Executive Director

Oxfam Novib is looking for a new Executive Director to lead our fight for equality and drive change.

Oxfam Novib is at the heart of a world in which international solidarity, human rights, climate justice, and development cooperation are being debated more intensely than they have been for a long time. In recent years, Oxfam Novib has emerged as a strong voice in the national debate, in response to international crises in Afghanistan, Ukraine, Syria, Sudan, and Palestine. Campaigns and public actions such as “Gaza, Not In My Name” and the “Red Line” protests have established Oxfam Novib as a social and moral force in the Netherlands, while its advocacy on fair taxation, climate justice, and fair value chains—including cocoa—demonstrates the breadth of its long-standing work toward systemic change.

In light of Executive Director Michiel Servaes’s upcoming departure, Oxfam Novib is seeking an Executive Director who can unite the 300 employees in the Netherlands and the 530 employees abroad to combat inequality and drive change. Following the investments made in the organization’s strategic direction and internal culture, the organization is strong and stable, and the new Executive Director will build on this foundation.

The organization

Oxfam Novib is an organization with a strong base of Dutch supporters and 70 years of experience in international cooperation. We fund, co-create, and collaborate with partners, activists, and humanitarians around the world—to improve people’s lives and demand deep and systemic changes for a more EQUAL, GREEN, FAIR, and SAFE future.

The world around us is changing rapidly, and pressure on rights, the rule of law, social cohesion, and civic space is increasing. Meanwhile, the gap between rich and poor is widening, the climate crisis is taking a heavy toll, and our efforts to advance a progressive agenda are in danger of being overshadowed by the need to defend positions and values that, for years, we thought we could take for granted. In a complex external environment marked by reduced financial stability, we aim to deepen and diversify our donor base and create programs that engage with civil society, movements, and activists. To support our programs, partners, and advocacy activities, our operational priorities are to increase financial sustainability, streamline high-quality operations, and drive innovation and technical transformation. We have made significant progress in increasing the organization’s efficiency and simplifying our processes, and we are also undertaking a major modernization of our internal systems to improve our work and leadership.

Oxfam Novib aspires to be the leading Dutch platform in the global fight for equality and justice. In the Netherlands, we are building on the rich legacy of (Oxfam) Novib with a new and urgent positioning. We speak out, we take to the streets and appear in the media, and we stand firmly with other activists, defending their rights and freedoms. Since 2020, our approach has shifted from a more diplomatic to a more activist stance, aligning our campaigns and communications more closely with Dutch contexts and issues. Together with others, we aim to bring about systemic change and shift the debate, policies, or behaviors of Dutch political, economic, and social actors. Our activism takes many forms—from subtle nudges to being loud and outspoken—as it is designed to intervene at multiple levels.

We are part of the Oxfam confederation, which operates in 90 countries to bring a strong and united voice to the world stage. Given the changes taking place in the world, the need for Oxfam as a diversified network that combines local legitimacy with global effectiveness has only grown. This requires maintaining strong relationships within the Oxfam confederation and continuing to serve as a driving force in Oxfam’s repositioning toward becoming a more activist INGO and promoting the decolonization agenda, including the equitable distribution of roles and resources.

Internally, we put into practice the values we promote to the outside world. The inspiring journey that Oxfam Novib embarked on in 2020 to redefine our organization’s culture—one in which every employee feels safe, inspired, and empowered—has yielded significant achievements. We continue to build on this foundation and foster an enabling and inspiring workplace where employees can develop, flourish, and feel connected to the mission and activities of Oxfam Novib and the broader Oxfam confederation.

Your Position and Responsibilities

Oxfam Novib has a collegial Board of Directors, chaired by the Executive Director. The Board of Directors also includes the Director of Programs, the Director of Engagement, and the Director of Finance & Operations. The Executive Director has overall responsibility for the integrated leadership and management of the organization and for the effectiveness of the Board of Directors as a collective. The Executive Director safeguards and promotes balance and cohesion within the leadership team. The directors collaborate closely and work on the basis of constructive teamwork, jointly formulating and implementing the organization’s strategic direction.

The Executive Director has a vision for the future of development cooperation and the role of civil society organizations within it, the courage to take on the challenge, and the integrity to live up to high expectations. The Executive Director is results-oriented, a skilled negotiator, and, at the same time, a bridge builder.

It goes without saying that the new Executive Director is a person of integrity who acts in accordance with Oxfam Novib's standards and values.

The Executive Director continues to position Oxfam Novib externally as an influential and critical voice in public and political debates on inequality, climate, gender, international law, and human rights in the Netherlands and beyond. The Executive Director is driven and understands the art of relationship management with our external stakeholders—such as donors, governments, (international) partners, and activists—as well as our supporter base.

The Executive Director inspires and motivates the organization and has ultimate responsibility for developing and executing the strategy. While the organization’s high-level strategic plan extends through 2030, the current multi-year phase will conclude in early 2027. Therefore, the Executive Director will lead the approval process for the next multi-year phase to guide the organization toward its strategic objectives between 2027 and 2030. Furthermore, the Executive Director plays a key role in championing the organization’s cultural development.

Oxfam Novib is an important part of the Oxfam Confederation. Within Oxfam International, Oxfam Novib is expected to play a leadership role. Since 2025, the confederation has been adapting to the new financial and strategic reality in the development cooperation and humanitarian sector, a process that continues in 2026. The new Executive Director will be closely involved in the outcomes and implementation of these changes. Effective governance and decolonization within the confederation require decisiveness to set things in motion, but also empathy for the aspirations and challenges of other Oxfam offices. The new Executive Director will quickly establish a strong presence within the confederation and combine strategic leadership of the confederation with goal-oriented decisions for Oxfam Novib.

