Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Programme & Portfolio Manager
at Oxfam
🏢 About Oxfam
Oxfam is a global movement of people working to fight poverty and injustice, with operations in over 90 countries. It offers a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change through technology, aligning digital transformation with social impact. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven organization that values equity, sustainability, and collaboration.
About This Role
This role involves leading the governance, planning, and delivery of Oxfam's strategic Digital Transformation portfolio, including key platforms like the Oxfam Partnership Platform and D365 HR & Finance. As Senior Programme & Portfolio Manager, you will establish continuous improvement processes, drive adoption, and provide executive reporting to the CIO, directly enabling Oxfam's mission through effective technology solutions.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a stand-up with the digital transformation team to review progress, followed by a governance board meeting to report on portfolio health. You'd spend time analyzing project data, preparing executive dashboards for the CIO, and coaching platform leads on continuous improvement. Afternoon could involve stakeholder calls across time zones to align on priorities and address risks.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Oxfam Is Looking For
- Experienced in programme and portfolio management within complex, multi-stakeholder environments, ideally in the non-profit or international development sector.
- Proven track record of leading digital transformation initiatives, particularly with enterprise platforms like Dynamics 365, and driving benefits realization.
- Strong governance and analytical skills, with ability to produce clear executive reports and dashboards for senior leadership.
- Strategic thinker who can balance long-term portfolio vision with day-to-day delivery, and adept at managing stakeholder expectations across diverse geographies.
📝 Tips for Applying to Oxfam
Tailor your CV to highlight specific digital transformation projects you've led, especially those involving ERP or CRM platforms like D365.
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience with Oxfam's mission and values, showing how your work has contributed to social impact.
Provide concrete examples of how you've established governance structures or continuous improvement processes in previous roles.
Mention any experience working in remote, global teams and managing stakeholders across different time zones and cultures.
Research Oxfam's current digital strategy and mention specific initiatives like the Oxfam Partnership Platform to show genuine interest.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Emphasize your experience leading digital transformation in complex, multi-stakeholder environments and how it aligns with Oxfam's goals.", 'Highlight your ability to drive adoption and benefits realization for enterprise platforms, with quantifiable outcomes.', "Demonstrate your understanding of Oxfam's mission and how technology can amplify its impact on poverty and injustice.", "Showcase your governance and reporting skills, with examples of how you've supported executive decision-making."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read Oxfam's latest annual report and digital strategy documents to understand their current priorities.
- → Familiarize yourself with the Oxfam Partnership Platform and its role in their digital ecosystem.
- → Learn about Oxfam's values and how they integrate into their operations, especially in remote work settings.
- → Check recent news about Oxfam's technology initiatives or partnerships to stay updated.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't focus solely on technical project management without connecting to the broader mission and impact.
- Avoid generic examples; use specific, quantifiable achievements from your experience.
- Don't overlook the importance of stakeholder management in a multi-stakeholder environment; emphasize your soft skills.
📅 Application Timeline
⏰ Deadline: August 5, 2027
We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!