CharityVillage

Internal/External Posting Notice

Title:                                              
Deputy Director, Humanitarian (DDH)                                    

Department:                                 
International Programs

Status:                                         
Full-time, Full-time, 2 year term renewable, non-union

Location:                                      
Ottawa, ON                           

Immediate Supervisor:              
Director, International Programs

Salary:                                          
$110,000 - $130,000

Application Deadline:                 
June 14, 2024 or until a suitable candidate is found

Oxfam Canada is an affiliate of the international Oxfam Confederation networked in over 90 countries as part of a global movement for change. Our mission is to build lasting solutions to poverty and injustice with a focus on improving the lives and promoting the rights of women and girls. We work directly with communities, partners and women's rights organizations to challenge the systems that perpetuate inequality and keep people poor. Together we seek to influence those in power to ensure that women trapped in poverty have a say in the critical decisions that affect them, their families and entire communities. That’s why we believe that ending global poverty begins with women’s rights.

Oxfam Canada offers a generous compensation and benefits program, but more than that, we offer the opportunity to be a part of our global movement for change. If you advocate for gender equality, are passionate about women’s rights, and share our values of Equality, Empowerment, Solidarity, Inclusiveness, Accountability, and Courage – we want you on our team!

This dynamic role requires a passionate leader committed to advancing Oxfam Canada's humanitarian mission, raising the profile and resources for Oxfam's humanitarian work, and contributing to shaping policies and practices within the sector. The Deputy Director, Humanitarian will play a key role in driving impact, fostering partnerships, and ensuring Oxfam’s continued excellence in humanitarian response. This position requires a vibrant personality who is happy to spend much of their time at events, networking, seeking out opportunities, taking on guest speaker roles, following leads and opportunities wherever they go. Although this position is eligible for work from home, the incumbent will spend significant time outside the home for in person meetings and events.

SCOPE OF POSITION:

The Deputy Director, Humanitarian (DDH) plays a pivotal role in providing strategic leadership and effective management of Oxfam Canada’s humanitarian programs, partnerships, advocacy and fundraising. They develop and oversee implementation of strategies to increase the scope and impact of Oxfam Canada’s humanitarian portfolio, including securing funding from institutional and corporate partners, as well as from the public. They lead strategies to build up Oxfam Canada’s expertise and thought leadership in humanitarian response, in particular in relation to gender and emergencies, and to position Oxfam Canada to influence policymakers and institutions on matters related to humanitarian policy and practice. They serve as the primary spokesperson for Oxfam Canada on humanitarian issues with the media, government officials and donors.

With the support of a Humanitarian Manager, the Deputy Director assures effective management of the Humanitarian Team’s financial and human resources. They also provide high-level support to Oxfam Canada’s Director of International Programs and to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), as required.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: (This is not an exhaustive list of duties to be performed)

The Deputy Director, Humanitarian will contribute to achieving organizational goals and objectives through the following:

• Provide leadership to strengthen Oxfam Canada’s humanitarian expertise and thought leadership in the sector and within Oxfam International.
• Lead and support a Humanitarian Manager and provide advice on the management of their team of direct reports.
• Set priorities and direct work, including delegation of objectives to the Humanitarian Manager.
• Participate in Humanitarian unit and Department HR processes and support a positive workplace culture aligned with Oxfam’s values.
• Serve as an authoritative voice and primary spokesperson for Oxfam Canada on humanitarian issues, including:
• Representing Oxfam Canada in the media and in other official speaking engagements, including panels and roundtables.
• In collaboration with the Policy, Campaigns and Communications Department and the Humanitarian Manager, developing government relations strategies to advance and position Oxfam Canada’s humanitarian work from a funding, policy and advocacy perspective.
• Tracking humanitarian policy processes to ensure relevant Oxfam Canada staff are apprised of humanitarian trends and to develop and execute related strategies.
• Positioning Oxfam Canada to provide guidance and clarity on pressing issues to humanitarian practitioners and policy makers to help strengthen effective and timely responses.
• Lead efforts to secure funding for Oxfam’s humanitarian programs, including:
• Leading on establishing and building relationships with institutional, corporate and individual donors, foundations and unions who can support Oxfam’s humanitarian work.
• In collaboration with the Humanitarian Unit, Fund Development Department and Program Development Unit, exploring new funding avenues to support Oxfam’s humanitarian work.
• Overseeing the development of new humanitarian-resilience nexus programming in collaboration with the Program Development Unit and the Humanitarian Unit.
• Represent Oxfam Canada in humanitarian network, coordination and policy spaces, in particular the Humanitarian Coalition and within Oxfam International.
• Provide high-level guidance and support to the Senior Leadership Team and the Director of International Programs, including:
• Providing strategic guidance to the Senior Leadership Team on matters related to humanitarian emergencies and Oxfam’s response.
• Supporting the Senior Leadership Team in relation to the Board of Directors, as required.
• Supporting the Director of International Programs and the Senior Leadership Team by leading on and driving new strategic initiatives, as required.
• Serving as a backstop for the Director of International Programs, and ensure effective management of the International Program Department in their absence.
• Supporting the Director of International Programs on key departmental processes (financial, operational, coordination, teambuilding etc.).
• Other duties, as required.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & COMPETENCIES:

