Application Guide
How to Apply for Strategic Communications Advisor
at Oxfam
🏢 About Oxfam
Oxfam is a global movement dedicated to ending the injustice of poverty, with a strong focus on tackling inequality across Africa. Working here means joining a passionate team that challenges power structures and advocates for social justice at the highest levels, from grassroots to global summits.
About This Role
As Strategic Communications Advisor, you will directly shape the Director's public voice, crafting messages that influence policy and public opinion on inequality and poverty. This role is impactful because you'll coordinate high-profile engagements at global forums and manage crisis communications, ensuring Oxfam's mission reaches key decision-makers.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with monitoring news coverage and drafting a press release on a new report, then coordinating with the Director's office to prepare talking points for a media interview. Afternoon could involve a strategy session with partners on an upcoming summit, followed by crisis scenario planning and reviewing op-ed drafts.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Oxfam Is Looking For
- A seasoned communications professional with a proven track record in media relations and public engagement, especially in development or social justice contexts.
- An exceptional writer and editor who can distill complex policy issues into compelling, clear messages for diverse audiences, including governments and international partners.
- Highly organized and calm under pressure, able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining diplomatic relationships.
- Fluent in English and ideally Swahili or other local languages, with strong interpersonal skills to build trust across cultures.
📝 Tips for Applying to Oxfam
Tailor your CV to highlight specific examples of drafting content for senior leaders and managing media appearances at high-level events.
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience to Oxfam's mission of challenging inequality, using their terminology like 'power structures' and 'social justice'.
Include a portfolio of writing samples that demonstrate your ability to translate policy into engaging narratives, such as op-eds or speeches.
Research Oxfam's recent campaigns in Kenya and Africa (e.g., on tax justice or climate inequality) and reference them to show genuine interest.
Address the requirement for crisis communications experience by describing a specific situation where you managed reputational risk under tight deadlines.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Emphasize your ability to amplify a leader's voice and shape public discourse on inequality, aligning with Oxfam's strategic goals.", 'Highlight your experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder engagements at global summits or similar high-pressure environments.', 'Demonstrate your skill in translating complex policy issues (e.g., economic inequality) into compelling messages for media and policymakers.', 'Showcase your diplomatic skills and ability to build relationships across diverse contexts, referencing any work with governments or civil society.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review Oxfam's latest reports and campaigns on inequality in Africa, such as the 'Commitment to Reducing Inequality Index'.
- → Study the Director's recent speeches and media appearances to understand their style and key messages.
- → Familiarize yourself with Oxfam's global strategic plan and its Africa-specific priorities.
- → Research key partners and stakeholders in Kenya, including government agencies and civil society organizations.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference Oxfam's specific mission or the Director's role.
- Failing to provide concrete examples of crisis communications or media management under pressure.
- Overlooking the requirement for fluency in local languages (e.g., Swahili) if applicable to your background.
📅 Application Timeline
⏰ Deadline: June 17, 2026
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!