Senior Advocacy and Communications Lead at Oxfam

Job Opportunity: Advocacy and Communications Manager (INT11736)

This role requires a dynamic professional to lead strategic advocacy initiatives and oversee all communications efforts to advance organizational goals. The successful candidate will develop and implement advocacy campaigns, manage external relations, and craft compelling messaging to engage stakeholders, policymakers, and the public. Responsibilities include coordinating media outreach, producing high-impact content, and analyzing advocacy effectiveness to drive measurable outcomes.

Candidates must possess strong project management skills, experience in communications or public affairs, and a proven ability to influence key audiences. A bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or a related field is required, along with proficiency in digital advocacy tools and platforms.

One-third of the global population lives in poverty, a challenge Oxfam is committed to tackling by harnessing collective action. Through a global network, Oxfam implements practical and innovative solutions to empower individuals to escape poverty and achieve sustainable growth. In times of crisis, we provide critical support to save lives and restore livelihoods. Additionally, we advocate for policies that amplify the voices of marginalized communities in local and international decision-making processes.

Collaboration is central to our mission—we partner with organizations and work directly with vulnerable populations, particularly women and men, to address and dismantle the systemic injustices perpetuating poverty. As a collaborative organization, we uphold core values of Accountability, Empowerment, and Inclusiveness.

Empowerment: As champions of transformation, we aim to empower every individual—our team members, advocates, and those facing adversity—to drive meaningful progress and foster sustainable change.

Oxfam upholds a zero-tolerance stance toward any form of misconduct in the workplace, including sexual harassment, exploitation, abuse, integrity breaches, and financial impropriety, while safeguarding the well-being of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. The organization requires all employees and volunteers to adhere to this principle as outlined in our code of conduct. Emphasizing cultural alignment, Oxfam prioritizes the recruitment of individuals who embody and actively demonstrate these core values. All employment offers will be contingent upon the receipt of satisfactory references and may also require completion of appropriate screening procedures, which could encompass criminal background checks and assessments related to terrorism financing.

Background of Oxfam: Since its inception in Southern Africa during the 1980s, Oxfam has been actively engaged in the region, executing a range of development and humanitarian initiatives. These efforts are designed to empower communities by providing practical and innovative solutions that enable individuals to overcome poverty sustainably. Oxfam partners with local stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions addressing the underlying causes of poverty. Currently, we are collaborating with governmental bodies, international and local civil society organizations, United Nations agencies, and various other stakeholders.

Oxfam aims to cultivate a Southern Africa liberated from extreme inequality and injustice, fostering a society where all citizens—especially women of every age—can assert and uphold their rights and responsibilities while actively shaping decisions that impact their lives. The regional program is designed to advance women’s rights, strengthen governance and accountability mechanisms, foster resilient livelihoods, and bolster disaster preparedness while minimizing vulnerability to crises. Additionally, it seeks to ensure swift and effective responses to humanitarian emergencies.

Job Summary: The Advocacy and Communications Manager leads the strategic direction and oversight of Oxfam’s advocacy, campaigns, communications, and public positioning initiatives throughout the Southern Africa (SAF) Cluster. This position is responsible for converting program evidence, policy priorities, and partner perspectives into compelling narratives, targeted influencing strategies, and engaging public outreach efforts. The incumbent will report to the Program and Influencing Lead, guiding the development of Oxfam’s regional external identity to enhance visibility, credibility, and alignment with the SAF Strategy (2026–2030). This role is pivotal in driving Oxfam’s systems-change objectives by embedding thematic priorities, partner-driven strategies, and evidence-based narratives into cohesive advocacy and communications initiatives.

The position oversees regional advocacy and communications initiatives, providing direct management to ensure distributed teams perform efficiently, drive ongoing innovation, and achieve high-caliber results that enhance Oxfam’s impact across national, regional, and global platforms.

Experience, Knowledge & Competencies:

Essential: A Master’s degree in public policy, strategic communication, media studies, international human rights, international affairs, or a closely related discipline is required. With a minimum of six to eight years of demonstrated expertise in advocacy, communications, campaigns, or influencing positions, you will bring a wealth of relevant experience to this role. Accomplished in designing and executing strategic communications and influencing campaigns, with a minimum of three years of experience in team leadership or management positions. Technical proficiency of a high standard coupled with the capacity to align program design with strategic influencing and policy development initiatives. Experienced in leading cross-functional teams and collaborating effectively within diverse, multi-country or multi-stakeholder settings. Effective communication, analytical prowess, and sound judgment are essential for this role. Demonstrates the capacity to establish and nurture trusted, influential connections with both internal stakeholders and external entities. Proficient in both written and verbal English communication, with exceptional interpersonal abilities and a demonstrated capacity to influence and persuade effectively. A strong capacity for self-awareness, combined with high personal energy, endurance, and adaptability. Demonstrated success in collaborative environments, fostering strong working relationships with colleagues across multiple teams. Dedication to upholding Oxfam’s safeguarding protocols is essential to guarantee that all individuals interacting with the organization are provided the utmost protection.

Desirable: Demonstrates a strong dedication to Oxfam’s core objectives and guiding principles, coupled with a proven track record in advancing gender equity, diversity, and the empowerment of marginalized communities across all organizational functions. Capable of and enthusiastic about frequent travel, both on short notice and on a regular basis, within local and regional areas. Proficiency in both written and verbal English is essential, with fluency in Portuguese considered a valuable asset.

Contract Type: Renewable for a one-year term, contingent upon the continued availability of funding.

Salary: National terms and conditions. Compensation for this position is highly competitive and negotiable, determined by relevant experience, skills, and competencies. The role provides significant potential for personal growth and exceptional career advancement opportunities. It is essential to foster a spirit of collaboration and knowledge dissemination.

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