Papua New Guinea Country Director

Port Moresby, PNG

Exciting international development role for a unique person 

Oxfam New Zealand is an independent development agency affiliated to Oxfam International.  We take a rights-based approach to development, which we believe is essential for vulnerable and disadvantaged people to gain access to resources and take advantage of opportunities to improve their own lives.  This may take the form of practical support, to achieve essentials like safe water, basic education, a reliable food supply or increased resilience to cope with disasters or conflict. We also seek to ensure that lasting solutions are found by advocating for changes to the structures and policies that keep communities in poverty.

Oxfam has been operating in PNG since the 1990s and has had a Country Office in Port Moresby  since 2006.  We currently seek to fill the key role of Country Director. You who will be responsible for representing Oxfam at the highest levels in country and leading the PNG Country Leadership Team in developing and implementing a new five year country strategy, in line with Oxfam International (OI) standards and a wider Pacific regional strategy. This is taking place within an OI wide change process that will directly impact the way Oxfam operates in the Pacific going forward. You will lead this process in PNG. You will also be responsible for managing the Oxfam Country Office and directly overseeing Oxfam New Zealand’s programming work in the Highlands and Bougainville.

Our ideal candidate will be a proven leader with strong networking, team building and communication skills, highly developed social and political analysis skills and senior level experience of developing and delivering programme strategy and of managing multi-sector development programmes. You will also have experience of leading organisational change processes, of representing your organisation with donors, partners, government agencies and civil society groups and an understanding of the factors driving poverty, marginalisation and vulnerability in developing country contexts.

As important is the ability to successfully lead multi-disciplinary and geographically remote teams, strong financial management, donor reporting and security management experience, an understanding of community and Pacific development issues and a demonstrated commitment to social justice, community development and good gender practice. You will have ideally worked in Melanesia (preferably PNG) and have knowledge of at least one Melanesian language, preferably Tok Pisin.

If you have the personal qualities, leadership skills and management experience we are looking for and are passionate about development, you an find out more by reading the job description. 

The post attracts expatriate benefits and a starting salary of US$51,667 - $72,000 net per annum (depending on the skills and experience of the postholder). This is an accompanied post (partner only).

To apply, please send your up to date CV and a covering letter, outlining your relevant skills and experience, tohumanresources@oxfam.org.nz.

Applications close on Wednesday, 22 May 2013.

Oxfam is an equal opportunities employer and encourages diversity in the workplace.