Programme and Influencing Lead

Programme and Influencing Lead Full Time Posted on July 29, 2026

Localisation

Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe Expiry Date August 6, 2026 Company: Oxfam Please Share Overview

PROGRAMME AND INFLUENCING LEAD

JOB DETAILS

LOCATION: Multiple location in SAF countries where one has the right to work (Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe) CONTRACT TYPE: FTC: 2 years JOB FAMILY: Programmes

ONE OXFAM GRADE: B ZONE: 2

DEPARTMENT:

GLOBAL PROGRAMMES

TEAM: SAF Regional Cluster

SALARY:

HOURS: (FTE)

This is a full time equivalent role. Hours worked will depend on local law in the location where the incumbent is based

FLEXIBLE WORKING

‘We believe flexible working is key to building the Oxfam of the future, so we’re open to talking through the type of flexible arrangements which might work for you. Needs to be considered country by country.

Autres informations

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organization. DEPARTMENT PURPOSE: To lead and enable the delivery of Oxfam’s Global Strategy in Southern Africa by operating as a unified, regionally integrated team that drives systems change through partner-centred programming, strategic influencing, and knowledge-led practice. The department ensures an agile, digitally enabled and cost-efficient operating model that maximises impact, strengthens regional coherence, and positions Oxfam as a catalyst, convenor and trusted partner across the region. TEAM PURPOSE : We are part of a broader movement for justice in Southern Africa and work in solidarity with partners, allies, and the communities we serve. Our role is to enable locally led change by strengthening the capacity, voice and influence of local actors to shape the systems and institutions that govern power and resources. Through partnerships, convening spaces, and evidence-based influencing, we contribute to thought leadership and collective action on gender and social justice, accountable governance, and alternative economic systems. We prioritise impact, quality, legitimacy and solidarity, while fostering inclusive knowledge networks that challenge and transform development narratives and practice at local, regional and global levels.

JOB PURPOSE

The Programme and Influencing Lead provides senior strategic leadership, systems integration, and direct people management for Oxfam’s full Programme and Influencing architecture across the Southern Africa (SAF) Cluster. The role is responsible for translating Oxfam’s 2026–2030 SAF Strategy into a coherent, regionally integrated programme and influencing ecosystem that aligns thematic programming, research, evidence generation, policy engagement, advocacy, communications, and SADC-level regional engagement into one unified system. It ensures that Oxfam’s work across Climate & Economic Justice, Gender Justice, and Humanitarian Action is strategically coherent, mutually reinforcing, partner-led, and designed to address the structural drivers of inequality through systems change.

Formation / Diplômes

Operating under the Cluster Director, the role serves as the primary integrator of programme delivery, programme quality, knowledge systems, advocacy, communications, and regional policy engagement. It ensures that evidence generated through programming is systematically translated into policy influence, regional advocacy, strategic communications, and broader systems transformation. This role is therefore central to positioning Oxfam as a credible regional actor, convenor, and catalyst for justice across Southern Africa. A core function of the role is direct leadership and management of a multi-disciplinary senior team, including Programme Managers and Advocacy leadership, while strategically aligning the SADC Civil Society Liaison function to ensure full coherence across programme implementation, influencing architecture, and regional civil society engagement. Through strategic leadership, programme integration, thematic coherence, evidence stewardship, influencing systems, and people management, the Programme and Influencing Lead significantly strengthens Oxfam’s capacity to operate as a unified regional organisation capable of delivering transformative, partner-led, evidence-driven systems change across Southern Africa As a member of the Cluster Leadership Team, contribute to the collective strategic leadership, governance, and management of the SAF Cluster, sharing responsibility for organisational performance, risk management, and delivery of the Cluster Strategy. Where domiciled within a programme hub, act under delegated authority as the senior Oxfam representative in that country, providing organisational stewardship and representing the Cluster in engagements with government institutions, partners, donors, coordination platforms, and other internal and external stakeholders, while ensuring alignment between regional priorities and country-level implementation. Context Southern Africa is experiencing a convergence of complex and interlinked crises. Persistent poverty and extreme inequality, among the highest globally, continue to shape the lives of millions, compounded by climate shocks, economic instability, shrinking civic space, and entrenched gender inequalities. While economies across the region show periods of growth, the benefits are not equitably distributed, leaving many communities increasingly vulnerable. At the same time, the region is undergoing rapid transformation. Climate-induced disasters such as droughts, floods, and cyclones are intensifying, humanitarian needs are rising, and urbanisation is reshaping patterns of poverty and exclusion. Youth populations are expanding rapidly, presenting both opportunities for change and risks of deepening inequality if economic inclusion is not achieved. In response, Oxfam in Southern Africa has undergone a significant organisational transformation; shifting from country-based programming to a unified regional model designed to increase impact, efficiency, and influence across the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This evolution reflects a broader commitment to localisation, feminist leadership, and working through strong partnerships to drive systemic change. The 2026–2030 Strategy builds on these lessons and marks a decisive shift toward locally led, partner-driven approaches , with Oxfam acting as a convenor, catalyst, and influencer rather than a direct implementer. It prioritises systems change over fragmented projects, focusing on climate and economic justice, gender justice, and humanitarian action, while strengthening regional advocacy and amplifying the voices of communities most affected by inequality. This strategic direction positions Oxfam as a regional actor working across borders to address the structural drivers of poverty and inequality, supporting resilient communities, accountable governance, and inclusive development pathways across Southern Africa.

