Director, Africa
1. How long have you worked at Oxford HR and who have been some key clients in that time?
I’ve been working at Oxford HR for nearly 5 years, working with IFAD, African Development Bank, CGIAR, International Alert, CARE, IWMI, FANRPAN, Self Help Africa, Practical Action, Green Climate Fund and Child Rights Connect.
2. What was your previous job before joining Oxford HR?
I worked for 17 Years with DFID in Ethiopia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Zambia, Malawi, Nigeria. In Lesotho we developed a programme called ALAFA which pioneered the response to HIV. I worked with VCT for AIDS, job creation, food security, humanitarian response, public sector reform, governance and deepening democracy; I also worked on developing employment policies across DFID country offices including pay, employment contracts, and dealing with career development.
3. Which role are you most proud of placing in your time at Oxford HR and why?
I would say placing the HR Director for IFAD – it involved high level negotiations balanced with care and interpersonal relationship building – and then the managing of a new major player in International Development. Outside of Oxford HR, it would be placing DFID Country Rep and Field Manager; enabling people living with AIDS to access treatment and have children (who could born without Aids) – essentially giving hope of a normal live to over 40,000 women – who’re looking after 200,000 people.
4. What qualities make a dream candidate?
Communication, desire and clarity of thought.
5. Which organization would you love to place a role for and why?
The World Bank – because they are at the apex of talent in our sector. I would also love to place a dynamic leader in a role somewhere in Zimbabwe helping to rebuild my home country.
6. In your opinion, what are the universal key transferable skills when making a career change?
Adaptability, desire, communication, willingness to embrace change.
7. When you are interviewing for top leadership positions, how can you be confident that the person applying for the role has the tenacity and courage to deal with decisions and positions when placed in the role you are fulfilling?
It’s very difficult, but careful interviewing and thorough engagement is key.
8. What qualities do you think you need to be a good leader?
Vision, passion, patience, ability to see the bigger picture, selfless, resilient, inclusive – able to take the difficult decision.
