Researcher

About Oxford HR

Oxford HR is a B-Corp certified global leadership consultancy, specialising in supporting leaders working towards environmental and social impact.

We manage executive level search and appointments and services which include coaching, EDI consulting, team and leadership development. We work with non-profits, NGOs, consultancies, foundations, start-ups, think-tanks, social enterprises, multi-lateral development banks and government institutions and businesses.

Our clients are from all over the world. We have developed the following sector specialist areas:

• Environment, Climate & Conservation
• Trade, Finance, Impact Investment
• Education
• Health
• Livelihoods & Agriculture
• Sustainability and ESG
• Human Rights & Equality
• Disaster & Humanitarian Response

Our teams work globally, some from locations in Europe (Oxford and Amsterdam), Africa (Nairobi), and Asia (Singapore) and Washington DC to oversee our work across the Americas. We have over 40 staff, and 45 associates spread across 20 countries.

We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion which are part of our organisational values. We embrace cultural difference and strive towards creating inclusive behaviours across our organisation. As an organisation, we are learning and growing in our EDI journey and approach our work with an intersectional lens.

As a certified B-Corporation, sustainability is very important to us. We have integrated SDGs to our strategic plan and have recruited staff to sharpen our responses in this area. We are partnering with Just One Tree, to plant 25 trees monthly in Madagascar to contribute to curb the climate crisis. We plant an additional 10 trees with each placed candidate, who receive a nominal certificate on their first day in their new role.

Our Vision is ‘an equitable, sustainable planet, delivered by leaders inspired by the need for urgent change’ and our Mission is ‘identify and support leaders in creating lasting positive social and environmental impact.

Role Description

The purpose of this job is to lead on desk-based research for executive-level recruitment. Alongside a consultant, you will work closely with our clients, organisations such as WWF, Greenpeace, Malala Fund, Global Canopy, Womankind and others, to understand their talent and leadership needs. As part of an executive search assignment, you will carry out research to identify potential candidates. Researchers are expected to conduct background analysis of different sectors and industries, to manage information on our database, to think creatively, to speak to senior leaders regularly with confidence, and to manage relationships with clients. They work closely with Consultant(s) in the delivery of projects through to the appointment of a preferred candidate.

In this position, you will learn about different sectors (as referenced above) and about different organisational structures and role functions with them. You will need to manage multiple projects at any one time and to contribute to organisational learning on how to improve ways of working. This role works closely with a network of other researchers, and alongside a regional Business Support Manager who ensures that systems and processes are efficient and that projects are delivered to a high quality. If you are ambitious, there are opportunities to grow in this role and in the organisation.

Research

The research function can be related to specific assignments and/or business development

• Prepare comprehensive executive search strategies for different appointment assignments (e.g. CEO of Womankind, Chair of the Board for ADD International, Head of Education for Save the Children). These would include background about the client, the role and creative ideas on where to look for their ideal candidate using an ethical approach to outreach and communication. This role will share and collaborate with other researchers on this task.
• Conduct research to understand and learn about new organisations and topical issues for business development. This should be recorded on to the database and will be in collaboration with a Head of Sector.

Stakeholder Relationships

• Over time, you will develop your own network of senior leaders and build an understanding of what is happening in the market in different sectors.
• Build strong relationships with clients and candidates.
• Actively communicate with candidates in a timely manner, keeping them informed, screening for suitability and managing expectations.
• Build good working relationships with other team members including consultants, Heads of Sectors, Business Support Manager and Regional Managing Director.

Project Management

• Actively contribute to managing end to end projects. i.e. participate in briefing meetings, keeping detailed notes, ensuring the database is up to date and functioning with excellence, managing project timelines and developing written materials as required.

Organisational Work

• Attend team meetings and take turns in taking meeting minutes/chairing.
• Contribute to business development and organisational knowledge sharing – such as writing articles for newsletters on topics of relevance, identifying external speakers for webinars, helping to organise events.
• Join an active internal community of practice about best practice in research work.
• Respond professionally to telephone and email queries.
• New duties will be added as work streams and technologies change.

Essential

• Research experience, whether it is in academia, executive search or other contexts, you will know how to get the best out of desk-based research, and you will keen to pick up the phone or attend an event as part of your research work.
• Excellent time management and multi-tasking skills, with the ability to work on tight deadlines and manage multiple projects at the same time.
• IT literacy: you will bring the ability to use computer-based technology to complete different tasks. You will need to use Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams day-to-day and quickly learn a new database system.
• You have good attention to detail, and you are diligent with your work. You have good written and oral English language communication skills.
• You will bring good interpersonal skills capable of maintaining strong relationships with senior leaders.
• You can work effectively on your own and manage your time independently. You also have an appetite to work as part of a remote team, contributing to continuous approvement and promoting a culture of inclusivity and pride in our work.
• You bring full commitment to diversity, inclusion and anti-racism principles and the ability to embed them into operations and ways of working.
• A demonstrable interest in social and environmental issues.

Desirable

• Additional language skills.
• Experience working remotely.
• Experience working within any of our sector specialisms in an organisational context

Personal Style and Behaviour

• Ability to remain calm under pressure and respond to changing demands and priorities when required.
• A creative approach to work, with an appetite to find different ways to reach goals and milestones
• Ability to work effectively within and across teams of different backgrounds, and ability to build strong relationships with remote teams.
• Collaborative and inclusive working style.
• Ability to reach collegiate decisions.
• Ability to foresee and mitigate problems, as well as a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Self-motivated and driven to succeed.
• A positive, supportive attitude towards colleagues, candidates and clients.

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