NB - Nairobi preferred. Other locations in Africa might be considered subject to being able to establish a contract of employment with the hosting affiliate.

The Role

Oxfam International Secretariat is looking for a Legal Counsel based in Africa to support the legal management of the Oxfam International Secretariat, to coordinate a legal response to issues that apply across the Oxfam Confederation, and to support the Affiliate members of Oxfam International in relation to legal risk.

Please see the job description for further details.

Who we're looking for:

The ideal candidate will be/have: 

• A lawyer with practical experience and duly admitted to practice in their own or another country
• Commitment to Oxfam’s values and anti-racist and feminist principles
• Experience of providing legal advice in relation to the laws of several countries
• Experience in contract law drafting, negotiation and management
• Good communication skills, ability to explain legal concepts in a simple way
• Experience in risk management/Understanding of regulatory environment

What we offer

This role will give you an opportunity to make a difference in our work to end poverty and inequality, through legal input to our effective and efficient legal processes and our campaigns, as part of an international network of lawyers. At Oxfam, we believe that every aspect of our work can lead to a positive outcome. If you have the same opinion, together with the ability to meet the challenges involved, this role offers scope for immense personal fulfilment – as well as outstanding opportunities to develop your career. Oxfam is committed to providing a fair compensation package and a flexible working environment

How to apply

Please click on the "apply" button to start the application process. Please upload an up-to-date CV and a covering letter, clearly explaining your suitability against the essential criteria in the job profile.

Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be shortlisted- usually within 2 weeks of the closing date.

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 20 organizations (affiliates) plus the Oxfam International Secretariat, working together with partners and local communities in the areas of humanitarian, development and campaigning, in around 90 countries.

The Oxfam International Secretariat is currently headquartered in Nairobi, with offices in Oxford, Washington DC, New York, Brussels, Geneva, and a liaison office with the Africa Union in Addis Ababa.

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. Please note that Oxfam International participates in the Inter-Agency Scheme for the Disclosure of Safeguarding-related Misconduct in Recruitment Processes within the Humanitarian and Development Sector. Under this scheme, if you have been employed by another member of the scheme, we will request information from that organization on any misconduct history in accordance with the terms of the scheme. For scheme details please click here

Oxfam International is an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity and inclusion within the workplace.