Profile: A public and moral leader for international justice

Oxfam Novib is looking for an Executive Director who can speak with authority and conviction on international solidarity, human rights, climate justice, and equality. A leader who will continue Oxfam Novib’s activist approach, build bridges in a polarized public debate, and guide the organization with clarity, courage, and empathy through a new phase of political, financial, and international change.

The successful candidate is expected to have acquired a significant amount of the background knowledge and experience listed below.

1. Values, Culture, and Leadership

• You have an inclusive, empowering, collaborative, and empathetic leadership style that is deeply aligned with Oxfam’s values, feminist principles, and decolonial ambitions. You don’t just talk about equality, inclusion, and power-sharing—you put these principles into practice in your daily leadership, decision-making, and organizational culture.
• You are able to build trust, create psychological safety, listen actively to staff and partners, and communicate transparently about difficult decisions. You combine humility and self-awareness with decisiveness, courage, and the ability to guide an organization through uncertainty.
• You have proven experience in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, preferably within a complex organization or a multi-stakeholder environment. You understand that inclusive leadership is not only about representation, but also about how power, voice, responsibility, and resources are distributed.

2. Public Role and Positioning in Dutch Civil Society

• You can further strengthen Oxfam Novib’s position as an influential, critical, and mobilizing voice in the Netherlands. You can guide and inspire public debate on international solidarity, inequality, climate justice, gender justice, humanitarian crises, civic space, international law, and human rights.
• You are at ease in the media and in public and political debate. You can speak with moral clarity, but also with credibility, nuance, and empathy. You understand how to engage with the government, parliament, donors, civil society, activists, movements, the private sector, and the broader Dutch public.
• You are committed to continuing Oxfam Novib’s activist approach and know how to build broad public support for it. You can link public visibility to supporter engagement, fundraising, and long-term societal influence, without losing sight of Oxfam’s values and mission.
• You have a strong understanding of Dutch society and the Dutch social, historical, political, and administrative context. You are fluent in English and Dutch, and able to “read between the lines” in Dutch public, political, and media debates.

3. Internal Leadership and Organizational Development

• You have experience leading a complex organization, network, or multi-stakeholder environment with diverse interests, cultures, and power dynamics. You can lead in a challenging external context marked by conflict, financial uncertainty, polarization, shrinking civic space, and humanitarian crises.
• As chair of a collegial Board of Directors, you are able to provide clarity, strengthen cooperation, and ensure effective decision-making. You can bridge the gaps between Programs, Engagement, and Finance & Operations, and help the Board of Directors function as a complementary leadership team.
• You are able to translate the vision into strategic decisions for the next phase of Oxfam Novib’s development.
• You understand the importance of financial sustainability, organizational focus, operational quality, innovation, and technical transformation. You can inspire people, but you can also make difficult decisions when necessary.

4. Role in the Oxfam Confederation and international partnerships

• You bring an international perspective and have experience working with partners, organizations, or movements across different countries and contexts. You understand the evolving role of international NGOs, the pressures facing development cooperation, and the importance of localization, decolonization, and equitable partnerships.
• You can quickly establish yourself as a credible leader within the Oxfam Confederation. You are able to contribute to the confederation’s transformation with both decisiveness and empathy: driving change forward while understanding the interests, needs, and challenges of other Oxfam affiliates, country offices, and partners.
• You can represent Oxfam Novib internationally when necessary, while also making room for country colleagues, partners, and voices from the Global South. You understand that Oxfam Novib’s international role should strengthen—not overshadow—the legitimacy and leadership of partners and movements.

5. Networks, Funding, and Stakeholder Engagement

• You have, or are able to quickly build, relevant networks in the policy, political, and donor spheres. You understand how public legitimacy, political influence, institutional funding, private fundraising, and movement-building reinforce one another.
• You are able to engage with activists and grassroots movements in a credible and respectful manner, and understand their importance to Oxfam Novib’s mandate and identity. At the same time, you can open doors in policy, government, donor, and institutional circles, and use that access to advance Oxfam’s mission.

6. Personal Integrity and Practical Requirements

• You have a demonstrable affinity with Oxfam Novib’s work, mission, and values. You possess strong communication skills, personal integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to work under public scrutiny.
• You are willing to travel when necessary and to represent Oxfam Novib in the Netherlands, within the Oxfam Confederation, and in relevant international settings.

What do we offer?

Oxfam Novib is committed to providing you with a motivating workplace. We believe that people thrive in a work environment where the values of equality, empowerment, solidarity, inclusiveness, accountability, and courage are central. Oxfam Novib offers a competitive and fair compensation package, which we can justify to our donors. The salary for director positions at Oxfam Novib is based on the guidelines of Goede Doelen Nederland. The gross salary for this full-time position is commensurate with the responsibilities of the role. Directors are initially appointed for a four-year term, which may then be extended twice.

Interested?

Oxfam Novib is assisted in this process by the executive search firm Colourful People. For more information about Oxfam Novib, the position, or the process, please contact Rick Verhoeven, senior partner at Colourful People (06 267 067 57). You can express your interest by uploading your cover letter and resume via the “Apply” button on this webpage no later than August 23, 2026. Interviews with Oxfam Novib’s selection committee are scheduled for the week of 39.

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 goal is to create an environment where colleagues feel welcome and where diversity is embraced and celebrated. Our goal is to build a team that offers a rich variety of perspectives, enabling us to create an inclusive and inspiring work environment.