JOB REPORTS TO

SAF Cluster Director

ROLES REPORTING TO THIS JOB

1. Gender Justice Programme Manager
2. Climate and Economic Justice Programme Manager
3. Humanitarian Action Programme Manager
4. Advocacy and Communication Manager

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY

GEOGRAPHICAL SCOPE

Regional coverage across all SAF Cluster countries (excluding South Africa and DRC), including SADC structures and strategic regional governance spaces.

IMPACT

• Drives programme coherence and influencing effectiveness

• Strengthens Oxfam’s credibility as a regional actor

• Ensures evidence-based advocacy and systems change impact

• Enhances programme quality, integration, and learning

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

• Cluster Leadership Team (CLT), Business Development Team, Programme Quality & Knowledge (PQK) team, Country-level stakeholders and partners, Regional institutions (e.g. SADC bodies), and Donors and research institutions

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• 1. Programme & Influencing Leadership (16%) Provides leadership of programme and influencing work across the SAF Cluster. Translate the SAF Strategy (2026–2030) into a coherent regional programme and influencing architecture Ensure all thematic portfolios are aligned to systems change and regional priorities Guide strategic prioritisation of programme investments across the Cluster Support the SADC CSO Liaison Office Oversight Group and Cluster Director in positioning Oxfam as a regional leader in influencing and systems change within the region Ensure clarity of roles and alignment across Programme Managers, Advocacy, and SADC Civil Society Liaison Lead
• 2. Integration of Programme, Evidence & Influencing (16%) Leads the integration of programme delivery, PQK systems, advocacy, and regional policy engagement into a single system. Establish and oversee structured feedback loops between: Programme Managers (delivery) PQK (evidence & learning) Advocacy & Communications (narratives & campaigns) SADC Civil Society Liaison Lead (regional policy interface) Ensure programme evidence is translated into: Advocacy strategies Regional policy engagement Align research, MEAL, and knowledge systems with influencing priorities Drive integrated programme–influencing planning processes across all functions
• 3. Thematic Coherence & Nexus Programming Leadership (14%) Ensures alignment and integration across thematic areas, with full ownership of nexus programming. Lead coordination across: Gender Justice Manager Climate & Economic Justice Manager Humanitarian Action Manager Ensure programmes are mutually reinforcing and not siloed Operationalise humanitarian–development–peace (HDP) nexus approaches Ensure gender justice is embedded across all thematic areas Guide development of multi-country and cross-thematic programme frameworks
• 4. Regional Influencing Architecture & SADC Engagement (12%) Support the Cluster Director and the SADC Oversight Group in providing strategic oversight of Oxfam’s regional influencing ecosystem, working in close partnership with the SADC Civil Society Liaison Lead. Supporting defining of regional influencing priorities and strategies Ensure alignment between programme evidence, advocacy strategies, and SADC-level policy engagement and civil society processes Work closely with the SADC Civil Society Liaison Lead to: Translate programme evidence into policy positions and advocacy asks Strengthen engagement with SADC Parliamentary Forum, Regional civil society platforms, and Policy and governance structures Ensure influencing efforts are strategically targeted, coordinated, and impactful
• 5. Partnership-Led Programming & Localisation (10%) Drives the transition to transformative, partner-led programme delivery. Ensure programmes are delivered through strong and equitable partnerships Align Programme Managers and Coordinators around partner accompaniment approaches Strengthen integration between partner delivery, evidence generation, and influencing engagement (including regional platforms) Ensure accountability for programme quality, safeguarding, and compliance
• 6. Programme Quality, Learning & Knowledge Integration (8%) In close collaboration with the PQK Lead ensure programme systems support adaptive programming and influencing impact. Supporting the operationalisation and functionality of Programme Quality & Knowledge (PQK) systems and PEEP platform Harmonisation of standards across programme design, MEAL, and knowledge management Support process that ensure learning informs programme refinement, Influencing strategies, and regional policy engagement
• 7. Leadership & Management of Programme & Influencing Functions (12%) Leads a multi-disciplinary, multi-country team across programme and influencing functions. Line manage Programme Managers, and the Advocacy & Communications Manager Provide strategic alignment (not line management) to the SADC Civil Society Liaison Lead Ensure clarity of roles, accountability, and collaboration across teams Build a cohesive “One Programme & Influencing system” Promote a culture of feminist leadership, inclusion and equity, and accountability and continuous learning
• 8. Alignment with Business Development & Resource Mobilisation (6%) Ensures programme priorities are aligned with funding strategy and pipeline development. Work closely with the Business Development Lead to align programme priorities with funding opportunities, and strengthen the fundability of programme designs Support development of multi-country and cross-thematic funding proposals Ensure programme strategies are realistic and resource-aligned
• 9. Risk Management, Safeguarding & Compliance Oversight (4%) Ensures programme delivery meets required risk, safeguarding, and compliance standards. Oversee identification and mitigation of programme and partner risks Ensure safeguarding and safe programming standards are embedded Work with Operations and Security functions to ensure risk-informed programming
• 10. Cluster Leadership & System Integration (2%) Acts as a core member of the Cluster Leadership Team (CLT). Contribute to overall Cluster strategy and decision-making Ensure alignment across Programme & Influencing, Business Development, and Operations Champion the Cluster’s transition to a fully integrated regional model

