Application Guide

How to Apply for Consultancy to produce Asia policy brief on public services and inequality

at Oxfam

🏢 About Oxfam

Oxfam is a global movement of millions of people working to end poverty and injustice, with a strong focus on systemic change. Its Asia inequality campaign is at the forefront of advocating for universal public services as a solution to extreme inequality, making it a unique platform for policy experts who want their work to drive real-world impact.

About This Role

This consultancy involves producing a high-profile policy brief that synthesizes evidence from multiple Asian countries to argue how inequality is 'rigged from birth' and how five public services can reverse it. The role is impactful because the brief will directly target governments, the IMF, and the World Bank, aiming to shift policy agendas toward universal public services.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing data from country case studies, drafting sections of the brief, and consulting with Oxfam's campaign team to align recommendations with advocacy goals. You may also attend virtual meetings with regional experts to validate findings, then revise based on feedback to ensure the brief is both evidence-based and impactful.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Oxfam Is Looking For

  • Expert in policy research on inequality, public services, or development economics in Asia, with a track record of publishing accessible, advocacy-oriented reports.
  • Strong analytical skills to synthesize complex data from multiple countries into a coherent narrative, with the ability to translate evidence into actionable policy recommendations.
  • Experience working with international organizations or civil society on campaign materials, ideally with knowledge of Oxfam's advocacy approach.
  • Familiarity with key Asian country contexts (e.g., India, Indonesia, Philippines) and the political economy of public service delivery.

📝 Tips for Applying to Oxfam

1

Tailor your cover letter to explicitly connect your past research on inequality or public services in Asia to the brief's theme 'Rigged from Birth'.

2

Include a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to synthesize evidence from multiple countries into a clear, campaignable policy brief.

3

Highlight any experience you have working with advocacy teams or producing content for non-academic audiences.

4

Mention specific knowledge of Oxfam's inequality campaign or similar initiatives, showing you understand their strategic goals.

5

Propose a brief outline or methodology for the policy brief in your application to demonstrate your proactive thinking.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your expertise in Asian inequality and public services, with concrete examples of past policy recommendations that influenced decision-makers.', 'Show your ability to write for advocacy: clear, compelling, and actionable, not just academic.', "Explain why you are passionate about Oxfam's mission and how this brief fits into the broader campaign to reverse inequality.", 'Demonstrate your capacity to work independently as a consultant, managing deadlines and stakeholder feedback.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Oxfam's recent reports on inequality in Asia, especially the 'Rigged from Birth' series to understand the campaign's framing.
  • → Review the IMF and World Bank's current positions on public services and fiscal policy in Asia.
  • → Look into Oxfam's advocacy targets for this campaign, such as specific government policies or upcoming summits.
  • → Study successful Oxfam policy briefs from other regions to understand their style and format.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you structure the policy brief to balance evidence from multiple Asian countries while keeping it focused and campaignable?
2 What are the key policy levers you would recommend to target the IMF and World Bank on universal public services?
3 Describe a time you synthesized complex data into a narrative that influenced policy or public opinion.
4 How do you handle conflicting evidence or data gaps when writing for advocacy?
5 What is your understanding of Oxfam's 'Rigged from Birth' narrative and how would you apply it to the Asian context?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic application that doesn't reference the specific brief title or campaign theme.
  • Avoid overly academic language; Oxfam needs accessible, campaign-ready content, not a journal article.
  • Don't ignore the multi-country aspect; a brief focused on one country only will not meet the requirements.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: July 27, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to Oxfam!

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