Influencing and Strategic Programs Lead

Responsabilités

Program and Influencing Lead (INT11692) – A Professional Opportunity JOB PURPOSE The Program and Influencing Lead holds a senior strategic leadership role, overseeing the integration of systems and the direct management of Oxfam’s entire Program and Influencing framework within the Southern Africa (SAF) Cluster. The position will develop and implement a cohesive, regionally integrated framework based on Oxfam’s 2026–2030 SAF Strategy, fostering a unified ecosystem that aligns thematic initiatives—including programming, research, evidence generation, policy engagement, advocacy, communications, and SADC-level regional collaboration—into a single, coordinated system. This role guarantees that Oxfam’s efforts across Climate & Economic Justice, Gender Justice, and Humanitarian Action are strategically aligned, mutually reinforcing, and guided by partner-driven approaches to dismantle systemic drivers of inequality through transformative systems change. As the key integrator of program delivery, program quality, knowledge systems, advocacy, communications, and regional policy engagement, this position reports directly to the Cluster Director. The role is responsible for systematically converting evidence generated through programming into policy influence, regional advocacy, strategic communications, and systemic transformation. By fulfilling these responsibilities, the incumbent will play a pivotal role in establishing Oxfam as a trusted regional leader, convener, and agent for change in Southern Africa. The position entails providing strategic leadership and management to a senior, cross-functional team comprising Program Managers and Advocacy leaders, ensuring the SADC Civil Society Liaison function is strategically aligned to maintain full coherence across program execution, influencing frameworks, and regional civil society engagement efforts. As a Program and Influencing Lead, you will drive strategic leadership, integrate programs effectively, maintain thematic coherence, and ensure evidence-based decision-making to enhance Oxfam’s operational capacity as a cohesive regional entity. Through your ability to influence systems and manage teams, you will empower Oxfam to deliver transformative, partner-driven, and evidence-based systems change across Southern Africa. As a key member of the Cluster Leadership Team, you will play a vital role in shaping the strategic direction, governance, and operational management of the SAF Cluster. This role entails shared accountability for the Cluster’s overall performance, risk oversight, and the effective execution of its strategy. Should you be based in a program hub, you will serve as the senior Oxfam representative in that country, operating under delegated authority. In this capacity, you will provide strategic stewardship, represent the Cluster in high-level engagements with government bodies, partners, donors, coordination mechanisms, and other stakeholders, and ensure seamless alignment between regional priorities and country-level implementation. Essential Qualifications A master’s degree in International Relations, Development Studies, Human Rights and Governance, or an equivalent field is required. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree coupled with pertinent postgraduate or professional qualifications may be deemed acceptable. Accomplished in directing and inspiring diverse, cross-functional teams dispersed across multiple locations, as well as managing operations and Partnership-driven initiatives within a regional framework. With a minimum of eight years of progressive senior leadership in program leadership, policy development, stakeholder influence, multi-country systems management, and strategic transformation initiatives, the ideal candidate will bring extensive experience to the role. Proven ability to lead and navigate intricate change initiatives, fostering collaboration among diverse internal and external stakeholders from multiple disciplines and regions. Feminist and gender justice leadership experience is required. Desirable A strong sense of self-awareness is required, along with the ability to inspire and foster outstanding team performance and individual growth in alignment with Oxfam’s values and policies. Proficiency in working within the Southern Africa region is required. Proficiency in SADC and regional policy frameworks is essential. Familiarity with feminist and colonial methodologies is required. Representation and Communication Essential Demonstrates a strong history of successfully engaging with partners, government bodies, private sector entities, media outlets, and donors at senior levels—both domestically and internationally. Proven capability to effectively communicate intricate concepts to varied and extensive audiences in a suitable and impactful manner. Proven ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively in both written and spoken communication, fostering collaboration, driving consensus, and securing buy-in through negotiation and influence. Desirable A demonstrated history of achieving success in advocacy and influencing stakeholders is required. Experienced in engaging with media outlets and capable of serving as an official spokesperson for the organization when necessary. Finance and Funding Essential Demonstrated capability to secure and enhance funding from a wide range of