ABOUT OXFAM

Oxfam is a global movement of people working together to end the injustice of poverty. We are shop volunteers, women's rights activists, marathon runners, aid workers, coffee farmers, street fundraisers, goat herders, policy experts, campaigners, water engineers and more. And we won't stop until everyone can live life without poverty for good.

Oxfam GB is a member of an international confederation of 21 organisations working together with partners and local communities in the areas of humanitarian, development and campaigning, in more than 90 countries.

DEPARTMENT & TEAM PURPOSE

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.

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.

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.

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). The 2026–2030 Strategy marks a decisive shift toward locally led, partner-driven approaches, with Oxfam acting as a convenor, catalyst, and influencer rather than a direct implementer.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Programme Quality Leadership & Standards (18%)

• 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%)

• 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%)

• 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%)

• 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%)

• 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%)

• 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%)

• 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%)

• 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%)

• 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.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

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.

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 contact with Oxfam are as safe as possible.

Organisational Values

• Accountability: Our purpose-driven, results-focused approach means we take responsibility for our actions and hold ourselves accountable. We believe that others should also be held accountable for their actions.
• Empowerment: Our approach means that everyone involved with Oxfam, from our staff and supporters to people living in poverty, should feel they can make change happen.
• Inclusiveness: We are open to everyone and embrace diversity. We believe everyone has a contribution to make, regardless of visible and invisible differences.

Languages

• Fluent in written and spoken English and ideally Portuguese.

SAFER RECRUITMENT

Oxfam is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. Oxfam expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us. Offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online through the link:

https://jobs.oxfam.org.uk/jobs/vacancy/programme-quality-and-knowledge-lead-int11694/24861/description/

As part of your online application, please upload your up to date CV and Cover Letter explaining your suitability against the essential criteria in the job profile.

Closing Date: 6th August 2026