Country Director – Advocacy, Policy & Campaigns - Moscow, Russia

The astonishing economic growth experienced in Russia in recent years, has also seen the gap between rich and poor grow wider. And with the 2013 G20 summit being hosted there, the eyes of the world will soon be focussed more closely on Russia. The G20 leaders hold the key to a fair, just and equitable future, not just for Russia, but for the entire world. This is an opportunity for Oxfam, along with local NGOs and Russian civil society to influence the agenda and continue to press the G20 to take actions that deliver strong, sustainable growth for all, in the global fight to overcome poverty and inequality. Your leadership of the country office will be critical to our success.

The role

Leading the Russia country office through this important event and beyond is the key challenge. But there’s more to this role. It’s also about influencing the way Russia as a significant donor nation spends its budget, as well as working in alliance with a coalition of Russian organisations in the fight against poverty within Russia. That means directing and managing the office team of 10-15 people in bringing Oxfam’s considerable experience and knowledge of policy, advocacy, campaigning, fundraising and programme delivery to support local NGOs make a bigger impact and give civil society a more powerful voice.

Reducing poverty in Russia can also be political. So you will be expected to represent Oxfam at the highest levels and develop a significant profile with Government - a profile that will ensure that Oxfam can influence the agenda and effect social policy. And make a real impact in a difficult environment.

What we’re looking for

In a role as high profile and visible as this, credibility is key. This is why we’re looking for a politically astute, articulate and inspirational leader. Someone with substantial experience of driving advocacy at the highest level of Government, but also good decision making skills and the ability to think and act strategically. You will also need a real world view gained working in a variety of different country settings.

Fluency in Russian will be a significant advantage in helping you to establish your credibility and deliver impact in this role. And you’ll certainly have knowledge of the political, economic and social trends within Russia and the CIS, but with the ability to think and act in a regional context. From a practical standpoint, you must be adept at managing a team and budgets, but just as important are your exceptional influencing, relationship building and communication skills. It’s a challenge. But working at the heart of our organisation and making a real difference, it comes with plenty of rewards.

The rewards

Oxfam is committed to providing you with a competitive, fair and comprehensive pay and benefits package that is justifiable to our donors. On offer is an excellent salary of up to $63,500 per annum – this is a net salary, which means that there are no deductions for tax or social security from this amount. Oxfam will pay tax liabilities in addition to this salary.

The post also attracts a comprehensive benefits package including an employer pension contribution of up to 13% net salary, a 50% contribution towards accommodation costs, life assurance, medical insurance and travel insurance.

Plus for expatriates you will also receive standard benefits to assist with the additional costs of relocating, including education and accommodation allowances, flights home and removals/shipping.

How to apply:

How to apply

To find out more about this role and to apply, visit www.oxfam.org.uk/jobs and quote ref: INT5580.

Closing date: 17 August 2012