The Role
The Strategic Litigation Advisor will work closely with the pillar leads in Oxfam in Africa, Country offices and Partners, to identify and manage opportunities for legal interventions across OiA programmes, using both international human rights law and relevant national laws. The role will be instrumental in supporting Oxfam in Africa work to defend the closing of civic space across various jurisdictions and/or countries, and will lead on identifying and facilitating strategic litigation opportunities that further Oxfam’s objectives. The Strategic Litigation Advisor will be situated in the Oxfam in Africa Governance pillar but will work within a community of practice of staff working to defend civic space and pursue Oxfam’s campaign objectives.
The role reports to the Oxfam in Africa Governance pillar lead and matrixed by the Head of Programmes for Oxfam in Africa.
What we’re looking for
We are looking for a dynamic, charismatic and credible team player with the following:
- We are seeking a legally qualified professional with at least 5 years of experience practicing law in Africa, with proven expertise in facilitating or pursuing strategic litigation, particularly in human rights or environmental law.
- The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of legal risk management, especially in the context of NGO campaigning, and experience working collaboratively with coalitions, networks, or working groups to advance shared objectives.
- Experience of reviewing reports and research for legal risk management
- A commitment to Oxfam’s values, including feminist leadership, relationship building, and empowering others to succeed, is essential.
- Additionally, the candidate should have established relationships with organizations experienced in human rights litigation in Africa, along with experience in gender and climate justice advocacy, defending civic space, and providing training to diverse stakeholders.
Why join us
This is a unique opportunity to use your legal expertise to make a tangible impact on civic space and social justice in Africa. At Oxfam, we value inclusivity, feminist leadership, and collaboration. You will have the chance to shape Oxfam’s strategic litigation work and contribute to advocacy efforts across the continent.
What we offer
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 based on a 36-hour work week.
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 21 organizations (affiliates) plus the Oxfam International Secretariat, working together with partners and local communities in the areas of humanitarian, development and campaigning, in more than 90 countries.
Oxfam in Africa (OiA) is a continental platform overseeing country offices in Africa and working with civil society organizations, academics, governments, and private sector, to create a more equal Africa by challenging power structures that perpetuate inequality and injustice. In doing so, Oxfam in Africa provides dynamic thought leadership and a space to collaborate with its partners. Oxfam in Africa plays a leading role in supporting and empowering local communities, promoting gender equality, advocating for policy changes, and building the capacity of local civil society organisations.
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. Oxfam International Secretariat also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, if a job applicant has been employed by another member of the scheme, we will request information from that organization about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedure.
How to apply
If you are passionate about using law to drive social justice and change, we’d love to hear from you! Please
upload an up-to-date CV and a covering letter, clearly explaining your suitability against the essential
criteria in the Job Profile. For submission of CV and Cover letter please Click Here
Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted- usually within 2 weeks of the closing date.