Business Development Advisor

• Max Term 2 year Contract 

• Hours per week: Full time 35 hours per week 

• Location: Melbourne preferred – flexible/hybrid working arrangements available 

• Salary: $114801.48 

• Applications close date:   18 September 2026

About Us 

At Oxfam Australia, we believe all lives are equal and no-one should live in poverty. We are a member of Oxfam International, a global confederation working with partners and local communities in 87 countries. 

Would you like to join this global movement of people working together to eliminate the inequalities that keep people in poverty?

e are currently seeking a Business Development Advisor to join our team.

The Role 

Reporting to the Business Development Manager, you will identify and lead strategic funding opportunities, build strong institutional donor partnerships and support the development of high-quality, competitive proposals that grow Oxfam Australia’s income and impact. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Identify, assess and pursue strategic funding opportunities aligned with Oxfam’s priorities. 

• Lead or support the design and development of high-quality funding proposals and bids. 

• Coordinate bid processes, ensuring submissions are complete, competitive and delivered on time. 

• Build and strengthen relationships with institutional donors, partners and Oxfam country and regional teams. 

• Contribute to business development strategies, income plans, systems and processes. 

• Provide strategic advice, coaching and support to strengthen business development capability across Oxfam. 

For any enquiries relating to this role, please contact Wayne Gum - wayneg@oxfam.org.au

Essential:

• Highly developed stakeholder engagement and cross-cultural communication skills, with the ability to collaborate, influence and build strong relationships across diverse teams and partners. 

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team, and across teams, as well as work autonomously. 

• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes. 

• Sensitivity to cultural differences and gender issues, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities

• Proficient working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) with a strong understanding of core functions    

A little about you (Key Selection Criteria) 

• Proven experience leading complex business development initiatives and securing significant institutional funding for both development and humanitarian programs. 

• At least 5 years International Development experience preferably in the Asia-Pacific  

• Strong experience developing and writing high-quality, competitive donor proposals. 

• Knowledge of key development actors and funding mechanisms across the Asia-Pacific region, particularly DFAT. 

• Demonstrated analytical, research and strategic thinking skills. 

• Proven experience integrating GEDSI into program design and proposals  

How to Apply 

Complete the online application form, then, as three separate documents, upload: 

1. A cover letter that tells us why you want to join Oxfam Australia, and how your professional history and lived experience make you the right candidate. 
2. Your CV. 
3. Your response to the key selection criteria outlined in the advertisement. 

Here is the link to the Position Description  

What we can offer you 

• Superior leave benefits and access to a generous not-for-profit salary packaging program (up to $18,450 of your salary tax-free). 

• The opportunity to use your talents and expertise to make a positive impact around the world. 

• We value flexibility and seek to support our people in ways that meet their work/life commitments and support their wellbeing. 

• Cultural leave 

• Superannuation matching

Diversity, equity and inclusion are core to who we are. We actively seek to create a workplace that reflects the communities we are a part of, where everyone feels safe, respected and able to thrive. 

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and LGBTQIA+ communities. 

We’re committed to making our recruitment process inclusive - please let us know if you need adjustments at any stage.

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Our culture is shaped by our values, which reinforce what we care about and how we do things, not just what we do. Our core values of Equality, Empowerment, Solidarity, Inclusiveness, Accountability and Courage drive everything we do at Oxfam. 

Oxfam is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work, including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct. We are committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. Oxfam expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us. Therefore, our people are required to comply with the One Oxfam Child Safeguarding and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse policies and sign the Oxfam Australia Child Safeguarding and One Oxfam Employee Codes of Conduct. 

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. We care deeply about creating a safe and inclusive workplace where our people feel valued, respected and empowered. We are committed to providing equal opportunities and encourage applicants with personal experience of the forms of injustice we seek to address to apply for opportunities at Oxfam Australia. 

Australian work rights 

Applicants will be required to show proof of their right to work in Australia the subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, which include Police Checks and Misconduct Disclosure Scheme outcomes, before commencement. Pre-employment checks are not used by Oxfam Australia to prevent any applicant from applying for this position. Each application will be considered on its merits. 

Oxfam Australia will not recruit international candidates who do not hold visas permitting them to work in Australia. Oxfam Australia does not provide visa sponsorship. 

Additional information 

For ongoing roles and fixed term roles, candidates will be required to have Australian work rights for the duration of their employment with Oxfam Australia.

At Oxfam Australia, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable culture where everyone's rights are recognised and respected. Guided by feminist principles and core values, we embrace different perspectives and work to eliminate systemic inequities that perpetuate discrimination. We centre and amplify the voices of people with lived experience and work in solidarity to build a future where no one is left behind. 

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is reflected in our actions, Oxfam Australia: 

• Supports employee-led committees 

• Promotes consultative ways of working and decision making 

• Maintains a comprehensive enterprise agreement that prioritises employee well-being, as demonstrated through multiple leave types 

• Provides ongoing awareness and training on unconscious bias, inclusion, and respectful workplace practices, ensuring alignment with Oxfam’s values 

• Ensures a fair and accessible recruitment process