Head of People, Finance and Operations

Te Pae Tawhiti: A just, inclusive and sustainable world for everyone, now and for future generations. 

Head of People, Finance and Operations

• Lead People, Finance and Operations at Oxfam Aotearoa.


• Shape strategy and organisational performance as part of the SLT.


• Strengthen systems, governance and organisational capability.

About us:

Oxfam Aotearoa is a for-purpose organisation, connected to a worldwide Oxfam movement, that challenges the global inequalities that push people into poverty and injustice. We welcome you to work with us in challenging, transforming and changing the global threats that face us all – climate destruction, gender injustice, and economic injustice.

Job Purpose:

This is a strategic and hands-on leadership role responsible for overseeing the organisation’s people and culture, financial management, operational systems, governance support, and organisational performance.

As a member of the Oxfam Aotearoa (OAo) Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the role ensures that the organisation has the capability, systems, processes, and culture required to achieve its strategic objectives while maintaining strong financial stewardship and operational effectiveness.

What we offer:

Competitive salary in the not-for-profit sector

5 weeks holiday

Four days additional Employer Holidays

Annual Flu vaccines

15 Sick leave days right from the get-go

EAP service and well-being support

A learning and development environment with a supportive culture

Central Auckland office location with easy access to public transport

Work with an international NGO that has a national and global reach with values of Māia, Manaaki and Tika that are lived every day, and be part of a dedicated, skilled and hard-working team making a positive difference in our world.

Essential knowledge, skills and experience 

• At least 5 years of executive level experience working within the not-for-profit, community, or public sector environment in Aotearoa across people and culture, finance, and/or operations.


• Executive level capability and experience across all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, reporting, and organisational financial oversight.


• Sound understanding of New Zealand employment legislation and HR best practice.


• Executive level experience managing organisational operations, compliance, and risk.


• First class people leadership and relationship management skills.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Demonstrated ability and experience in traversing high-level strategy and hands on operations with ease.


• Strong strategic analysis, project management and planning skills.


• Proven experience of leading and managing outsourced contracted providers.


• Experience supporting governance and Board processes.

Desirable knowledge, skills and experience

• Experience of developing organisational policies and procedures.


• Knowledge of the New Zealand charitable and funding environment.


• Demonstrated understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ability to apply its principles in professional practice.


• Experience of oversight and responsibility of risk management systems.


• Awareness and understanding of social justice and international development issues.


• Experience of social enterprise & commercial business models for income generation.

Personal attributes

• High levels of self-awareness and emotional intelligence.


• Sophisticated interpersonal skills.


• High standards of personal and professional conduct.


• Ability to exercise consistent good judgement and discretion.


• Values based with the ability to motivate and inspires others.


• Leads courageously and follows a servant leadership model.


• Able to make hard decisions.


• Ability to navigate through and ultimately solve complex problems with strong analytical skills.


• Uses power appropriately.


• Able to influence and manage multiple stakeholders.


• Strong organisational skills and ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.


• Flexible and adaptable with a willingness to take on a wide range of tasks.


• Ability to work autonomously and as a member of a team.


• Active commitment to champion and progress feminist principles.


• Commitment to Oxfam’s safeguarding and anti-harassment and bullying policies to ensure all people who come into contact with Oxfam are as safe as possible.


• Personal knowledge and sensitivity to cultural differences, race and gender issues, sexual and gender identity, disability and class issues as well as the commitment to equal opportunities.


• Creative thinker with innovation mindset.

See full job description here: https://www.oxfam.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/260528-PD-Head-of-People-Finance-and-Operations-May-2026.pdf

This job is packed full of purpose and meaning. Oxfam Aotearoa value our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Our kaupapa (ways of working) celebrates diversity and welcomes those who know what it means to challenge injustice.  Māori and those from the Pacific Diaspora based in Aotearoa New Zealand are particularly encouraged to apply. The role is based at our main office in central Tāmaki Makarau Auckland.

Apply now:

Applications closing date: Please apply with a cover letter stating why you want to work for Oxfam and what skills you can bring that are relevant to the role, along with your CV by no later than 5pm Monday 8 June. If this role connects with you, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as we will be reviewing applications regularly. In-person interviews will take place in Auckland on Friday 12 June.

Note: Only candidates currently living in NZ with the right to work in New Zealand need apply. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and will be subject to additional screening checks, which will include request of criminal record.

We are committed to preventing and challenging any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, bullying, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, lack of integrity and financial misconduct. Oxfam expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through honouring our Code of Conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that we recruit only those who share and demonstrate our values. 

Oxfam Aotearoa values inclusion and welcomes diversity in the workplace. 

In our workplace, we are committed to creating a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strive to celebrate and value the unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences of all our team members, and we actively work to foster a safe and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.