Do you want to fight for equality? Tackling inequality at its roots, together with colleagues, our partner organizations and activists in more than 90 countries? To change the systems behind it, once and for all!
Oxfam Novib stands behind the people who stand up for equality. Together, we fight for a world where everyone has equal opportunities, regardless of gender, ethnicity or skin color. A world where everyone feels safe; where income gaps are shrinking instead of growing, where climate change is tackled in a firmer and more honest way.
Equality is the common thread throughout our activities and projects, but also internally. We are aware that our team of colleagues can be even more diverse and that having a diverse team is the only way to see the world from a broad perspective. To obtain a multi-voiced team, we are therefore calling in particular on women, members of the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, or people with disabilities to apply for this job.
Apply and become part of Oxfam Novib!
Description of the Department
The Finance and Operations Department has the core responsibility to deliver enabling operational services that help the organization achieve its impact goals and ensure that it fulfils its external regulatory requirements. The department consists of four functional units (ICT and Facilities; Integrity; HR, People and Culture; Corporate Finance, Quality and Control), one expertise unit (Project and Donor Compliance) and an Executing Affiliate (EA) unit (EA Global Business Support) where business support to our EA country offices are clustered.
Purpose of the Unit
As an expertise unit, the Compliance and Risk Support Unit covers the scope of governance, corporate, externally funded projects and country operations risk management and plays a critical role in the functioning of Oxfam Novib as an organization. CORE provides Oxfam Novib with project control, compliance oversight and an overall support function to Oxfam Novib’s externally funded project portfolio. In addition, the Unit is responsible for Oxfam Novib organizational integrated risk management framework (including risk register) as well as organization quality management system. The Unit hosts the independent Internal Audit function that provides top management in the Hague and Countries of operations audit, controls and improvement on essential operational issues for the functioning of the organization. The Unit covers 80% of the second line of defense of Oxfam Novib and the third line of defense (Internal Audit).
Ultimately, the unit works on a risk-based approach to ensure that financial, reputational and operational risks are anticipated, mitigated or managed through appropriate processes and oversight mechanisms in place, adequate expertise and proactive risk identification.
The CORE unit plays a strategic role in advising the Board of Supervisors and the Board of Directors on risks as well as top management of country offices. The unit equally provides reassurances to management that Oxfam Novib is in control of its externally funded projects (+200 projects currently ongoing with a total amount of approx. 600 M EUR) and operations, and that related risks are managed.
Job description
The purpose of the Project Cycle Specialist to ensure that Oxfam Project Cycle is maintained up to standards through continuous improvements and simplification. To do so, the position will have to lead on internal projects on the matter. Similarly, the position will contribute to internal projects as a subject matter expert. The position will identify key procedures and processes to be improved to ensure that Oxfam Project Cycle meets the standards in respect to project cycle management (PCM) methodological approach while being aligned with Oxfam values and strategic direction (decolonisation, equal partnership).
Key responsibilities
- The Project Cycle Specialist identifies key processes, procedures and tools to be improved and set up the modalities to make improvements (small changes, internal projects, training, external resourcing).
- Analyzes organizational data (pain point inventories, workshop outputs, process performance) to identify simplification opportunities and prioritize interventions.
- Leads / Manages internal projects related to improvements, simplification of the project cycle.
- Delivers Project Management capacity building for Country Offices and partner organizations, including Training of Trainers programs and maintenance of a certified trainer community
- Is part of internal projects where the expertise is required.
- Contributes to the development of enhanced qualitative information management and reporting in Oxfam Novib.
- Ensures coordination with other Oxfam Novib units on project management, especially with Goal Units in the Hague.
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.
Who are we looking for?
With a strong background in business administration, finance, project management,) or other relevant social sciences. High level of knowledge on institutional donor financial requirements including new funding mechanisms.
