Program Manager PARCEL Forward

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 in applying. 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.

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Job description

Below is a summarised version - for the full JD, please click Here

SAFE Unit

The purpose of Oxfam Novib's SAFE goal unit is to develop and co-implement (influencing) programs in the following areas: Supporting People on the Move and Promoting Safe and Resilient Communities. The Unit is also responsible for upholding and promoting Oxfam’s humanitarian mandate within Oxfam Novib through program and proposal development, resource mobilization and grant management. The Unit oversees, coordinates and delivers impactful externally funded SAFE (multi-country) programs and projects and supports conflict sensitivity mainstreaming within Oxfam Novib and the wider Oxfam.

Background of the position and the project

The Oxfam Novib SAFE Unit will be grant-holder and coordinate the implementation of an EU ECHO funded project for 15 months. The project ‘PARCEL Forward` has as objective to Transforming humanitarian logistics through capacity sharing and local leadership.

PARCEL (Partner Capacity Enhancement in Logistics) is a global humanitarian initiative that strengthens supply chain and logistics capacity across the humanitarian sector, with a particular focus on local and national humanitarian actors (LNHAs). Supported through multiple phases of DG ECHO funding, PARCEL has evolved into an openly accessible platform (parcelnetwork.org), community of practice, and public good that promotes more effective, collaborative, and locally led humanitarian supply chains.

PARCEL Forward, led by Oxfam in partnership with IRC, Plan International, and IECAH, builds on the achievements of PARCEL 2.0 to consolidate, scale, and institutionalise PARCEL globally. The project aims to strengthen locally led supply chain capacity, advance localisation as a system-level reform, promote the adoption of the Universal Logistics Standards (ULS), and sustain the PARCEL Network as a globally connected and locally anchored community of practice.

Through peer learning, capacity sharing, standards development, and network stewardship, PARCEL Forward supports local and national actors to strengthen their leadership, authority, and operational capacity within humanitarian supply chains, while ensuring the long-term sustainability of PARCEL and its resources beyond the life of the project.

The expected start date of the project is November 2026 (subject to confirmation from the donor).

You will be working either in the SAFE unit of Oxfam Novib’s Office in The Hague, or another location where Oxfam has an office and can host staff (subject to right to work requirements being met and project funding parameters) if so preferred.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the overall planning, implementation, monitoring and successful delivery of PARCEL Forward, ensuring achievement of project objectives, results, timelines and donor commitments.
• Coordinate and strengthen collaboration across consortium partners, consultants, project support functions and external stakeholders to ensure programme delivery.
• Serve as budget holder, overseeing budget management, forecasting, expenditure monitoring, financial analysis and donor financial reporting.
• Ensure full compliance with DG ECHO requirements, contractual obligations, reporting standards and organisational policies.
• Recruit, manage and support project staff and consultants, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Strengthen and steward the PARCEL Network as a globally connected and locally led community of practice, promoting meaningful participation and leadership of Local and National Humanitarian Actors (LNHAs).
• Represent PARCEL in relevant humanitarian forums and partnerships, supporting advocacy, learning, sustainability and the uptake of the Universal Logistics Standards (ULS).

Who are we looking for?

• Demonstrable experience managing complex humanitarian, development or multi-stakeholder programmes, including planning, implementation and risk management.
• Strong experience managing institutional donor-funded grants, preferably DG ECHO or other major humanitarian donors.
• Proven experience overseeing programme budgets, forecasts, expenditure tracking and financial reporting.
• Experience coordinating partnerships, networks, communities of practice or multi-country initiatives involving diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent programme and project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple workstreams and competing priorities.
• Strong communication, coordination and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience working across different cultural and organisational contexts.
• Experience working with Local and National Humanitarian Actors (LNHAs) and a strong commitment to localisation and locally led humanitarian action.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify risks, make informed decisions and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Excellent written and spoken English and the ability to represent the programme effectively with donors, partners and sector stakeholders.
• Commitment to Oxfam's values and mission, including social justice, gender equality, women's rights and feminist humanitarian principles.
• Able and willing to travel for project coordination and/or implementation.
• Strong cultural sensitivity and gender awareness.

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.
• We offer a one-year contract from start (including a 1-month trial period), with the possibility to extend for the duration of the project.
• You will be working in the SAFE unit of Oxfam Novib’s Office in The Hague or another location where Oxfam has an office and can host staff (subject to right to work requirements being met and project funding parameters).
• Oxfam Novib is committed to providing you with a competitive, fair and comprehensive pay and benefits package that is justifiable to our donors. This position is classified in scale 10. The gross salary range depends on the working location.
• 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 Sam van den Berg, SAFE Unit Manager, [email protected]
• Only applications received before the closing date 7 October 2026 and submitted via our application portal will be considered.
• This vacancy is open to 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 in a lower level, or make an agreement with an amended job description.
• Oxfam Novib is unable to provide visa sponsorship. Candidates who already have the legal right to work in the Netherlands or the EU/EEA are encouraged to apply. Depending on the candidate's location and the relevant HR arrangements, the role may also be hosted or contracted through another Oxfam affiliate or country office.