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At Oxfam we respond to emergencies and advocate for people in crisis, partnering with local organizations to deliver essentials and help rebuild communities. We work with activists and partners to fight poverty and injustice. We campaign for economic, gender, climate justice and accountable governance, striving for sustainable growth and transformation. We fight for a future that is equal, just and fair – one in which people have more equal opportunities and rights, and one in which we can all flourish, not just survive.

The Role

Oxfam in Africa is seeking an exceptional Head of Humanitarian to provide strategic leadership and oversight of humanitarian preparedness and response across Sub-Saharan Africa.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will shape and drive Oxfam’s humanitarian strategy, ensuring that responses to crises are timely, high-quality, and aligned with global standards. You will lead a team of humanitarian advisors, drive regional preparedness efforts, oversee emergency responses, and strengthen collaboration across country offices, affiliates, and Oxfam’s Global Humanitarian Team, while contributing to humanitarian policy and influencing, and advancing the LHL agenda and Oxfam’s global commitments.

This is a highly influential role that combines strategic leadership, operational oversight, and external representation, ensuring Oxfam remains a leading humanitarian actor across the continent.

This role reports to the Programmes and Influencing Director for Oxfam in Africa, with matrix management by the GHT Deputy Humanitarian Director.

What we're looking for

We are seeking a strategic and experienced humanitarian leader with strong proven experience of managing complex emergency responses across diverse contexts. You will bring deep expertise in humanitarian preparedness, response coordination, and policy development, combined with a solid understanding of gender, protection, and internationally recognized humanitarian standards.

You will be an analytical and decisive thinker, able to navigate complexity, lead high-performing teams, and influence a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, UN agencies, and partners. Strong communication skills in both English and French are essential, along with the ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, high-pressure environments and to travel frequently at short notice, including for extended periods.

Above all, you will be values-driven, committed to feminist principles, and passionate about advancing equality, resilience, and social justice across Africa.