You display excellent interpersonal, critical thinking skills and view of the big picture. Having a strong attention to detail, an analytical acumen, intellectual curiosity, creativity and a proven work ethic, you are always up to date about industry best practices with a how do we fix this attitude. You are able to handle requests from multiple sources, work on different projects and work effectively individually as well as across teams and in a multi-cultural environment, with a focus on promoting diversity and inclusivity.
You have both a business and risk mind coupled with an excellent writing skills and previous track records in process mapping related work.
With a strong commitment to Oxfam’s values, you approach work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
Furthermore, you have:
- Masters or HBO level of Education in relevant / connected field of expertise.
- 7 + years proven experience in Project Management, Business administration, quality management or analytics. (is the number of experience years given?)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, full professional mastery of English.
- Strong analysis and research competencies.
- Excellent stakeholder and relationship management and ability to establish strong relationships with colleagues.
- Proven experience in facilitation of large, multi-stakeholder groups, with a track record of converting sessions into concrete output.
- Ability to translate strategy to actions and deliverables and strong process thinking.
- Ability to map and document processes using industry-standard process modelling tools and notation (e.g. BPMN)
- A proactive, problem solving and results-oriented mindset accompanied by an acute understanding of risks related to the implementation of donor funded projects.
- Experience in direct Project Management is an asset.
- Working knowledge of Lean Six Sigma or comparable process improvement methodology is an asset.
- High level organizational and time-management skills.
- High level of adaptation and flexibility and appreciation for multi-tasking.
- A proactive, results-oriented approach with a focus on quality, efficiency and continuous improvement.
- The position requires close teamwork and flexibility. Easiness to step in for and with colleagues depending on the needs.
- You have a valid permit to reside and work in the Netherlands.
Working at Oxfam Novib
- All our work is guided by our core values: Empowerment, Accountability, Inclusiveness, Courage, Solidarity and Equality.
- At Oxfam Novib, we work according to the Feminist Principles - Oxfam Policy & Practice.
- Oxfam Novib is committed to offer you a motivating work environment at our offices in The Hague. We offer a one-year contract from start (including a 1-month trial period), with the possibility to extend.
- Oxfam Novib offers an attractive and honest benefits package, including a year-end allowance and yearly pay increase from the Collective Labor Agreement. Moreover, we offer complementary options to choose from. The salary range for this position is set in scale 9 with a salary range between €3543 and € 5328 gross -, depending on experience, based on 36 hours a week. This position is open for 36 hours per week.
- Oxfam Novib is based on the power of difference. That is why we aim to attract a diverse mix of talented people who share our standards, values and principles, and who are committed to prevent and eliminate any type of misconduct.
- We have an active policy against sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, any form of abuse of power or lack of integrity and financial misconduct. This subject will be covered in our application and selection process.
Additional information
- Do you believe that this is the job you are looking for? Then we would love to meet you! Please send your resume and cover letter via our application portal.
- If you have any questions about the job description, please contact Julien Marx, Unit Manager,at [email protected], or Jelena Petrov, [email protected]
- If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Mariska Bodewes-van Es, Corporate Recruiter at [email protected]
- Only applications received before the closing date of 23 Augustus 2026 and submitted via our application portal will be considered.
- This job opening is posted internally and externally, simultaneously. Internal candidates are given preference if they are sufficiently qualified or can be obtained in short term. We believe it’s important in our organization that our employees are offered maximum opportunities for growth in new themes and competencies. Priority for internal candidates supports this.
- At the time of a contract offer, it is necessary for Oxfam Novib to request valid references. Our candidates will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including criminal records and terrorism, financial checks or integrity screenings/references.
- Oxfam Novib reserves the right, to its sole discretion, not to make agreements regarding this job opening, make an agreement in a lower level, or make an agreement with an amended job description.
- We are currently working hybrid (50% in the office in The Hague and 50% at home).
- Qualified candidates residing in the Netherlands, or other EU/EEA countries and who are willing to relocate to the Netherlands at their own expense and responsibility, are encouraged to apply.
- Oxfam Novib is unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time.
