About the Organization
Oxfam is a global movement of people working together to end the injustice of poverty. As a confederation of 21 organizations operating in over 90 countries, Oxfam collaborates with partners and local communities in humanitarian, development, and campaigning spheres. We are aid workers, activists, engineers, and volunteers united by the conviction that poverty is not inevitable—it is an injustice that can be overcome.
At Oxfam, people power is the engine of change. We are committed to dismantling unequal power structures and fostering an inclusive environment where every staff member feels celebrated for the unique perspectives they bring. Our core values of empowerment, accountability, and inclusion guide everything we do, from our field operations to our internal management. We strive to be an organization that reflects the diversity of the communities we support.
Safeguarding is a non-negotiable priority at Oxfam. We are committed to preventing unwanted behavior at work, including sexual harassment, exploitation, abuse, and financial misconduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited. Every staff member is responsible for promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults with whom we engage, adhering strictly to our comprehensive code of conduct.
We explicitly encourage women and individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply for this senior role. Oxfam believes that gender equality is essential to effective humanitarian response, and we actively seek candidates who are personally aligned with our feminist principles. We offer a supportive, flexible working culture known as “Flexfam,” designed to help our team thrive both professionally and personally while tackling the world’s most difficult challenges.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. Please note that scanned certificates or physical attachments are not required during the initial application phase. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and screening checks, including participation in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The Senior Safety and Security Officer (SSSO) is a critical role within the Gambella Refugee Response, responsible for facilitating the safety of Oxfam personnel and assets. Reporting to the Program Manager with technical oversight from the Country Safety and Security Coordinator, you will lead the monitoring, planning, and assessment of the security situation across the Gambella Region. Your expertise ensures that Oxfam can continue its life-saving work in complex and shifting environments.
Your “day-in-the-life” impact involves constant analysis of local security dynamics to protect our most valuable resource: our people. You will be the primary focal point for maintaining up-to-date security plans and providing real-time advice to staff. By ensuring that safety protocols are strictly followed, you enable our water engineers, aid workers, and specialists to reach those in need without compromising their personal security or organizational integrity.
Professional growth in this role is significant, as you will be invited to “stretch and learn” through a wide range of development opportunities, including coaching, mentoring, and specialized in-house courses. You will develop high-level influencing and negotiating skills by engaging with both internal teams and external audiences in stressful, high-stakes environments. This role positions you as a strategic leader in the Ethiopian safety and security sector.
Strategically, the SSSO ensures that security management is integrated into the heart of program design. You will identify risks before they become crises, allowing for proactive adjustments to project implementation. Your work directly supports Oxfam’s mission by ensuring that operations remain resilient and compliant with global safety standards, even in hostile operating environments.
Ultimately, your success as an SSSO means that Oxfam’s mission in Gambella remains uninterrupted. By fostering a culture of security awareness and readiness, you protect the organization’s ability to serve beneficiaries and advocate for the rights of refugees. You are the silent enabler of every success the program achieves in the region.
Job Positions and Requirements
Senior Safety and Security Officer
Educational Qualification: BA/MA Degree in Political Science, International Relations, Peace and Security Studies, Conflict Resolution, Police Science, Military Science, Law, or a related field.
Work Experience: At least five (5) years of practical experience in security and safety risk management, specifically within hostile or complex operating environments.
Job Location: Gambella, Ethiopia (Hybrid)
Salary: As per Oxfam Benefit Package (Grade National D1)
Employment Type: Fixed Term, 37.5 hours per week.
Required Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate must have proven expertise in the Ethiopian safety and security context, with a deep understanding of the specific dynamics in the Gambella Region. Excellent influencing, communication, and negotiating skills are required to navigate complex relationships with external stakeholders. You must be competent in report writing and possess the capacity to remain on standby 24/7 for emergency response and short-notice travel.
Fluency in both English and Amharic (written and spoken) is essential for this role. You should have established experience in providing field-based training and the ability to maintain a focus on strategic priorities while working under intense pressure. Personal alignment with Oxfam’s feminist principles and a commitment to promoting inclusion and accountability are fundamental requirements.
Employment Type and Compensation
This is a Full-Time, Fixed-Term national position at Grade D1. Oxfam offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefit package, including a generous pension scheme, annual leave allowances, life assurance, and company sick pay. We also offer “Flexfam” options, allowing for discussions on flexible working arrangements that balance operational needs with personal well-being.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit the Oxfam recruitment portal and upload your up-to-date CV and a Cover Letter. Your cover letter should explicitly explain your suitability against the essential criteria outlined in this job profile. Please be informed that scanned certificates or physical attachments are not required at this stage of the process.
Oxfam participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will request information from previous employers regarding any findings of sexual exploitation or harassment. By submitting your application, you confirm your understanding of these recruitment and safeguarding procedures. Ensure your application is submitted before the closing date.
Application Deadline
7 April 2026
Apply Link