Do you want to fight for equality? Tackling inequality at its roots, together with colleagues, our partner organizations and activists in more than 90 countries? To change the systems behind it, once and for all!
Oxfam Novib stands behind the people who stand up for equality. Together, we fight for a world where everyone has equal opportunities, regardless of religion, ethnicity, sex, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity. A world where everyone feels safe; where income gaps are shrinking instead of growing, where climate change is tackled firmly.
Equality is the common thread in our work, both internally and externally. We recognize that our team of colleagues can become even more diverse, and that only with a diverse team can we gain a broad perspective on the world. Therefore, we want to encourage everyone who is interested to apply. Our aim is to create an environment where colleagues feel welcome and diversity is embraced and celebrated.
Our aim is to build a team that offers a rich variety of perspectives, enabling us to achieve an inclusive and inspiring work environment.
Apply and become part of Oxfam Novib!
Job description
Oxfam Novib is an organisation with a strong constituency of Dutch supporters and more than 60 years of experience in international cooperation. We are part of the Oxfam confederation that is active in 90 countries to bring a strong and united voice to the world stage. Together with our colleagues, partners and local communities, we work on systemic change and concrete results for people.
We live in a time of interconnected and compounding crises, their causes and processes are bound together to create compounded effects, which affect us all, but not equally. Fundamental Freedoms in Europe and globally are declining, democracy and civic space are under serious attack.
At the same time, pockets of hope emerge, and brave citizens stand up for their rights. They inspire us to better value freedom and defend our constitutions. The EQUAL - Championing Civic Space Unit, within the Programmes Department, works together with other Oxfam teams in the Netherlands and in other countries & regions where Oxfam is present, with partners and allies, to strengthen and protect civic space as well as adapt to remain influential despite the context.
The Policy Lobbying & Influencing Specialist: Civic Space leads on the Dutch domestic lobbying strategy and works closely with other Oxfam Novib Units, the Oxfam International Brussels office, and the Oxfam in Europe platform. The position provides technical support to the projects of the Civic Space Unit, contributes to program implementation, programme development and to civic space mainstreaming.
The Policy Lobbying & Influencing Specialist: Civic Space also maintains a functional relation with other teams within the Programmes and the Engagement departments. S/he/They is expected to work in different projects and assignments that are directly related to his/her/their role. Oxfam Novib seeks flexibility from staff in the organisation to move from one project to another when needed.
Key tasks and responsibilities
- Practical contribution to successful influencing on civic space via policy advocacy and lobbying, in The Netherlands and where needed whenever it relates to The Netherlands’ role in Europe and global level.
- Active cooperation with and between projects within the Programmes Department and with other Oxfam Novib Units, country offices, other Oxfam affiliates and external stakeholders on (mainstreaming) civic space and rights.
- Review and update of the current lobbying strategy and action plan in cooperation with the Engagement Department.
- Technical and strategic advice and support -including mainstreaming of civic space- in influencing government and private sector policies about civic space in the Netherlands and Europe. This concerns support to Oxfam Novib goal*-oriented Units (*Fair, Safe, Green, Equal) and their partners, and global cooperation where necessary.
- Connect Netherlands domestic issues to European-wide influencing (working closely with the OI Brussels office and Oxfam in Europe civic space working group).
- Participation in internal “actualiteiten overleg” and other Dutch domestic workshops/meetings when relevant
- Represent Oxfam Novib on platforms and campaigns in The Netherlands such as Goedezaak, Goede Doelen and Artikel 5. This task will be split with colleagues according to who is best placed to represent the organisation on which platform.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for candidates who embrace feminist principles in their work, value the importance of equality in partnerships between the ‘Global South’ and 'Global North’ and are able to reflect on their own perspective (‘positionality’) and that of others.
They should have
- A degree in a relevant field and academic working capacity, preferably in international relations, development, political science, political economy or governance.
- At least 8 years’ experience working on defending and promoting civic space, human rights, democracy, social innovation in the context of government and private sector influencing.
- Experience and excellent understanding of and skills in influencing (advocacy and lobby), including targeting multilateral institutions and private sector influencing.
- Sound understanding of relevant human rights legal and political frameworks, experience in conducting analysis, monitoring, policy papers and other deliverables related to the protection of civic space, human rights, democracy and the work of human rights defenders.
- Strong networking skills and have relevant experience in working with and supporting movements and activists and have a vision of how movement building can help strengthen the rule of law and civic space and rights.
- Excellent analytical and writing skills and demonstrable ability to think strategically and innovatively.
- Proven experience in leading and facilitating strategy and program/project development, in contributing to the implementation of civic space activities, and mainstreaming civic space across different programs.
- A result-oriented approach; and strong skills in planning and organizing, excellent communication skills.
- Excellent written & spoken Dutch (essential) and English skills.
- Willingness to travel.
Working at Oxfam Novib
- All our work is guided by our core values: Empowerment, Accountability, Inclusiveness, Courage, Solidarity and Equality.
- At Oxfam Novib, we work according to the Feminist Principles - Oxfam Policy & Practice.
- Oxfam Novib is committed to offering you a motivating work environment at our offices in The Hague. This position is a temporary position, covering maternity leave starting on 1 July 2026 and ending 31 October 2026.
- Oxfam Novib offers an attractive and honest benefits package, including a year-end allowance and yearly pay increase from the Collective Labor Agreement. Moreover, we offer complementary options to choose from. The salary range for this position is set in scale 9 with a salary range between €3.447,- and €5.183,- gross depending on experience, based on 36 hours a week.
- We are currently working hybrid (50% in the office in The Hague and 50% at home).
- At Oxfam Novib we prioritize our team’s mental well-being. We make sure to demonstrate care for our colleagues, as an organisation and at individual level. We also organise regular trainings and webinars related to many facets of mental and physical health, and offer access to free professional and confidential support for those who might need it, be it their personal or professional life. Learn more
Additional information
- Do you believe that this is the job you are looking for? Then we would love to meet you! Please send your resume and cover letter via our application portal.
- If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Mariska Bodewes-Van Es, Corporate Recruiter, via e-mail: mariska.bodewes-vanes@oxfamnovib.nl;
- Only applications received before the closing date of 6 May 2026 and submitted via our application portal will be considered.
- This vacancy is open to both internal and external candidates, with priority given to internal applicants who are qualified or can develop quickly. We encourage growth and opportunities within our organization while warmly welcoming new talent with fresh ideas and expertise!
- Oxfam Novib seeks talented individuals who share our values and commitment to preventing misconduct. We maintain a strict policy against all forms of abuse, exploitation, power abuse, and financial misconduct, which is also integrated into our recruitment process. As part of a job offer, we request valid references, and candidates may undergo integrity screenings, including criminal record and financial background checks.
- Oxfam Novib reserves the right, to its sole discretion, not to make agreements regarding this job opening, make an agreement at a lower level, or make an agreement with an amended job description.
- Qualified candidates residing in the Netherlands or the EU/EEA, willing to relocate at their own expense, are encouraged to apply. Please note that Oxfam Novib cannot provide visa sponsorship.
