Oxfam South Africa (OZA) is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to serve as its Executive Director, providing an opportunity for a senior nonprofit professional to lead the organization’s strategic direction, operations, partnerships and long-term sustainability.
Based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, the position is offered on a five-year fixed-term contract and requires a leader with extensive executive management experience, strong strate7Hot rgic planning abilities and a demonstrated record of leading complex organizations and diverse teams.
The successful candidate will report to the Oxfam South Africa Board of Directors and work closely with the Executive Leadership Team, Oxfam International, donors, government representatives, civil society organizations and other stakeholders.
Applications close on 2 October 2026.
Oxfam South Africa is part of the wider Oxfam confederation, which works across more than 80 countries with thousands of partner organizations and communities.
The organization works to address poverty, inequality and systems that contribute to social and economic exclusion. Its work includes supporting communities, strengthening resilience, protecting lives and livelihoods, mobilizing resources and advocating for long-term social justice.
The Executive Director will play a central role in translating Oxfam South Africa’s mission and strategic priorities into effective organizational leadership, programs and partnerships.
About the Executive Director Role
The Executive Director will lead Oxfam South Africa’s legal entity and work with the Board, Executive Leadership Team and Oxfam International to develop and implement strategic, governance and operational plans.
The role combines executive leadership, organizational development, fundraising, financial sustainability, risk management, stakeholder engagement and people management.
The Executive Director will also serve as an ex-officio member of the Oxfam South Africa Board of Directors and will keep the Board informed about strategic priorities, organizational performance and risks.
As the organization’s primary spokesperson and ambassador, the successful candidate will represent Oxfam South Africa before donors, government officials, media, partners, Oxfam Confederation forums and the wider public.
Key Responsibilities
The Executive Director will be responsible for providing leadership across several areas, including:
Strategy and Organizational Leadership
- Work with the Board and Executive Leadership Team to establish organizational vision and strategy.
- Provide leadership on governance, risk management and organizational priorities.
- Support operating areas to establish and achieve strategic objectives.
- Build and maintain a high-performing, results-driven leadership team.
- Strengthen organizational culture and uphold Oxfam’s core values.
- Lead organizational growth, transformation and innovation.
External Engagement and Fundraising
A significant component of the position involves developing strategic external relationships and supporting Oxfam South Africa’s financial sustainability.
Responsibilities include:
- Building relationships with strategic stakeholders and partners.
- Developing and maintaining a diversified funding base.
- Engaging institutional donors, individuals, corporations, foundations and public-sector funders.
- Supporting organizational expansion and sustainable growth.
- Representing Oxfam South Africa at high-level meetings, events and engagements.
- Strengthening the organization’s public profile and brand.
Operations and Resource Management
The Executive Director will provide strategic oversight of the organization’s operational functions, including:
- Financial and fiscal management.
- Program operations.
- Human resources.
- Information technology.
- Fundraising.
- Communications.
- Policies and procedures.
- Statutory and legal compliance.
- Organizational risk mitigation.
The role requires close collaboration with the Executive Leadership Team to maintain organizational stability and ensure that resources are used effectively.
Risk Management
The successful candidate will identify, assess and mitigate risks affecting Oxfam South Africa’s operations and projects.
This includes periodically reviewing the organization’s risk-management framework and promoting a culture of accountability, resilience and effective decision-making.
Qualifications and Experience
Candidates are expected to demonstrate extensive senior-level leadership experience.
The stated requirements include:
- A master’s degree in social sciences, development or a related discipline.
- At least 10 years of senior-level nonprofit management experience.
- At least 10 years of executive leadership experience involving strategy development and leadership of diverse teams.
- A proven record of successfully leading complex, change-oriented and innovative organizations.
- Experience in strategic planning and executive management.
- Experience with business planning and financial/P&L management.
- Strong people-management and organizational leadership capabilities.
The successful candidate must also be willing to undertake national and international travel when required.
How to Prepare Your CV
Applicants should create a senior-executive CV that focuses on measurable leadership achievements rather than simply listing responsibilities.
The CV should clearly demonstrate:
- Executive leadership positions held.
- Years of nonprofit and development-sector experience.
- Organizations or programs previously led.
- Strategic plans developed or implemented.
- Organizational transformation and change-management experience.
- Budgets and financial resources managed.
- Fundraising and donor-development achievements.
- Partnerships established with governments, donors and institutions.
- Size and diversity of teams managed.
- Governance and Board-level experience.
- Risk-management and compliance responsibilities.
- Major organizational achievements and measurable results.
Candidates should also highlight experience representing organizations publicly, engaging high-level stakeholders and developing sustainable funding relationships.
Experience Highlights to Emphasize
Strong candidates should demonstrate experience leading organizations through growth, transformation and complex change.
Particular attention should be given to examples showing strategic leadership, organizational sustainability and the ability to manage competing priorities.
Experience working with nonprofit organizations, international development institutions, civil society networks, donors and government stakeholders can help demonstrate familiarity with the environment in which the role operates.
Candidates should also emphasize their experience building diverse and high-performing teams, managing organizational resources and maintaining accountability to Boards and other stakeholders.
Contract and Application Details
- Position: Executive Director
- Organization: Oxfam South Africa
- Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
- Contract: Five-year fixed term
- Starting Date: Immediately
- Reports to: Oxfam South Africa Board of Directors
- Direct Reports: Programs Director, Senior HR Manager-OPS, Chief Financial Officer and PA
- Travel: National and international travel required
- Deadline: 2 October 2026
Applicants should submit their CV, motivation letter and contact details for three professional referees.
The application should specify the subject line:
“Executive Director Oxfam South Africa Name_surname”
Applications should be submitted by email.
Selection Process
Oxfam South Africa will screen applications against the stated requirements and shortlist suitable candidates.
Only shortlisted candidates will proceed to interviews. Face-to-face interviews and the selection process will take place in Johannesburg, with travel costs for candidates.
Final shortlisted candidates will also undergo a psychometric assessment. Employment offers will be subject to satisfactory reference checks and verification of qualifications, identification, work permits and criminal records.
Oxfam South Africa reserves the right not to fill the position.
For experienced nonprofit executives with a strong background in strategic leadership, organizational transformation, fundraising and stakeholder engagement, this vacancy offers an opportunity to lead the South African affiliate of a major international development confederation.
