Country Director - Nigeria

Closing date: 16th June 2025 @23:59 GMT/BST/EAT

Location: Abuja, Nigeria (Accompanied post)   

Contract: Fixed term – 2 Years

Internal Job Grade: B2, International

Salary: In line with Oxfam International’s pay range Includes core benefits and global entitlements for internationally relocated staff

We believe flexible working is key to building the Secretariat of the future, so we’re open to talking through the type of working arrangements that might work for you.

The Role

The Country Director will lead and implement Oxfam’s Global Strategic Framework (2020–2030) in Nigeria, providing strategic vision and direction across humanitarian response, long-term development, advocacy, and policy influence. This role is responsible for the overall strategic management of the Nigeria country program, ensuring the quality, relevance, and continuous improvement of all programming, alongside robust financial and human resource management in line with Oxfam’s standards, values, and policies.

The Country Director will oversee a dynamic Country Leadership Team and manage an annual budget of €3 million. This role will ensure that all operations align with Oxfam’s policies and compliance requirements, including the Code of Conduct, Security, Health and Safety protocols, and Nigerian legislation.

Acting as Oxfam’s principal representative in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region, the Country Director builds and strengthens strategic alliances with government, international agencies, donors, civil society, and media. The role also maintains high-level donor engagement, drives innovation across all programming areas, and ensures effective risk management across security, finance, compliance, and brand reputation.

Reporting to the Deputy Director for Oxfam in Africa and accountable to the Country Forum, this is a critical leadership role in one of Oxfam’s most strategically important countries.

What we're looking for
The ideal candidate will be a strategic and inspirational leader with extensive experience operating within complex humanitarian and development contexts. Demonstrated expertise in managing diverse, multi-disciplinary teams across geographically dispersed settings is essential, particularly with a leadership approach grounded in feminist and inclusive values.
A strong track record in risk management, compliance, and maintaining high standards across financial oversight, safety, and operational delivery within an international NGO environment is required. The position calls for high levels of political acumen and emotional intelligence to influence effectively at both national and regional levels, coupled with a nuanced understanding of power dynamics and the challenges confronting civil society actors in Nigeria and the broader region.
Proven capabilities in building strategic partnerships, securing institutional funding, and engaging a wide range of stakeholders; including governmental bodies and community-based organization; are critical to success in this role. Alignment with Oxfam’s core values of inclusion, accountability, empowerment, courage, solidarity, and equality is essential, as is a demonstrated commitment to advancing gender justice and leading with humility, clarity of vision, and boldness.
Why join us.

This is more than a leadership role; it’s an opportunity to shape the future of a nation and region. At Oxfam, you’ll be part of a global community driven by social justice, equity, and rights. As Country Director, you’ll influence systems, strengthen partnerships, and lead humanitarian and development efforts that have the power to transform lives.

What we offer
Oxfam provides a fair and transparent salary and benefits package, alongside robust support for personal and professional growth. For internationally relocated candidates, a comprehensive global benefits package is included. You’ll work in a vibrant, inclusive environment where collaboration and innovation are key, and where your leadership will help create lasting change.

How to apply
If you are passionate about driving transformative humanitarian and development work in pursuit of social justice, we encourage you to apply. Please submit an up-to-date CV and a compelling cover letter following this link https://oxfam.current-vacancies.com/Jobs/Advert/3854606?cid=3360,clearly outlining your suitability against the key criteria detailed in the Job Profile for the Country Director, Nigeria role.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

About us 

Oxfam is a global movement of people working together to end the injustice of poverty. 

That means we tackle the inequality that keeps people poor. Together we save, protect and rebuild lives. When disaster strikes, we help people build better lives for themselves, and for others. We take on issues like land rights, climate change and discrimination against women. And we won’t stop until every person on the planet can enjoy life free from poverty.

We are an international confederation of 22 organizations (affiliates) plus the Oxfam International Secretariat, working together with partners and local communities in the areas of humanitarian, development and campaigning, in more than 76 countries.

Oxfam in Nigeria is part of Oxfam in Africa (OiA) which is a continental platform overseeing country offices in Africa and working with civil society organizations, academics, governments, and private sector, to create a more equal Africa by challenging power structures that perpetuate inequality and injustice. In doing so, Oxfam in Africa provides dynamic thought leadership and a space to collaborate with its partners. Oxfam in Africa plays a leading role in supporting and empowering local communities, promoting gender equality, advocating for policy changes, and building the capacity of local civil society organisations.

All our work is led by our core values: Empowerment, Accountability, Inclusiveness, Courage, Solidarity and Equality.

Our commitment to safeguarding

Oxfam is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behavior at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to 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. 

Note: All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and may be subject to appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Oxfam International Secretariat also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.  In line with this Scheme, if a job applicant has been employed by another member of the scheme, we will request information from that organization about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of this recruitment procedure.