Job Opportunity: Programme Quality and Knowledge Lead (INT11694)
JOB PURPOSE
The Programme Quality and Knowledge (PQK) Lead provides strategic leadership for programme quality, MEAL, learning, evidence generation, and accountability systems across the SAF Cluster. The role ensures that programme implementation is underpinned by robust evidence, consistent quality standards, and effective learning systems, enabling adaptive programming and impactful influencing.
Operating at the centre of the Cluster’s programme architecture, the PQK Lead ensures that programme insights inform strategic decision-making, influencing priorities, and regional policy engagement. The role plays a critical function in linking programme delivery, evidence generation, and influencing, working closely with the Programme and Influencing Lead, Programme Managers, Advocacy & Communications Manager, and the SADC Civil Society Liaison Lead.
The PQK Lead also ensures that partners are supported to maintain strong MEAL capacities, accountability systems, and evidence-based approaches, reinforcing Oxfam’s transition to a partner-led, locally driven model.
As a member of the Cluster Leadership Team, contribute to the collective strategic leadership, governance, and management of the SAF Cluster, sharing responsibility for organisational performance, risk management, and delivery of the Cluster Strategy. Where domiciled within a programme hub, act under delegated authority as the senior Oxfam representative in that country, providing organisational stewardship and representing the Cluster in engagements with government institutions, partners, donors, coordination platforms, and other internal and external stakeholders, while ensuring alignment between regional priorities and country-level implementation.
The role requires strong analytical capability, systems thinking, and leadership to operate with autonomy in a complex, multi-country, partner-led environment.
Essential Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Economics, Public Policy, Statistics, or a related field.
- Proven track record of leading and motivating multi-disciplinary, geographically remote teams and operations across a number of locations.
- Six (6) years senior leadership and management in programme quality, MEAL, research, or knowledge management within development and/or humanitarian contexts.
- Demonstrated experience in designing and leading MEAL systems across multi-country or complex programme portfolios.
- Strong technical expertise in research methods, data analysis, and evidence generation (qualitative and quantitative).
- Proven experience in integrating evidence and learning into programme design, adaptive management, and influencing.
- Experience working in partner-led programming models, including strengthening partner MEAL and accountability systems.
- Demonstrated experience in results reporting, donor compliance, and accountability frameworks.
- Experience operating in multi-country, matrixed organisational structures, with the ability to influence across teams without direct authority.
- Experience of managing complex change processes and relationships involving a wide range of both internal and external multi-cultural stakeholders across a variety of disciplines and geographical areas.
- Demonstrated experience in being a leader in promoting women’s rights and gender equity.
Desirable
- Postgraduate or professional certification in Monitoring & Evaluation, Data Science, Impact Evaluation, or Knowledge Management.
- Experience in linking programme evidence to policy influencing and advocacy processes, particularly at regional level.
- Familiarity with digital data systems, knowledge platforms, and MEAL technologies.
- Experience working in Southern Africa with understanding of regional policy and development dynamics.
- A high degree of self-awareness and an understanding of how to drive and support excellent team performance and individual development in line with Oxfam’s values and policies.
- Experience in feminist and decolonial approaches.
Key Attributes
- Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and gender issues, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities.
- Ability to demonstrate an openness and willingness to learn about the application of gender/gender mainstreaming, women’s rights, and diversity for all aspects of development work.
- Commitment to Oxfam’s safeguarding policies to ensure all people who come into contact with Oxfam are as safe as possible.
Organisational Values:
- Accountability – Our purpose-driven, results-focused approach means we take responsibility for our actions and hold ourselves accountable. We believe that others should also be held accountable for their actions.
- Empowerment – Our approach means that everyone involved with Oxfam, from our staff and supporters to people living in poverty, should feel they can make change happen.
- Inclusiveness – We are open to everyone and embrace diversity. We believe everyone has a contribution to make, regardless of visible and invisible differences.
The closing date is Thursday, 06th August 2026.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Oxfam is an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation.
If your qualifications meet the requirements, and believe in Oxfam values- please apply by visiting our website at : https://jobs.oxfam.org.uk/jobs/vacancy/programme-quality-and-knowledge-lead-int11694/24861/description/
