Oxford HR - Associate Researcher - Europe

Associate Researcher - Europe (Executive Search)

October 2023

Oxford HR | Candidate Pack

About Oxford HR

We manage executive level search and appointments and offer organisational effectiveness services which include coaching, 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. 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

• Data, Technology & Research

• Human Rights & Equality

• Disaster & Humanitarian Response

Our teams work globally, some from offices in Europe (Oxford and Amsterdam) and Africa (Nairobi), and we’re expanding our presence in Asia (Singapore) and the Americas. We have around 35 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.

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

Oxford HR is a fast-growing global leadership consultancy, specialising in the impact and for-purpose sectors.

The Role

Title:

Associate Researcher - Europe

Location:

Oxford, UK or Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Hybrid working, ideally 1 or 2 days from office)

Contract: The role can be associate/freelance or staff

Reports to:

Research Manager Europe

Salary: To be shared upon request

Closing Date: October 31st. Applications will be reviewed on rolling basis.

Oxford HR | Associate Researcher - Europe 3

Job Summary

The purpose of this job is to work closely with the Oxford HR consultants to help find a cadre of remarkable leaders for our clients who are leading organisations in the purpose-led space. In this role you will actively approach senior leaders to share more about the exceptional roles we help to appoint in environmental and social impact organisations. You will communicate via email, LinkedIn, and video calls to help them understand the role and the organisation in more detail, so your communication skills will need to be excellent. You will develop a good understanding of the organisations we work with and stay up to date on the regional and sectoral trends.

The current team structure is divided in five main regions: Asia, Africa, Europe and MENA, North America – US and Canada, and South America, with researchers specialising in one region with different sector specialisms. The current sector specialisms within the for-purpose sector Oxford HR focuses on are: Trade, Finance, Impact Investment & Economic Development; Education; Health; Environment, Climate and Conservation; Disaster and Humanitarian Response; Data, Technology & Research; and Human Rights & Equality.

The Associate Researcher will have expertise in one or several sector specialisms and geographic regions. They will carry out research into potential clients and candidates for each assignment efficiently and accurately so that information is readily accessible to the lead Consultants. This will involve an amount of administration for each assignment, which will be supported by the Project Coordinator. Occasionally, there might be a need for overall administration of the assignments. They will also research information on organisations and ensure that database is up to date and readily accessible by consultants.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out research on potential candidates for executive/senior-level positions using a variety of tools including Oxford HR internal database and other sourcing tools

• Work closely with consultants to develop search strategies, identify relevant organisations, networks and potential candidates to contact

• Identify and analyse relevant information on potential candidates including experience, skills, accomplishments and leadership qualities

• Store all the information about candidates, clients, sources and organisations in our database and ensure it is up to date, de-duplicated and accessible to all the members of Oxford HR

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including all candidates, internal team members and clients

• Gather information & insights on sector trends to support business development as well as stay updated on current search tools & techniques

• Participate in meetings with consultants/clients and prepare relevant search updates & notes

• Provide other support needed for efficient delivery of the projects including supporting the consultant with finalising the job description, candidates screening, longlist reports, and managing the routine communications

• Participate in regional team meetings and other team building & knowledge sharing activities

Additional Responsibilities

• In addition to the key responsibilities, it is expected that the Researcher support new members of the team in their induction and training.

• This post is expected to develop and for new duties to be added as work streams and technologies change.

Person Specification and Qualifications

Essential

• Research experience, preferably in executive search/ talent sourcing or in academia or other sectors.

• Strong research and analytical skills and experience using variety of tools to gather information

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with strong attention to detail and deadlines.

• Ability to use technology, including some working knowledge of data and databases, and Microsoft office tools. Experience with Invenias by Bullhorn a plus.

• Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills in English.

• Strong interpersonal skills capable of maintaining strong relationships with candidates, clients, and team members.

• Good understanding of cultural diversity.

• Demonstrable experience and confidence to liaise with senior colleagues.

• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable

• Additional language skills, in particular Dutch, French or Arabic

• Experience working remotely.

• Experience working with diverse time zones.

Personal Attributes

• A consultative, empathetic approach to colleagues, clients and other stakeholders

• Agile and able to pivot and adapt quickly to changing dynamics and requests

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact with colleagues of diverse backgrounds

• Able to work well with significant autonomy

• Reflective thinker and proactive problem solver

• High degree of professionalism in all interactions with clients, colleagues and stakeholders

• Ready and willing to engage with clients - including building rapport as well as presenting

• Structured, well organized and attention to detail approach to work

• Creative and curious mindset

Oxford HR Values

Oxford HR’s values are aligned with those of the international development sector, and we are trusted to appoint leaders who are not only technically competent but who are also aligned in terms of organisation’s culture and goals and committed to support the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the priorities in the Agenda 2030 as well as the African Union Agenda 2063. More specifically we believe in:

Continuous improvement – we measure and evaluate what we do, get feedback and improve upon it. We use technology to support our work and ensure our team are constantly learning and developing their skills. We innovate wherever we can to secure our approach is the best possible for any project we undertake. We’re open to criticism. We’re naturally curious.

Collective and personal expertise – we believe no one person has a monopoly on the right answer and ensure we work collectively on our projects and challenges. We share knowledge and focus on disseminating ideas and

expertise across the whole organisation. We hire people who are steeped in the backgrounds they’re delivering services in, who are professional and resourceful, and constantly eager to learn and committed to their own personal development.

Care – for our staff, our associates, our clients and candidates and for the sectors we work in. We work globally, across many cultures and constantly strive for a culturally sensitive response in all our projects. Our culture is non-hierarchical, and we regard staff and associates as equal parts of our Oxford HR family.

Cultural sensitivity - we recognise the under representation of certain minority groups in leadership roles and want to challenge that wherever we can. We relish having a diverse workforce.

Ethical and transparent – we uphold principles of ethical recruitment including openness and transparency in our dealings with candidates and clients.

How to Apply

All correspondence, at this stage, should be via Oxford HR. To apply for this post, click on the “Apply” button on the job advert page, complete our online application form, and submit your CV and cover letter as two different documents, which should be prepared before applying as they will be considered in the application process.

The cover letter should be no more than two pages long and explain why you are interested in this post and how your skills and experience make you a good fit.

The document should be saved in PDF in the following format: Your First Name-Your Last NameDocument Name-Date (mmyy) e.g., Pat-JonesCV-102023-OxfordHR or Pat-Jones-CoverLetter102023-OxfordHR.

Timeline

Closing Date: 31st October 2023

Selection Process

All candidates will receive an update regarding their application after the closing date. We advise candidates to add the role email to their safe senders list and regularly check their spam folder.

Equality Statement

Equality and diversity are at the core of Oxford HR’s values. Staff are expected to work collectively and individually to promote a constructive and sensitive approach to others from a variety of backgrounds, where the work of others is valued and respected.

Queries

If you have any queries on any aspect of the appointment process, need additional information, or would like to have an informal discussion, please email at associate-researcher-europe@oxfordhr.com in the first instance.