Oxfam tackles the complicated logistics of its move to Nairobi

NAIROBI — The Oxfam International Secretariat has begun a slow move of its headquarters in Oxford, United Kingdom, to Nairobi, Kenya in a complicated process that requires flexibility as the organization navigates issues including delays in work permits, transitioning staff into new roles, and providing various types of employee support, among other challenges. The decision to move was aimed at adapting the organization to the “rapidly changing development landscape,” Adrie Papma, project lead for Oxfam International Secretariat move from Oxford to Nairobi, told Devex. “We want to strengthen the legitimacy of Oxfam’s voice, its accountability and relevance in the south.” The organization had been located in Oxford for over seven decades, since its founding in 1942. Some of the first steps the organization took were to seek out guidance from peer international nongovernmental organizations based in Nairobi, got financial and legal advice and set up an internal project management team for handling the move, covering areas such as logistics. The move will span two years. During that time, as many as 40 roles from offices around the world will move to Kenya. Currently, there are 66 roles in Oxford and around 16 of those roles will move to Nairobi. The Oxfam International Secretariat currently employs approximately 160 people around the world. The roles that were set for relocation to Nairobi were announced more than 18 months ago. Employees notified that their role was moving to Kenya were given a fixed consultation period of three to six months, when they received information about the move, before making their decision. In some cases, relocating staff have received support towards housing and schooling costs. The organization also paired people moving with Oxfam employees who are either local Kenyans or foreign nationals who have lived in Nairobi for several years for guidance on the life move, and set up an internal internet forum for information sharing about living in Nairobi. Working remotely has been made an option to staff, depending on role and location. Staff that have roles considered necessary for Nairobi, but who cannot move because of personal reasons, will be deployed to other positions in Oxfam, where possible. These individuals can be considered for roles in Oxfam Great Britain, whose headquarters are in Oxford, she said. In some cases, temporary staff have been hired in Nairobi when another employee couldn’t yet move for a number of reasons, including their work permit application process, maternity or paternity leave, or other family issues. The organization has worked to be flexible with the move, said Papma. For example, one employee’s wife was due to give birth close to the planned time of the move. Their move was postponed by several months to allow them to enough time to adjust to life with a baby. Oxfam International’s Executive Director Winnie Byanyima will make the official move to Nairobi when her work permit is approved. Her support team in Nairobi, including those working in day-to-day administration, travel planning, managing external meetings, speechwriting and strategy will be in place before her move, Papma said. Staff have been offered salaries within the respective salary scale in Kenya, she said. Oxfam staff already in Kenya have also been impacted. Oxfam Great Britain’s regional centre in Nairobi closed in July 2017. Staff in Nairobi, when possible, have been transitioned into Oxfam International positions. The new headquarters in Nairobi are based in the same building as the former Oxfam Great Britain regional centre. “Managing this has not been easy for all concerned but despite these challenges, colleagues are being patient and flexible,” said Papma. Oxfam has also been hiring new staff locally, regionally, and internationally related to the move. Oxfam is hiring based in the regions where it is most active, training staff on leadership skills, matrix management, and organisational networking. In Nairobi, administration and back office roles have been recruited locally. But there will be no big hiring push during the relocation over the next 2 years. In addition to Oxford and Nairobi, the Oxfam International Secretariat also has offices across the world in Addis Ababa, New York, Washington, D.C., Brussels, and Geneva. Looking to make a career move? Visit our career center for expert advice on how to navigate your job search — all you need is a Devex Career Account to get started.