In Kenya, Oxfam works with others to alleviate poverty and inequality. We work with the most vulnerable communities in the dry and remote northern regions, and in the impoverished slums of the capital, Nairobi. In Kenya, the highest poverty levels are in the northern pastoralist districts - in some areas 95% of people fall below the poverty line. Like many developing countries, Kenya is undergoing rapid urbanisation. It’s estimated that by 2050 half the Kenyan population will be living in urban areas. This high presents a myriad of challenges. 34% of the 17 million poor Kenyans are urban poor and most of them live in informal urban settlements. Oxfam in Kenya Since starting work in Kenya in 1963, Oxfam has: provided long-term development aid and emergency relief, for example supporting refugees; promoted peace and managed conflicts between communities; campaigned for better governance and equitable access to services. We aim to help citizens stand up for their rights, and we work with others from government, civil society, communities, international development actors and the private sector. Working with dry-land communities In Turkana and Wajir we develop market-based alternative and complementary livelihoods, supporting fishermen and traders. Working with poor urban communities In the capital, Nairobi, we work with partners to run water kiosks, "bio-centers” that turn human waste into usable energy and improve sanitation, and recycling plants for unemployed youth. Our social protection programs provide cash to help poor families cope with rising costs of food and water and kickstart small businesses. Peace-building and conflict management We focus on enhancing communities’ capacity to resolve conflicts and co-exist peacefully. We also influence national policy through the National Steering Committee on Peace-Building and Conflict Management, under the Office of the President. Climate change We’re working closely with others, supporting local civil society to hold the Government accountable for its response to climate change. We’re also generating relevant climate change data to inform advocacy positions locally and internationally. Governance All of Oxfam’s work in Kenya is rooted in promoting better governance - at local, regional and national levels - by strengthening poor people’s ability to defend and demand their rights. We work to ensure that our partners and the communities we work with have their voices and concerns heard, and that the Government fulfils its responsibilities to poor Kenyans.The Role Oxfam in Africa is seeking an exceptional Head of Humanitarian to provide strategic leadership and oversight of humanitarian preparedness and response across Sub-Saharan Africa. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will shape and drive Oxfam’s humanitarian strategy, ensuring that responses to crises are timely, high-quality, and aligned with global standards. You will lead a team of humanitarian advisors, drive regional preparedness efforts, oversee emergency responses, and strengthen collaboration across country offices, affiliates, and Oxfam’s Global Humanitarian Team, while contributing to humanitarian policy and influencing, and advancing the LHL agenda and Oxfam’s global commitments. This is a highly influential role that combines strategic leadership, operational oversight, and external representation, ensuring Oxfam remains a leading humanitarian actor across the continent. This role reports to the Programmes and Influencing Director for Oxfam in Africa, with matrix management by the GHT Deputy Humanitarian Director. What we're looking for We are seeking a strategic and experienced humanitarian leader with strong proven experience of managing complex emergency responses across diverse contexts. You will bring deep expertise in humanitarian preparedness, response coordination, and policy development, combined with a solid understanding of gender, protection, and internationally recognized humanitarian standards. You will be an analytical and decisive thinker, able to navigate complexity, lead high-performing teams, and influence a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, UN agencies, and partners. Strong communication skills in both English and French are essential, along with the ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, high-pressure environments and to travel frequently at short notice, including for extended periods. Above all, you will be values-driven, committed to feminist principles, and passionate about advancing equality, resilience, and social justice across Africa. Why join us. Join a vibrant, Africa platform committed to decolonizing humanitarian action and championing feminist, locally-led-leadership. This is a rare opportunity to shape how Oxfam responds to Africa’s most pressing crises, and to help build more resilient, equitable and community-led systems for the future.