Head of People, Culture & Organizational Development

Job Opportunity: People, Culture, and Organizational Development Lead (INT11688) JOB PURPOSE: The People, Culture & Organizational Development Lead plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing Oxfam’s people strategy across the Southern Africa (SAF) Cluster, offering high-level strategic and operational guidance. In this capacity, the role ensures that workforce systems, leadership methodologies, organizational culture, and HR frameworks are meticulously aligned with Oxfam’s transition to a regional, partner-led, systems-focused operational model. This position is tasked with developing and executing a cohesive People & Culture strategy that aligns with organizational transformation, workforce sustainability, feminist leadership principles, localization efforts, and long-term institutional resilience. Serving as the primary designer and coordinator of people systems across various countries, it ensures staffing frameworks, talent pipelines, organizational culture, and leadership competencies remain effective within a dynamic, decentralized, and rapidly changing regional framework. As a direct report to the Cluster Director, this position functions as a strategic advisor to senior leadership while overseeing the management of cluster-wide HR systems. The role is responsible for aligning policies and practices across the organization, facilitating workforce planning, leading organizational change initiatives, fostering partner-focused HR strategies, and ensuring adherence to labor laws, donor requirements, and Oxfam’s internal guidelines. This position provides direct leadership and mentorship to HR Officers across the Cluster, fostering strong performance, uniform policy implementation, people-focused leadership, and excellence in service delivery. With strategic leadership, organizational development, workforce transformation, and cultural stewardship, this position will substantially enhance Oxfam’s capacity to maintain a unified, high-performing, inclusive, and future-oriented workforce aligned with the delivery of Oxfam’s 2026–2030 strategy across Southern Africa. As a key participant on the Cluster Leadership Team, you will play an integral role in shaping the strategic direction, governance, and operational management of the SAF Cluster. This position involves shared accountability for the Cluster’s performance, risk oversight, and successful execution of the Cluster Strategy. If based within a program hub, you will operate under delegated authority as the senior Oxfam representative in that country, where you will provide strategic leadership, uphold organizational stewardship, and represent the Cluster in high-level engagements with government bodies, partners, donors, coordination forums, and both internal and external stakeholders. Additionally, you will ensure that country-level implementation aligns with broader regional priorities. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS A minimum requirement includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Psychology, or a closely related field. Alternatively, candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and substantial postgraduate or professional qualifications, coupled with at least ten years of relevant experience, may also be considered. A minimum of six years of progressive leadership experience within human resources, organizational development, or people strategy is required. Accomplished professionals with a track record of driving organizational transformation, designing strategic workforce planning initiatives, leading change management efforts, and navigating multi-country labor systems are encouraged to apply. This role requires strategic HR leadership capabilities to effectively execute these responsibilities. Proven track record in engaging senior leadership and facilitating strategic decision-making processes to achieve organizational goals. Skilled in facilitating group discussions, providing effective coaching, and building strong interpersonal relationships. Individuals must possess strong emotional intelligence and demonstrate proficiency in handling sensitive matters with discretion and care. Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in analytical reasoning and systems analysis. Proven expertise in leadership and people management, encompassing motivational techniques, talent development strategies, and effective change management. Capable of elevating the professional standards and potential of team members. A solid background in applying tools and methodologies for needs analysis, alongside expertise in designing, delivering, monitoring, and evaluating training programs. Experienced in formal project management methodologies, with a proven ability to effectively manage projects and maintain strong organizational capabilities. With a strategic mindset, you will excel at crafting and executing long-term plans with precision and effectiveness. Collaborating seamlessly with colleagues, you will transform visionary ideas into actionable strategies, ensuring clear communication and persuasive influence to engage broader stakeholders. Skilled in cultivating robust and trustworthy connections with both internal stakeholders and external partners and organizations. A strong sense of self-awareness, combined with high personal energy, stamina, and adaptability, is essential. The ideal candidate must demonstrate creativity, efficiency, and innovation in their work, adapting seamlessly to evolving circumstances while ensuring consistent delivery and follow-through. Professional Rewriting: Demonstrates a strong dedication to Oxfam’s mission and core values, with a proven track record in advancing gender equity, fostering diversity, and championing the rights of marginalized communities across all organizational functions. Professional Rewriting: Proven experience collaborating with and providing support to distributed teams, along with a solid grasp of local labor regulations. Organizational Values We prioritize accountability, operating with a purpose-driven and results-oriented mindset that emphasizes taking ownership of our actions and holding ourselves responsible. Additionally, we expect the same level of accountability from others regarding their performance and decisions. We cultivate a keen self-awareness, recognizing our individual strengths, weaknesses, and influence on those around us. This heightened awareness empowers us to manage and regulate our actions, ensuring we channel our impulses constructively and align our behavior with positive intentions. Decisiveness – We embrace transparency in our decision-making processes and remain flexible in adjusting our approaches based on context and evolving needs. Relationship Building – We recognize the critical role of fostering meaningful connections both internally and externally. Our approach enables us to effectively collaborate with traditional and unconventional stakeholders, driving measurable growth and enhanced organizational impact. Systems Thinking – We analyze issues holistically, recognizing that they are components of a larger system rather than isolated incidents. Our approach emphasizes interconnected, cyclical cause-and-effect relationships rather than linear progressions. Through consistent application of systems thinking, we proactively identify and mitigate unintended consequences arising from organizational decisions and initiatives. Desirable Portuguese language capability. Extensive experience in either international non-governmental organization (INGO) settings or partner-led models is required. Southern Africa regional expertise. Localization and systems experience in colonial contexts The closing date is Thursday, 06 th August 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be the sole individuals

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