institutions, including local and international organizations. A strong proficiency in financial and asset management is essential to guide and optimize the operational budget across multiple locations effectively. We are seeking a dedicated professional to oversee risk management and uphold our duty of care obligations. The ideal candidate will be responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards while safeguarding organizational integrity. Key duties include developing and implementing risk mitigation strategies, conducting thorough risk assessments, and ensuring adherence to health, safety, and environmental protocols. The role requires strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex risk-related information clearly. Prior experience in risk management or a related field is essential, along with a thorough understanding of duty of care principles and applicable regulations. Essential Professional rewrite: Demonstrated expertise in overseeing security protocols, risk mitigation strategies, and adherence to legal compliance within an international non-governmental organization framework. Demonstrates a consistent ability to exercise sound judgment amidst ambiguity and high-pressure environments. Capable of identifying and mitigating risks that may jeopardize the organization’s reputation, operational stability, or security posture. Desirable Capable of consistently meeting established benchmarks in disaster preparedness, mitigation, and management, as well as executing humanitarian response operations for Category 2 emergencies. Experience of Crisis and security management expertise are essential for this role. The position demands proficiency in overseeing and mitigating risks, ensuring safety protocols, and implementing robust strategies to address emergencies. Key responsibilities include developing contingency plans, coordinating responses to incidents, and maintaining situational awareness to protect personnel and assets. Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, the ability to make critical decisions under pressure, and a thorough understanding of risk assessment frameworks. Strategic Analytics Essential Proficient in leading the creation and providing significant input to comprehensive evaluations of key determinants influencing poverty levels. , In contexts of developing countries, contexts where marginalization and vulnerability are prevalent, your role will involve addressing these critical issues. Demonstrates strong political acumen by accurately assessing the motivations, pressures, power structures, and challenges encountered by colleagues, partners, decision makers, and other stakeholders. Leverages this insight to develop and implement strategic approaches designed to effectively influence key actors. Desirable Demonstrated proficiency in analytical reasoning, encompassing the capacity to: You will evaluate and assume calculated risks grounded in evidence-based assumptions, ensuring strategic decision-making that balances potential rewards with prudent risk management. Strategically evaluate situations to enhance adaptability and foster agility in decision-making. Promote innovative thinking, fresh perspectives, and knowledge-sharing beyond national and regional boundaries while adhering to a global strategic framework. You possess a solid foundation in IT proficiency and a keen awareness of how emerging technological advancements can strategically enhance the objectives of an International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO). Key Attributes Demonstrates a keen awareness of cultural diversity and gender-related considerations, alongside a steadfast dedication to fostering equal opportunities. Demonstrates a proactive attitude towards acquiring knowledge and understanding the integration of gender/gender mainstreaming, women’s rights, and diversity into all facets of development initiatives. Demonstrating a strong adherence to Oxfam’s safeguarding policies is essential to guaranteeing the safety and protection of all individuals who engage with the organization. Organisational Values : Accountability Our commitment to purpose-driven results necessitates a steadfast dedication to responsibility and accountability—for both our team and ourselves. We uphold high standards, expecting every individual to take ownership of their actions and deliver on their commitments with integrity. Empowerment Oxfam’s methodology ensures that every individual connected to the organization—whether staff, supporters, or those affected by poverty—feels empowered to drive meaningful change. Inclusiveness We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and actively foster an inclusive environment. Our organization values diverse perspectives and is committed to ensuring that every person can contribute meaningfully, irrespective of visible or hidden differences. The closing date is Thursday, 06 th August 2026. Only candidates who are selected for further consideration will be notified. Oxfam operates as an equal opportunities’ employer, actively fostering an inclusive environment that upholds diversity and gender equality throughout the organization. If you possess the necessary qualifications and align with Oxfam’s core values, we encourage you to submit your application by visiting our website at: [Click the Apply button below to apply, and Create my CV to build a CV tailored to this offer, professionally]