Oxfam America

Oxfam is a global organization that fights inequality to end poverty and injustice. We offer lifesaving support in times of crisis and advocate for economic justice, gender equality, and climate action. We demand equal rights and equal treatment so that everyone can thrive, not just survive. The future is equal.

Inequality is the most pressing issue of our time. And for 80 years, people like you have fueled our mission to end poverty and injustice. From the highlands of Central America and the corn fields of Uganda to the shores of the southern Gulf Coast in the US, Oxfam and our supporters are fighting to guarantee a life of dignity for every person in crisis and to challenge billionaires, corporations, governments, and international financial institutions to do better.

The story of our future starts with you. Join Oxfam today and let’s build a more equal future—together.

Senior Advisor, Advocacy and Engagement

DURATION: Fixed term position for a period of two years

DEPARTMENT: Private Sector Department

LOCATION: Boston, MA or Washington, DC OR in any of the following states: MA, CT , RI, ME, NH, NY,NJ,PA, VA WV,NC, DE, MD

REPORTS TO: Advocacy Manager, Private Sector Department

COORDINATES WITH: Private Sector Department, food systems thematic team, country offices, and senior leaders and staff of other relevant Oxfam America and Oxfam International teams and offices. This position may be matrixed into other teams, such as the food systems thematic team.

PURPOSE OF POSITION: To strengthen Oxfam America’s capacity to engage key US-based private sector actors through advocacy and other engagements; to develop and drive Oxfam America’s private sector strategy for campaigns and policy work around food and agriculture, climate change, labor issues, and other agency priorities; to raise Oxfam America’s profile as a thought and practice leader regarding corporate accountability and human rights.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strengthen Oxfam America’s capacity to engage key US-based private sector actors through advocacy and other engagements:

Lead Oxfam America’s corporate advocacy in the food and agricultural sectors, specifically with food and beverage companies, traders, and supermarkets.

• Manage programming related to seafood supply chains, working with partners and Oxfam’s Asia Regional team.
• Provide strategic guidance on corporate advocacy and campaigning to Oxfam campaign teams, regional offices, and partners.
• Conduct desk research on supply chains and corporate structure.
• Develop policy and execute a strategy for corporate advocacy in the food and agricultural sectors and ensure integration of gender equity in corporate asks.
• Serve as a spokesperson/representative including producing online materials for social media such as blogs to raise the profile of Oxfam America’s private sector work.

Drive Oxfam America’s private sector strategy for specific initiatives:

• Design, oversee and implement corporate advocacy and engagement strategies around food and agriculture, including gender and other priorities.
• Provide campaigns and other agency initiatives with strategic guidance and research on the private sector, including Oxfam America’s Domestic Program.
• Engage Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives, industry associations, and companies in the food sector to advance Oxfam America’s advocacy on food and agriculture.
• Manage relationships with key private sector actors and networks to advance relevant agency priorities, including private sector dialogues on policy issues such as land, gender, and labor.
• Monitor the development of private sector campaign ideas and flag potential conflicts in content and resources.

Raise Oxfam America’s profile as a thought and practice leader regarding nuanced private sector engagement on development and poverty issues:

• Represent Oxfam America’s (corporate and other) advocacy and engagement and its market systems approach at external meetings and events with industry, policy, and civil society leaders.
• Engage influential private sector actors to build support for Oxfam public policy positions.
• Provide strategic guidance on Oxfam America’s private sector strategy, ensuring gender is integrated.

Strengthens fundraising for private sector advocacy and campaign work:

• Write proposals for existing and developing advocacy and campaign work.
• Identify potential funding sources.
• Support outreach and pitches to potential funding sources.

EXPECTATIONS FOR THE POSITION:

• Will stay abreast of professional trends and issues affecting this set of responsibilities and demonstrate continuous learning in the field.

• Will work effectively and collaboratively in support of building a team-based, problem-solving work culture performing all duties appropriately for a multi-cultural environment, treating all persons with dignity and respect, and will be familiar with and committed to Oxfam America mission, values, and goals.

• Will have a fundamental understanding of gender justice and diversity within key areas of responsibility and a commitment to promoting gender justice, racial equity, and diversity in our workplace and programs.
• Within key areas of responsibility, will have a commitment and be accountable for activities contributing towards a safe and an accountable workplace environment, projects and relationships for staff, partners, and the communities we serve.

Periodic travel will be required up to a maximum of five weeks per year.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Master’s degree in international development, international relations, law, public policy, business and/or related field, or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.

Experience and Core Competencies:

• At least 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in corporate engagement and advocacy.
  • Including 3+ years of project management experience.
• Strong knowledge of the development sub-fields of food and agriculture, climate change, labor, and/or human rights.
• Experience working with business and with industry associations.
• At least 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience working in international development, the private sector, and/or related fields.
• Experience working effectively in teams.
• Strong writing, analytical, presentation, and relationship-building skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience managing projects across departmental lines.
• Experience working abroad.
• Experience engaging in policy advocacy alongside private sector actors.
• Expertise in labor issues.
• Spanish language speaking skills.

$70,000 - $105,000

Oxfam America is a Gender Just organization and an equal opportunity employer. We have a zero tolerance policy for any sexual harassment, exploitation, and/or abuse. We welcome all persons to apply and do not discriminate. We take measures to prevent discrimination against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

We are an E-Verify employer.

For more information, please click on the following links:
E-Verify Participation Poster: English / Spanish
E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English | Spanish