What's Happening?
Oxfam International is seeking a WE-CARE Programme Manager to lead initiatives focused on gender justice, women's rights, and the care economy across Sub-Saharan Africa. This flexible position, with a preference
for candidates based in Southern Africa or Kenya, will oversee programs in Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia. The WE-CARE program aims to address the unequal distribution of unpaid care and domestic work, which disproportionately affects women and girls. The manager's responsibilities include leading the implementation and sustainability of WE-CARE across the specified African countries, advocating for care-responsive public services and social protection, and strengthening partnerships with women's rights organizations and feminist networks. The role also involves connecting research and learning to policy influence at national and continental levels, managing strategic planning, budgets, and financial oversight, and serving as the primary donor focal point for the Hewlett Foundation and other care-related donors. The deadline for applications is November 16, 2026.
Why It's Important?
This recruitment highlights Oxfam International's strategic commitment to gender justice and economic equality, particularly in the context of unpaid care work in Africa. The unequal burden of care work significantly hinders women's economic participation and overall empowerment, making this program crucial for sustainable development. By focusing on the 'recognition, reduction, and redistribution' of care work, Oxfam aims to influence policy and societal norms to create more equitable systems. The program's engagement with the African Union and regional platforms signifies an effort to drive systemic change at a continental level, potentially impacting millions of women and girls. The role's emphasis on strengthening partnerships with women's rights organizations underscores the importance of grassroots collaboration and feminist leadership in achieving these goals. This initiative is vital for advancing human rights and fostering inclusive economic growth in the region.
What's Next?
The application period for the WE-CARE Programme Manager closes on November 16, 2026. Following the selection process, the successful candidate will be tasked with immediately leading the implementation and sustainability of the WE-CARE program across the designated African countries. This will involve coordinating geographically dispersed teams, engaging with various stakeholders, and ensuring effective management of program resources and donor relations. The manager will also be responsible for driving advocacy efforts to promote care-responsive public services and social protection policies. The long-term objective is to achieve significant progress in addressing the unequal distribution of unpaid care work, thereby advancing gender justice and women's rights in Sub-Saharan Africa. The program's success will be measured by its impact on policy changes, community empowerment, and the overall improvement of women's economic and social well-being.
Beyond the Headlines
The WE-CARE program addresses a fundamental, yet often overlooked, aspect of gender inequality: the economic value and societal burden of unpaid care work. This issue has profound implications for women's participation in the formal economy, their educational attainment, and their overall health and well-being. By explicitly linking gender justice with the care economy, Oxfam is pushing for a more holistic understanding of economic development that recognizes and values care work. This initiative also highlights the critical role of international NGOs in advocating for policy changes that challenge traditional gender roles and promote equitable distribution of responsibilities. The focus on African countries underscores the particular challenges and opportunities for advancing women's rights in a region where cultural norms and economic structures often place a heavy burden of care on women. This program could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives globally, fostering a broader movement towards a more just and equitable care economy.
