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- Tasks: Support Oxfam teams with employment law queries and promote equity and inclusion.
- Company: Join Oxfam, a global movement fighting against poverty and injustice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and extensive learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while advancing your legal career in a mission-driven environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years PQE in UK employment law and strong advisory skills.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 49601 - 57000 £ per year.
Location: Oxford UK (with the ability to work from home under Oxfam GB's hybrid working arrangements)
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Hours: 36 hours per week
Salary: £49,601 (with a discretionary range up to £57,000 depending on experience)
Job Family: Business Support & Admin
Division: Operations
Grade: B
Job Type: Open ended
Closing Date: 3 April 2026
Country: United Kingdom
Oxfam is a global movement of people working together to end the injustice of poverty.
The Role:
As Legal Counsel (Employment) at Oxfam, you will play a pivotal role in supporting teams across Oxfam GB on a wide range of employment-related queries and litigation, both in the UK and globally. You will advise country programmes worldwide alongside UK-based HR colleagues on complex employment law matters, delivering clear, practical guidance that aligns with Oxfam’s values and balances legal, operational, and reputational risks.
A key part of this role will be helping Oxfam understand and apply the law in ways that advance its Equality and Anti-Racist Strategies, including advising on positive action and other lawful measures that promote equity and inclusion across the organisation.
As a member of the OGB Legal Team, you will also contribute beyond employment law, providing commercially astute advice on a broader range of legal issues as needed to support Oxfam’s strategic priorities. This is a collaborative and impactful role, ideal for someone who can combine technical expertise with sound judgement and a commitment to Oxfam’s mission.
What we are looking for:
- We’re looking for a candidate who cares about Oxfam's mission to end poverty and is personally aligned to our feminist principles and values of empowerment, accountability and inclusion in all you do.
- An ideal candidate for the role will also have:
- 5+ years PQE and legally qualified in the UK
- Experience of advising on complex and varying UK employment law and HR matters, including investigations and whistleblowing.
- Broad commercial experience either in-house or private practice advising a range of stakeholders
- Ability to support colleagues internationally on employee relations processes, employment disputes and litigation
- Experience of advising on the drafting of HR policies and procedures
- Ability to identify key legal questions within complex queries and manage responses in accordance with legal team workload, level of legal risk identified and organisational priorities
- Experience of producing guidance notes and training
- Ability to work equally in a detail-focused manner as well as big-picture oriented, so as to effectively prioritise workload and projects
We offer:
We offer a competitive salary and a range of additional benefits to staff including flexible working options, generous pension scheme, annual leave, additional leave allowances, company sick pay, life assurance and a range of other benefits. From the day you join Oxfam we invite you to stretch and learn in your role. Our wide range of Learning & Development opportunities includes in-house courses, e-learning modules, on-the-job learning opportunities, coaching and mentoring, and much more.
Flexfam:
We believe flexible working is key to building the Oxfam of the future, so we’re open to talking through the type of flexible arrangements which might work for you. We think this role would work particularly well working within our Hybrid Working guidelines which includes regular home-based working. The successful candidate would be expected to be based in our Oxford office one day per month.
How to apply:
As part of your online application, please upload your up-to-date CV and Cover Letter explaining your suitability against the essential criteria in the job profile.
Our values and commitment to safeguarding:
Oxfam is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom Oxfam GB engages. 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.
The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Oxfam GB also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.
We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
About us:
Oxfam is a global community who believe poverty isn’t inevitable. It’s an injustice that can be overcome. We are shop volunteers, women’s rights activists, marathon runners, aid workers, coffee farmers, street fundraisers, goat herders, policy experts, campaigners, water engineers and more. And we won’t stop until everyone can live life without poverty for good.
Oxfam GB is a member of an international confederation of 21 organisations working together with partners and local communities in the areas of humanitarian, development and campaigning, in more than 90 countries.
A thriving diverse Oxfam:
It’s people power that brings about change. To play our part as a global organisation working to overcome poverty and inequality, we need equality, diversity and inclusion across our community of staff, partners and volunteers. Together, we’re committed to becoming a more diverse workforce, better able to tackle the global challenges that face our world today.
To do that:
- We need to dismantle the unequal power structures that exist everywhere, including Oxfam and the wider development and charity sectors.
- We need an inclusive Oxfam where everyone can bring who they are to our work and feels celebrated for the differences they bring.
- We want and need everyone, and that means we need you.
Legal Counsel (Employment) employer: Oxfam, GB
Contact Detail:
Oxfam, GB Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel (Employment)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience with employment law. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Oxfam's mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with our commitment to equality and inclusion. Tailor your answers to reflect our goals and demonstrate your passion for making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing complex employment law issues and how you’ve tackled them in the past. The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll feel when it’s showtime!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the Oxfam team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel (Employment)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Legal Counsel (Employment). Highlight your relevant experience, especially in UK employment law and HR matters. We want to see how your background aligns with Oxfam's mission and values.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Be sure to address the essential criteria mentioned in the job profile and show us your passion for Oxfam's work.
Showcase Your Values: Oxfam is all about empowerment, accountability, and inclusion. Make sure to weave these values into your application. We want to know how you embody these principles in your professional life and how they align with our mission.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxfam, GB
✨Know Your Employment Law Inside Out
As a Legal Counsel (Employment), you'll need to demonstrate a solid understanding of UK employment law. Brush up on key legislation and recent case law that could impact Oxfam's operations. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios.
✨Align with Oxfam's Values
Oxfam is all about empowerment, accountability, and inclusion. Make sure you can articulate how your personal values align with these principles. Share examples from your past experiences where you've championed diversity or tackled inequality in the workplace.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and judgement. Think through potential employment-related issues Oxfam might encounter and how you would advise on them. This will show your ability to think critically and provide practical guidance.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires working closely with HR colleagues and international teams. Highlight your experience in collaborative environments and how you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder relationships. Be ready to discuss how you would foster teamwork within the legal team at Oxfam.