Join Oxfam South Africa as an Executive Director 2026: Apply for a Senior Leadership Role in Johannesburg

Overview

Oxfam South Africa (OZA) is looking for an Executive Director to lead its strategic direction, operations, partnerships and long-term sustainability. The post is based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, on a five-year fixed-term contract. The Executive Director reports to the OZA Board of Directors and works with the Executive Leadership Team, Oxfam International, donors, government representatives and civil society organizations.

Oxfam South Africa belongs to the wider Oxfam confederation, which operates in more than 80 countries. Its work addresses poverty, inequality and the systems behind social and economic exclusion.

What you get

The role leads OZA's legal entity and sits as an ex-officio member of the Board. It combines executive leadership, organizational development, fundraising, financial sustainability, risk management, stakeholder engagement and people management. The Executive Director acts as the main spokesperson and ambassador, representing the organization before donors, officials, media, partners and Oxfam Confederation forums.

Key duties include setting vision and strategy with the Board and leadership team, building a high-performing team, strengthening culture and values, leading growth and transformation, developing a diversified funding base among institutional donors, individuals, corporations and foundations, and providing oversight of finance, programme operations, human resources, IT, fundraising, communications, policies, legal compliance and risk.

Requirements

Applicants need a master's degree in social sciences, development or a related discipline, at least 10 years of senior-level nonprofit management experience, and at least 10 years of executive leadership involving strategy development and leading diverse teams. They should have a record of leading complex, change-oriented and innovative organizations, plus experience in strategic planning, business planning and financial or P&L management. Strong people-management skills and willingness to travel nationally and internationally are expected.

A strong CV would focus on measurable results, such as budgets managed, fundraising achievements, partnerships with governments and institutions, governance and Board experience, and risk and compliance responsibilities.

Key dates

Applications close on 2 October 2026.