Programme Quality and Knowledge Lead

Programme Quality and Knowledge Lead Full Time Posted on July 29, 2026

Localisation

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

PROGRAMME QUALITY AND KNOWLEDGE 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: C ZONE: 1

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 Quality and Knowledge (PQK) Lead provides strategic leadership for programme quality, MEAL, learning, evidence generation, and accountability systems across the SAF Cluster. The role ensures that programme implementation is underpinned by robust evidence, consistent quality standards, and effective learning systems, enabling adaptive programming and impactful influencing. Operating at the centre of the Cluster’s programme architecture, the PQK Lead ensures that programme insights inform strategic decision-making, influencing priorities, and regional policy engagement. The role plays a critical function in linking programme delivery, evidence generation, and influencing, working closely with the Programme and Influencing Lead, Programme Managers, Advocacy & Communications Manager, and the SADC Civil Society Liaison Lead. The PQK Lead also ensures that partners are supported to maintain strong MEAL capacities, accountability systems, and evidence-based approaches, reinforcing Oxfam’s transition to a partner-led, locally driven model. 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. The role requires strong analytical capability, systems thinking, and leadership to operate with autonomy in a complex, multi-country, partner-led environment. 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.

Formation / Diplômes

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

PQK Coordinators/ Officers across hubs or countries

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY

GEOGRAPHICAL SCOPE

Regional coverage across all SAF Cluster countries (excluding South Africa and DRC), including SADC strategic platforms.

IMPACT

• Strengthens programme quality and consistency across the SAF Cluster, ensuring coherent, high-impact delivery across multiple countries

• Enables evidence-driven decision-making through robust MEAL systems, data analysis, and structured learning processes

• Enhances influencing and policy impact by ensuring programme evidence informs advocacy, campaigns, and regional engagement

• Drives adaptive programming, enabling teams to respond effectively to changing contexts and emerging priorities

• Strengthens partner-led delivery by building partner capacity in MEAL, accountability, and evidence-based programming

• Improves accountability and donor confidence through high-quality reporting, results frameworks, and compliance systems

• Ensures integration between programme delivery, learning, and influencing, supporting a coherent “programme–evidence–influencing” system

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

• Programme and Influencing leadership, thematic programme management teams, advocacy and communications functions, the SADC Civil Society Liaison function, business development teams, operations and support functions, country and hub teams, technical and MEAL staff across the Cluster, partner organisations, donors and funding partners, research and knowledge institutions, civil society networks, regional policy and governance bodies, and Oxfam affiliates and global technical teams.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• 1. Programme Quality Leadership & Standards (18%) Provides strategic leadership to ensure consistent programme quality across the Cluster. Establish and maintain harmonised programme quality standards and frameworks Ensure consistency in programme design, implementation, and reporting across countries Guide Programme Managers and Coordinators on quality assurance approaches Strengthen integration between programme delivery and quality systems