CORE DIMENSIONS

• Acts as integrator of the SAF Cluster’s programme and influencing system, ensuring alignment across thematic programming, evidence generation, advocacy, and regional engagement.

• Provides leadership and direction guiding Programme Managers to deliver high-quality, coherent, and impactful thematic programmes.

• Holds accountability for nexus programming, ensuring effective integration across Climate & Economic Justice, Gender Justice, and Humanitarian Action.

• Ensures that programme evidence, research, and learning inform influencing strategies, strengthening the link between delivery and policy impact.

• Works in close coordination with the Advocacy & Communications Manager and the SADC Civil Society Liaison Lead to ensure that regional influencing is evidence-based, partner-informed, and strategically targeted.

• Operates within a multi-country, matrixed structure, requiring strong coordination, facilitation, and alignment across diverse teams and functions.

• Leads the development of a cohesive “One Programme & Influencing system”, promoting collaboration, shared accountability, and integrated delivery across the Cluster.

• Ensures that programmes are partner-led and locally grounded, with Oxfam playing a facilitative role as a convener, enabler, and influencer.

• Contributes to positioning Oxfam as a credible regional actor, ensuring consistency between programme evidence, influencing priorities, and external engagement across Southern Africa.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Most importantly, every individual in Oxfam needs to be able to:

• Live our values of INCLUSION, ACCOUNTABILITY, EMPOWERMENT, COURAGE, SOLIDARITY and EQUALITY (read more about these here )

• Ensure you commit to our ORGANIZATIONAL ATTRIBUTES (including adhering to the Code of Conduct):

Expérience

• 1. Be committed to our feminist principles , and to applying them in your day-to-day behaviour and your work. Be ready to keep learning, with accountability to those who experience oppression as a result of their identities, such as their gender, race/ethnicity, disability, or class."
• 2. Be committed to undertaking Oxfam’s safeguarding training and adhering to relevant policies, to ensure all people who come into Oxfam are as safe as possible.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & COMPETENCIES

Essential

Master’s degree in international relations, Development Studies, Human Rights and Governance, or equivalent qualification. A Bachelor’s degree combined with relevant post graduate or professional qualifications may also be considered. Proven track record of leading and motivating multi-disciplinary, geographically remote teams and operations across a number of locations and Partnership-led programming within a regional context. Minimum of 8 years of progressive senior leadership experience in Programme leadership, Policy, Influencing, Multi-country systems, and Strategic transformation Experience of managing complex change proces

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