• Master's degree in international development and humanitarian aid, gender equality/women’s studies, public policy, business, nonprofit management, or related areas preferred (lower levels of education and experience will be considered).
• A minimum of eight (8) years of increasing responsibility in humanitarian programming, government relations, fundraising and/or advocacy (can be a combination of these areas) with at least four (4) years of management experience, including budget and human resource management, strategic planning and program funding.
• Previous experience working for a humanitarian or international development organization in a humanitarian management or leadership role and thorough understanding of humanitarian issues.
• Experience building and maintaining strong relationships with government and donor partners (experience with Global Affairs Canada will be considered an asset).
• Strong understanding of the political and policy environment in Canada.; experience in government relations will be considered an asset.
• Proven track record in fundraising and/or program development.
• Strong understanding of international humanitarian aid systems and agencies.
• Experience as a spokesperson, and strong track record as a skilled public speaker in multiple settings, with demonstrated capacity to motivate audiences and ignite engagement.
• A deep personal commitment to Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression (ARAO) Principles, Feminist Principles, Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI), decolonization, reconciliation and Indigenous rights, gender equality and women’s rights and a solid understanding of humanitarian principles and politics, in particular gender in emergencies.
• Excellent representational skills – including communication and advocacy skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills (especially with government officials and donors) with experience in building and maintaining alliances and networks.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and in a matrix management approach with colleagues inside Oxfam.
• Strong knowledge of program management including skills in project design; budgets; key donor regulations, and monitoring, evaluation and learning.
• Strong people management skills including coaching, mentoring and performance management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English is essential. Fluency in French or Spanish is highly desirable; fluency in other languages is an asset.
• Record in government relations to influence policy and build organizational profile is an asset.
• Previous experience working and leading teams in a unionized environment will be considered an asset.
• High level of energy, stamina and flexibility in adapting to changing situations.
• Demonstrated commitment to feminism, anti-racism, justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to travel internationally.
• Willingness to sign and abide by the Oxfam Code of Conduct and related policies.

In addition to competitive pay, we offer:

• 35-hour workweek and the ability to work flexible hours
• A hybrid workplace where staff can work from home and the Ottawa office
• 4 weeks paid vacation per year, plus paid office closure between December 27 to December 31
• Extensive health, dental and wellness coverage for you and your dependents
• Paid sick days, and additional time off for personal and care responsibilities
• Pension plan contributions
• Caring, compassionate and supportive work environment that recognizes that work is one of the many responsibilities we have to prioritize in our lives
• Regular opportunities for all staff across Canada to meet – in person and virtually – to learn, connect and grow as a team!

** MUST be eligible to work in Canada ** 

We recognize that structural barriers shape experiences and job qualifications. If you don’t see yourself reflected in every job requirement listed in the posting above, we still encourage you to apply.

At Oxfam Canada, we firmly believe diversity is fundamental in fostering a thriving, equitable empathetic and compassionate environment where everyone feels listened to, respected, valued and connected to one another and to the organization. We are looking for exceptional individuals who share our principles.

All our work is led by six core values: Equality, Empowerment, Solidarity, Inclusiveness, Accountability, and Courage. We welcome applications from: women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, visible minorities, and others who may contribute to diversification and share our values. If you are invited to continue the selection process, please notify us as soon as possible of any particular adaptive measures you might require. Applicants are encouraged to share accessibility needs in the application process, and every attempt will be made to accommodate them.

Important Note: All offers of employment are conditional upon signing our strict code of conduct, subject to satisfactory references and may be subject to appropriate screening checks. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for Oxfam Canada.

For additional career opportunities within Oxfam Canada, please visit oxfam.ca/employment-opportunities. Please note that we are not able to offer internships or overseas volunteer placements. 

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We thank all those who apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.