Job Description
Job Description
Do you have a Master’s degree in business management /administration/ financial management or equivalent professional qualification or alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree combined with a full professional qualification in accountancy (e.g. CA/ACCA/ACA/CIMA) with Knowledge/ experience of banking regulations and systems across all four countries in the region?
Do you have a minimum of 6 years’ of progressive experience in finance, operations, logistics, compliance, and business services leadership with at least two years in the development sector?
Do you have experience Proven experience managing multi-country operational systems?
If the answer is yes, then we would like to hear from you
Oxfam is looking for Operations Team Lead
To provide senior strategic leadership, systems oversight, and people management for all business operations functions across the Southern Africa (SAF) Cluster, ensuring that finance, logistics, procurement, ICT, compliance, internal controls, and risk management systems operate as an integrated, efficient, and resilient regional platform.
Strategic Operations Leadership & System Integration (20%)
The role provides overall strategic leadership for the design, harmonisation, and continuous strengthening of the SAF Cluster’s operational model.
Duties and Responsibilities
Lead the development and implementation of an integrated regional business operations strategy.
Align operational systems across finance, logistics, procurement, ICT, compliance, risk, and internal controls
Ensure systems operate as a coherent regional platform rather than fragmented country-based processes
People Management & Leadership of Operations Function (20%)
A central responsibility of the role is leading and developing Oxfam’s regional operations function.
Directly line manage Operations and Finance Coordinators and Logistics leadership.
Establish strong systems for performance management, objective setting, accountability, professional development, and leadership growth
Build technical and strategic capability across finance, logistics, and operational teams.
Financial Management, Strategic Oversight & Resource Stewardship (15%)
The role ensures robust financial systems that support strong governance and programme delivery.
Oversee budgeting, financial planning, forecasting, reporting, and resource allocation
Strengthen financial governance and internal accountability.
Ensure compliance with donor requirements, Oxfam policies, and regulatory standards
Compliance, Internal Controls & Enterprise Risk Management (15%)
The role safeguards organisational integrity through strong compliance and control systems.
Establish and maintain robust internal controls, compliance systems, audit readiness, and risk management frameworks
Ensure compliance with legal requirements, donor regulations, Oxfam standards, and safeguarding policies
Lead internal and external audit coordination.
Grants Management, Donor Compliance & Operational Delivery Support (10%)
The role strengthens grant and donor compliance systems.
Oversee grants financial compliance, budget management, and donor operational requirements.
Strengthen coordination between Programme teams, Finance, Compliance, and Business development
Ensure operational systems support effective donor delivery.
Operational Support to Partner-Led Delivery Model (5%)
The role ensures operational systems effectively support Oxfam’s partner-centred strategy.
Strengthen systems for Partner contracting, Financial transfers, Compliance, Risk management, and Operational due diligence
Ensure partner operational systems are accountable and proportionate.
Support localisation through practical, enabling systems.
. ICT, Digital Systems & Organisational Infrastructure (5%)
The role ensures digital and ICT systems effectively support regional coordination and operational performance.
Maintain secure, reliable, and fit-for-purpose ICT infrastructure.
Promote effective use of digital tools across the Cluster.
Strengthen data systems, integration, and operational coordination.
Qualifications and Experience
We’re looking for a candidate who cares about Oxfam's mission to end poverty and is personally aligned to our feminist principles and values of empowerment, accountability and inclusion in all you do.
An ideal candidate for the role will also be / have:
Master’s degree in business management /administration/ financial management or equivalent professional qualification.
Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree combined with a full professional qualification in accountancy (e.g. CA/ACCA/ACA/CIMA) will be considered
Knowledge/ experience of banking regulations and systems across all four countries in the region
A minimum of 6 years’ of progressive experience in finance, operations, logistics, compliance, and business services leadership with at least two years in the development sector
Proven experience managing multi-country operational systems
Excellent leadership and people management abilities, with motivational, talent development and change management skills. Able to manage and develop other people’s professional standards and potential
Good knowledge of logistics management, including the provision of services in remote locations
Good knowledge of general administrative management, with expertise in providing a superior, proactive, business focussed service
Strong project management and organisational skills, with experience using formal project management techniques
Ability to build strong, credible relationships with internal and external individuals and organisations
A high level of self-awareness, personal energy, stamina and flexibility. Ability to work creatively, effectively and in an innovative manner, adjusting to constantly changing situations while maintaining focus on delivery and follow-through
Proven experience as a team worker and demonstrably cooperative with members of other teams
Commitment to Oxfam’s safeguarding policies to ensure all people who come into contact with Oxfam are as safe as possible.