Application Guide

How to Apply for Head of Humanitarian, Oxfam in Africa

at Oxfam

🏢 About Oxfam

Oxfam is a global movement dedicated to ending the injustice of poverty by tackling inequality. In Africa, it operates as a continental platform that challenges power structures perpetuating inequality, working closely with local partners. Joining Oxfam means being part of a values-driven organization committed to systemic change and humanitarian excellence.

About This Role

As Head of Humanitarian for Oxfam in Africa, you will lead strategic humanitarian preparedness and response across Sub-Saharan Africa, shaping Oxfam’s humanitarian strategy and ensuring high-quality, timely responses. This role is impactful because it directly influences emergency operations in some of the world’s most complex crises, driving Oxfam’s commitment to saving lives and upholding humanitarian standards.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with the humanitarian team across time zones, reviewing alerts from country offices. You could then join a strategy call with the regional director on preparedness for an emerging crisis, followed by analyzing response data to inform policy advocacy. Afternoon may involve drafting a briefing for donors or meeting with partners to strengthen local leadership.

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🎯 Who Oxfam Is Looking For

  • A strategic leader with at least 10 years of experience managing large-scale emergency responses in diverse, insecure contexts, preferably across Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Deep expertise in humanitarian preparedness, coordination, and policy, with a strong grasp of gender, protection, and international standards (e.g., Sphere, CHS).
  • Fluent in both English and French (written and spoken), with ability to navigate cultural and political complexity and influence senior stakeholders.
  • Values-driven, aligning with Oxfam’s feminist principles and commitment to decolonized aid, with experience leading high-performing, diverse teams.

📝 Tips for Applying to Oxfam

1

Tailor your CV to highlight specific examples of leading multi-country emergency responses and policy advocacy in Africa, using metrics where possible.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience to Oxfam’s LHL (Local Humanitarian Leadership) agenda and feminist approach.

3

Demonstrate bilingual proficiency by submitting application materials in both English and French, or mention language certifications.

4

Research Oxfam’s current humanitarian responses in Africa (e.g., Sahel, Horn of Africa) and reference them to show genuine interest.

5

Highlight your ability to work remotely and coordinate across time zones, as this role is fully remote.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your strategic leadership in humanitarian preparedness and response, with concrete examples from Sub-Saharan Africa.', 'Show alignment with Oxfam’s values, particularly its commitment to gender justice, decolonization, and local leadership.', 'Demonstrate your ability to influence policy and advocate for humanitarian principles at a regional or global level.', 'Highlight your bilingual (English/French) communication skills and experience working with diverse teams and partners.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Oxfam’s latest Africa regional strategy and humanitarian reports (e.g., on the Sahel crisis or Horn of Africa drought).
  • → Familiarize yourself with Oxfam’s feminist principles and how they apply to humanitarian action.
  • → Review Oxfam’s position on Local Humanitarian Leadership and its decolonization commitments.
  • → Look into Oxfam’s partnerships with local organizations in Africa and key donors (e.g., ECHO, USAID).
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you led a complex emergency response in a fragile context; what was your strategy and outcome?
2 How would you advance Oxfam’s Local Humanitarian Leadership agenda across country offices in Africa?
3 How do you integrate gender and protection into humanitarian preparedness and response planning?
4 Give an example of how you’ve influenced a government or donor to adopt better humanitarian policies.
5 How would you manage a team of advisors remotely across multiple time zones and cultures?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application that doesn’t reference Oxfam’s specific humanitarian approach or Africa focus.
  • Overlooking the remote work aspect; failing to mention experience with virtual team management or coordination.
  • Not demonstrating bilingual proficiency or ignoring the language requirement in the application.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: June 20, 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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