Oxfam Novib Policy Lead - Human Rights and Economic Justice in Agriculture

Do you want to fight for equality? Tackling inequality at its roots, together with colleagues, our partner organisations 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 recognise 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, and 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

The FAIR Unit is part of Oxfam Novib’s Programmes Department, which develops strategies, shapes policies, and manages programmes and campaigns aligned with Oxfam’s 10-year vision. The Unit is a team of around 20 passionate colleagues influencing business, finance, and regulation, to secure a FAIRer Economy. The Unit provides thought leadership and strategic coherence across Oxfam Novib’s work on economic equality. Part of FAIR Unit's mandate is to hold Oxfam Novib's Private Sector and agricultural value chains work, through which we engage companies in innovative partnerships while striving for accountability in the face of human rights violations and economic exploitation. We influence policies and practices of companies and regulators, in the Netherlands, the EU, and worldwide. We do this through campaigns and advocacy, and by working with communities, companies, and other stakeholders collaboratively, all with the purpose of achieving human rights in value chains. This work is part of a wider strategy to reimagine FAIRer and more inclusive economic systems in which human rights and environmental standards are upheld.

This role will primarily focus on food and agricultural value chains and the global impact of the Dutch agro-economy. Thematically we address business and human rights, living incomes, living wages, workers' rights, rightsholder engagement, women's economic justice, and alternative business models. We are specifically looking for a strong advocate, an articulate influencer, and an expert thinker on business and human rights, with experience in the role of the private sector in agricultural value chains. In this role you are a senior influencer and policy advisor on business and human rights, deliver strategy and thought leadership, and support programme design. You will directly engage companies and regulators, represent Oxfam in MSIs, and work in civil society alliances. This role specifically focusses on Human Rights in agricultural value chains, but you will also support and advise more widely in Oxfam on tactics and strategies for achieving radical corporate accountability, dismantling abusive systems, and poor corporate practice – including EU and Dutch regulation on due diligence, rights holder engagement, and business and human rights.

Key responsibilities

We are looking for a brave advocate for business and human rights who has advocacy in their DNA. In this role you will:

• Develop and lead evidence-based policy propositions, research and advocacy strategies in collaboration with Oxfam teams, partners and allies on business and human rights
• Provide thought leadership on responsible business conduct and agricultural value chains within Oxfam, external networks, and public policy debates.
• Lead or contribute to international private sector campaigns and companies focused on influencing strategies within the food, critical minerals, or other sectors. Noting you will primarily focus on agricultural commodity value chains where the Netherlands is a significant global actor, such as cocoa, palm oil, seafood or coffee.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with civil society organisations, social movements, rights-holder groups, trade unions, companies, investors, policymakers, and multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Write and oversee the production of policy briefs, articles, media pieces and research outputs and represent Oxfam Novib.
• Ensure that the perspectives and priorities of rightsholders, producer organisations, workers and civil society partners are reflected in advocacy and influencing strategies.
• Advocate policy positions to private‑sector and governmental decision makers and be a public spokesperson including media, events and stakeholder dialogues.
• Monitor developments in business and human rights, and due diligence in agricultural value chains. 
• Initiate and contribute to new project and programme proposals and contribute to programme development, implementation, and reporting.

Who are we looking for?

• At least 5-10 years of experience in advocacy and campaigning at both Dutch and global levels: you are an advocate and influencer with demonstrable lobby or advocacy experience towards the private sector and government.
• Demonstrable understanding and knowledge of Business and Human Rights policies and practices both in relation to companies and their value chains, and associated regulations.
• Demonstrable understanding and knowledge of commodity value chains such as coffee, cocoa, or palm oil.
• Leadership skills for of cross-functional teams, project consortia and external partnerships -though this role does not have line-management responsibility.
• Compelling communication skills with strong representational/diplomatic skills – in excellent English and fluent Dutch, both written and spoken.
• Ability to think and act strategically and creatively to address problems.
• Ability to work calmly and collegially under pressure and with short deadlines; ability to multi-task and be agile.
• Ability and willingness to travel for project coordination and/or implementation
• Strong cultural sensitivity and gender awareness -and you're not afraid to address and motivate others.

 Applicants must be a National of a European Union member State or have a valid work/residence permit for the European Union and possess travel permits

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 offer you a motivating work environment at our offices in The Hague. We offer a one-year contract from start (including a 1-month trial period), with the possibility to extend.
• 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 10 with a salary range between € 3861 and € 5942 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 prioritise 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 monique.van.zijl@oxfamnovib.nl; Monique is the Unit Manager.
• Only applications received before the closing date of 18 November 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 organisation 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.
• 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.