.
The position operates under the oversight of the Programs and Influencing Director at Oxfam in Africa, with additional matrix management responsibilities delegated to the Deputy Humanitarian Director of the Global Humanitarian Team (GHT).
What we’re looking for
A seasoned humanitarian leader with a strategic mindset and extensive expertise in managing multifaceted emergency responses across varied environments is being sought. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a robust track record in humanitarian preparedness, response coordination, and policy formulation, alongside a comprehensive grasp of gender considerations, protection principles, and globally recognized humanitarian benchmarks.
You must demonstrate strong analytical and decisive judgment, adeptly managing complexity while leading high-performing teams and engaging with diverse stakeholders—such as governments, UN agencies, and partners. Fluency in both English and French is required, as is the capacity to thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure settings and to undertake frequent, short-notice travel, including extended assignments.
You will embody a deep commitment to feminist values and demonstrate unwavering dedication to promoting equality, resilience, and social justice throughout Africa.
We invite you to consider joining our team and becoming a part of an organization dedicated to excellence and innovation. Our company offers a dynamic and supportive work environment where your contributions are valued, and your professional growth is encouraged. If you are seeking a challenging role that aligns with your skills and career aspirations, we welcome you to explore the opportunities we provide. Together, we strive to achieve meaningful results while fostering collaboration and creativity.
Become part of a dynamic Africa-focused initiative dedicated to reimagining humanitarian efforts through a decolonized lens while advancing feminist principles and locally driven leadership. This exceptional opportunity empowers you to influence Oxfam’s strategic response to Africa’s most urgent challenges, fostering stronger, fairer, and community-anchored systems for sustainable impact.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
