What's Happening?
Oxfam International is inviting applications for the position of WE-CARE Programme Manager within its Africa program. This role is a fixed-term contract for one year and is flexible in terms of location within the Africa Region, with a preference for Southern
Africa or Kenya. The successful candidate must already possess the legal right to work in their chosen location, as Oxfam International cannot guarantee work permits or relocation support. The WE-CARE Programme Manager will be responsible for leading the implementation of Oxfam in Africa's WE-CARE strategy, which focuses on unpaid care and domestic work, gender justice, women's rights, care-responsive public services, and social protection. Key responsibilities include overseeing program implementation, engaging with donors like the Hewlett Foundation, building partnerships with Women's Rights Organizations, and influencing policy and advocacy across several African countries, including Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia. The application deadline is November 16, 2026.
Why It's Important?
This initiative by Oxfam International is significant for U.S. and global development efforts as it directly addresses systemic issues of gender inequality and economic justice in Africa, areas often supported by U.S. foreign aid and philanthropic organizations. The focus on unpaid care work highlights a critical, yet often overlooked, barrier to women's economic empowerment and overall development. By strengthening care-responsive public services and social protection, Oxfam aims to create more equitable societies, which can lead to greater stability and economic growth—outcomes that align with U.S. development objectives. The role's emphasis on policy influence and advocacy means that the program's findings and strategies could inform broader international development policies and funding priorities, potentially impacting how U.S. and other international donors allocate resources for gender equality and social protection programs in Africa. Furthermore, the requirement for local work authorization reflects a growing trend towards localizing aid efforts and empowering regional expertise.
What's Next?
The application period for the WE-CARE Programme Manager concludes on November 16, 2026. Following the selection process, the appointed manager will commence a one-year fixed-term contract, driving the implementation of Oxfam in Africa's WE-CARE strategy. This will involve coordinating with country teams, partners, and donors to advance gender justice and address unpaid care work across multiple African nations. The program's progress and outcomes will likely be monitored closely, with reports to donors such as the Hewlett Foundation. The insights and evidence generated from this program are expected to inform future policy recommendations and advocacy initiatives at national, regional, and continental levels. Depending on the program's success and funding availability, there may be opportunities for extension or expansion of the WE-CARE strategy beyond the initial one-year term.
Beyond the Headlines
The WE-CARE program's focus on unpaid care and domestic work delves into a fundamental, yet often invisible, aspect of economic inequality and gender disparity. This initiative challenges traditional economic models that frequently undervalue or ignore the significant contributions of care work, predominantly performed by women. By advocating for the recognition, reduction, and redistribution of this labor, Oxfam is pushing for a paradigm shift that could redefine economic justice and women's rights in Africa. This approach has broader implications for global development discourse, encouraging a more holistic understanding of poverty and well-being that extends beyond monetary income to include the social and economic value of care. The program's success could inspire similar initiatives globally, influencing how governments and international bodies design social protection policies and invest in public services to support care economies.