Ensure alignment with Oxfam policies, donor requirements, and best practice

• 2. MEAL Systems Strengthening & Integration (18%) Leads the development and integration of robust MEAL systems across the Cluster. Design and oversee cluster-wide MEAL frameworks and tools Ensure effective monitoring, evaluation, and results tracking across programmes Strengthen integration of MEAL into programme design and implementation Support real-time data use for adaptive programme management Ensure consistency in results measurement across multi-country programmes
• 3. Evidence Generation, Research & Knowledge Management (14%) Strengthens the generation and use of credible evidence to inform programming and influencing. Lead development of evidence generation and research agendas Ensure programme data is translated into insights, analysis, and knowledge products Strengthen knowledge management systems and processes across the Cluster Promote documentation and dissemination of learning and best practices Ensure evidence is accessible and usable for programme and influencing teams
• 4. Learning, Adaptive Programming & Decision Support (10%) Drives a culture of continuous learning and adaptive management. Establish structured learning loops across programmes and teams Facilitate reflection, review, and adaptive planning processes Ensure programme insights inform strategic decision-making Support Programme & Influencing Lead in refining programme direction based on evidence Promote innovation and iterative programme improvement
• 5. Integration with Influencing & Regional Policy Engagement (10%) Ensures strong linkage between evidence, influencing, and policy engagement. Work closely with: Programme & Influencing Lead, Advocacy & Communications Manager, and SADC Civil Society Liaison Lead Ensure evidence informs: Advocacy strategies, Policy engagement, and Regional positioning Support development of evidence-based policy briefs and advocacy materials Strengthen alignment between programme insights and influencing priorities
• 6. Partner MEAL Capacity Strengthening & Accountability (10%) Strengthens partner capacity in MEAL, accountability, and evidence generation. Support partners to develop and implement effective MEAL systems Strengthen partner capacity in: Data collection and analysis, Learning and reflection, and Accountability to communities Promote locally led learning and evidence processes Ensure accountability mechanisms are embedded in partner delivery
• 7. Results Reporting & Donor Accountability (8%) Ensures high-quality results reporting and accountability to donors and stakeholders. Oversee development of programme reports and results frameworks Ensure reporting is: Accurate, Evidence-based, and Aligned with donor requirements Strengthen consistency in reporting across countries and programmes Support Programme Managers in meeting donor reporting expectations
• 8. Leadership & Management of PQK Function (8%) Leads and manages the PQK team and function across the Cluster. Line manage MEAL and knowledge staff where applicable Build team capacity in: Evidence generation, Data analysis, and Learning facilitation Ensure coordination across multi-country PQK roles Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
• 9. Systems Strengthening & Cross-Functional Coordination (4%) Ensures PQK systems are integrated across all functions. Work closely with: Programme teams, Business Development, and Operations Strengthen alignment between: Programme delivery, Evidence systems, and Funding and reporting requirements Support development of efficient, scalable systems across the Cluster

CORE DIMENSIONS

• Leads the Cluster-wide PQK function, ensuring quality, consistency, and integration

• Acts as the central driver of evidence and learning systems across programmes

• Operates as a critical link between programme delivery and influencing

• Supports Programme & Influencing Lead in system integration and adaptive management

• Works across teams without direct authority, requiring strong influencing and coordination skills

• Ensures partner-led MEAL and accountability systems are strengthened and sustained.

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 Monitoring & Evaluation, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Economics, Public Policy, Statistics, or a related field Proven track record of leading and motivating multi-disciplinary, geographically remote teams and operations across a number of locations

• 6 years senior leadership and management in programme quality, MEAL, research, or knowledge management within development and/or humanitarian contexts Demonstrated experience in designing and leading MEAL systems across multi-country or complex programme portfolios Strong technical expertise in research methods, data analysis, and evidence generation (qualitative and quantitative) Proven experience in integrating evidence and learning into programme design, adaptive management, and influencing Experience working in partner-led programming models, including strengthening partner MEAL and accountability systems Demonstrated experience in results reporting, donor compliance, and accountability frameworks Experience operating in multi-country, matrixed organisational structures, with the ability to influence across teams without direct authority. Experience of managing complex change processes and relationships involving a wide range of both internal and external multi-cultural stakeholders across a variety of disciplines and geographical areas. Demonstrated experience in being a leader in promoting women’s rights and gender equity Desirable Postgraduate or professional certification in Monitoring & Evaluation, Data Science, Impact Evaluation, or Knowledge Management Experience in linking programme evidence to policy influencing and advocacy processes, particularly at regional level Familiarity with digital data systems, knowledge platforms, and MEAL technologies Experience working in Southern Africa with understanding of regional policy and development dynamics A high degree of self-awareness and an understanding of how to drive and support excellent team performance and individual development in line with Oxfam’s values and policies. Experience in feminist and decolonial approaches A. Key Attributes Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and gender issues, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities. Ability to demonstrate an openness and willingness to learn about the application of gender/gender mainstreaming, women’s rights, and diversity for all aspects of development work. Commitment to Oxfam’s safeguarding policies to ensure all people who come into

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