James Sawyer

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James Sawyer

Principal Consultant, Climate, Nature and Sustainability

James Sawyer
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James joined Oxford HR in 2023 as principal consultant. In 2026 James has lead on searches for senior roles with European Forest Institute, Born Free Foundation, Alliance for Water Stewardship, Global Standards Foundation, Sustainable Rice Platform, The Crop Trust, The Donkey Sanctuary. Ethical Property Company, Right to Play, Wilderness Foundation and WildLives Earth.

He has over 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector focused in conservation, environment, animal welfare and emergencies. He has led teams and programmes in more than 40 countries, delivering policy change at national and international levels, significant service delivery to beneficiaries and changes to protected area status. James has led on organisational level change and has facilitated high level strategy development for several organisations.

After many years of conservation fieldwork in Africa, Asia and Latin American, James’ first senior role was as Executive Director of Operations at CCC Ltd, managing marine and terrestrial surveys and the implementation of protection areas. From there he moved to WSPA as Global Programme Director for Disaster Management working on the intersection of animal and human need in emergencies. After nine years he moved to become Director of Programmes at CDP, working on environmental disclosure and overseeing global programmes. James then moved on to become Executive Director of IFAW UK overseeing a significant income portfolio as well as leading the organisation’s approach to new models of conservation financing.

James has an MSc in Emergency Planning and Disaster Management and is the co-author of ‘Animal Welfare and Management in Natural Disasters’. He is also an explorer, credited with first explorations in the Philippines and Madagascar, returning new species candidates and obtaining the first photos in the wild for several species. He is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a Chartered Geographer and a trustee of BARTA and Water Witness International. He continues to provide consultancy in the intersection of natural assets and financial services and within the animal protection sector.

View James's current roles

Chief Executive Officer | The Donkey Sanctuary

Full Time
UK
Posted 2 weeks ago

Status: Open

The CEO is responsible for the development of and implementation of the approved strategic plan and operational leadership of The Donkey Sanctuary.

Job Features

Job CategoryJames S, Livelihoods & Agriculture
LocationThe post is based at The Donkey Sanctuary Sidmouth and the post holder, whilst having some flexibility to work from another location would normally be expected to be on site the majority of the time.
SalaryHighly competitive
Benefits26 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), Contributory pension (Employer 10.5%, employee 4.5%), life insurance at four times annual salary, Healthshield and Bupa Private Health Cover. Flexible working patterns will be considered for the right candidate.
Closing Date27th November 2026

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Crop Trust

Director of External Affairs | The Crop Trust

Full Time
Europe, Germany
Posted 2 weeks ago

Status: Open

The Director of External Affairs leads the Crop Trust’s external positioning, overseeing strategic partnerships, communications and engagement with donors and partners.

Job Features

Job CategoryEnvironment, James S, Livelihoods & Agriculture
Term3 Years (with possibility of extension)
LocationOffice location: Bonn, Germany. The candidate is expected to work from the office in Bonn, however, the Crop Trust offers flexible working arrangements: unless an on-site presence is required to complete specific tasks, employees may generally work remotely for up to 100 days per year.
SalaryEUR 134,136 (Grade G10) tax-free, with 20% non-contributory pension
Closing Date27th November 2026

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Oxford HR

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Posted 4 years ago

Status: Open

We are fully committed to our work on gender and diversity, so if you’re from an under-represented group we are particularly keen to hear from you.

Job Features

Job CategoryAC, Adrina, Alanna, Alisha, Amanda, Ana, Angeline, Anna, Anna S, Arlene, Arni, Bob, Charles, Christel, Dara, Data, Dom, Education, Ely, Environment, Erica, Erik, Estefania, Evelyne, Gareth, George, Health, Helen, Human Rights, Humanitarian, Hye, Ingrid, James, James S, Janet, Jean-Baptiste, Jennifer, Jill, Joshua, Josje, Judy, Karen, Karna, Kassie, Kaushalya, Lewis, Lionel, Lisanne, Livelihoods & Agriculture, Louise, Maria G, Mark W, Martine, Mayank, Mia, Michael, Michelle, Mohamed, Nada, Nafeesa, Nataša, Neema, Neil, Nick, Nick S, Nicola, Noha, Ottilia, OxHR Jobs, Peter, Philip, Prisca, Rachel, Razane, Redmond, Robert, Rod, Rosa, Rose, Sobhi, Stephen, Suzie Li, Tamsin, Team, Thibaut, Thierry, Tim, Tim B, Toby, Trade, Valentina, Yolanda, Zoe

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”We engaged Oxford HR to support us with two particularly challenging searches. On both occasions, they identified strong candidates with the skills we needed. Their consultants bring valuable sector knowledge, which enabled them to understand both our organisational context and culture. We are very pleased with the results.

Svetlana IgnatievaChief Operating Officer, Fauna and Flora

”Oxford HR asked the right questions and listened deeply from the outset of the recruitment process grasping rapidly the type of special individuals we were looking for to complete our International Board. Their search processes were thorough and a number of truly outstanding candidates were identified. From the initial contact right through to the interview and hiring phase, we were supported by a team of friendly professionals. We would not hesitate working with Oxford HR again. We have since worked with Oxford HR a number of times. The relationship has grown into a full understanding of our organisational culture, leading to some very successful appointments.

Kay RichigerManager Governance, International Board and Council, WWF

”What was most impressive was their laser-beam like ability to scan the market to quickly come up with a set of individuals for final interview. Throughout, it felt like having a world-class HR team working inhouse. The positive impact that the candidate has made in her few months with us is testament to the quality of Oxford HR’s work. The team took time to develop a detailed understanding of our recruitment needs. Their questions about the role were particularly useful in helping us to deepen our own understanding about the person and profile we were looking for.

Nick HepworthCEO, Water Witness

”Oxford HR is one of the most effective recruiters we have worked with at Oceana. They have twice found us extremely skilful leaders for key parts of our global organization. I look forward to continuing our productive relationship with them in the coming years and recommend them strongly to NGOs seeking high level talent.

Andy SharplessOceana

”The team at Oxford HR have been outstanding. Right from the first discussion they strike the perfect balance between running a professional process and taking the time to truly understand our business and the requirements of the search. They have expert knowledge of the Environmental Sustainability sector, a significant network of highly skilled contacts to call upon and the commitment needed to deliver a successful outcome. I am delighted with the candidates they have helped us to recruit and would recommend them without hesitation.

Stuart WhinneyFormer Chief Commercial Officer, Manufacture2030
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