Researcher - Africa January 2022
Contents Researcher - Africa About
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Oxford HR
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Job Description
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Job Purpose
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Key Responsibilities
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Person Specification
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Our Values
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How to Apply
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Researcher, Africa Based in Nairobi, Kenya
This is an exciting opportunity to join a rapidly expanding and wellrespected Executive Search firm. The Researcher, Africa will have the chance to work closely with seasoned Consultants to research and identify leaders in the for-purpose sector. Oxford HR works with clients based in Africa and the Middle East, Asia, Europe and increasingly in the Americas. We have researchers on our team in all these regions who work across one or more regions. The Researcher, Africa will carry out research into potential clients and candidates for each assignment, working closely with the Client and Consultant to define a search strategy and ensure that the very best candidates and sources are aware of the opportunity. They will work with the Project Coordinator to support the Consultant, ensuring that accurate information is readily available. We are a tight-knit, collaborative team. While each post-holder will have specific work areas assigned to them, they will be required to be flexible and take on different assignments as necessary. This provides the opportunity to gain insight and learn more about different aspects of the business.
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About Oxford HR
Oxford HR is a rapidly growing, forward-thinking, international Executive Search firm leading the way in supporting our clients to identify and appointment the best leaders in the “for-purpose” and international development sectors. With impressive leadership, and a core team with a strong track record already in place, we have an ambition to become the leading Executive Search firm with offices in the key locations close to where our clients and candidates are. Our Consultants and Associates advise clients working in the following sub-sectors: • Economic Development and Market Systems • Education • Global Public Health • Environment, Climate and Conservation • Disaster and Humanitarian Response • Data, Technology & Research • Not-for-Profit Leadership and Governance • Human Rights & Equality • Livelihoods & Agriculture Oxford HR is excited to be in a period of expansion and we are looking to make several key strategic hires create a strong foundation for our expanding work in Africa. This opportunity will be challenging, rewarding and offer an amazing opportunity to become part of a leading organisation in a rapidly expanding marketplace.
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Job Description Title:
Researcher, Africa
Reporting to:
Director of Research and dotted line to Regional Director, East Africa
Location:
Nairobi, Kenya preferred but candidates based elsewhere in Africa will be considered.
Salary:
Competitive, depending on experience
Job Purpose The researcher’s main role is to work closely with the Consultants and assist them in executive search (head-hunting) for 5-6 assignments at one time. The Researcher, Africa 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.
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Occasionally, there might be a need for overall administration of the assignments. S/he will also research information on organisations and ensure that database is up-to-date and readily accessible by Consultants.
Key Responsibilities Research (60%) • The research function can be related to specific assignments and/or business development • Prepare a comprehensive research list of potential candidates, contacts or search leads for each assignment (e.g. Head of Education for Save the Children). The research list could be drawn using various research tools like Oxford HR database search, Boolean search, LinkedIn networks/groups, Google and search leads from trusted contacts • Search for new organisations for potential candidates and/or business development and gather the general sector knowledge. This should be recorded on to the database and contacted • Searching for new websites that are relevant for our fields of work in international development and update our database • Sourcing interesting and latest updates in the international development sector and contributing to the Oxford HR blog site. Search Administration – in conjunction with the Project Administrator (20%) • Finalise the job description and adverts with the lead consultant, and when needed, prepare the appointment brief and advertise them in Oxford HR website and other relevant job sites, news sites and social and professional networks • Participate in debriefing and update meetings with consultant/client as necessary • When needed, manage the communication with the candidates for the entire assignment period including – acknowledgments, ensuring the application is complete, communicating the application stage, rejection notes etc • When needed, send mail-merge or LinkedIn messages to potential candidates, search leads and Oxford HR - Researcher, Africa
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contacts for each assignment Proof read documents for team members Assist the Project Administrator in writing blog updates promoting the role once the role is finalised When needed, update the Invenias database and Disk Station with the documents related to each assignment When needed, prepare ‘end of assignment report’ for each assignment upon its completion Attend team meetings and take turns in taking meeting minutes/chairing.
Data Admin (10%) • Create and manage both paper and electronic filing systems to meet the organisation’s developing needs. • Store all the information about candidates, clients, sources and organisations in our database and ensure it is up to date, without duplicates and accessible to all the members of Oxford HR. Office Management (10%) • Deal with and reroute general telephone queries from clients, candidates and the public • Receive post and emails, dealing with the routine and forwarding the rest to the relevant member of the team. This post is expected to develop and for new duties to be added as work streams and technologies change.
Person Specification Experience and Knowledge • Experience conducting qualitative desk research, ideally in executive search, although other paths are considered, such as academic research, marketing research, etc • Fast and accurate research and administrative skills and experience • Facility with the suite of Microsoft Office tools and the ability to learn to use new software • Knowledge of databases, data and communicating the salient points of complex information • Demonstrable interest and broad knowledge of current affairs and geopolitical issues, with a focus on Africa. Skills and Abilities • Excellent written and oral English language communication skills with keen attention to detail and the confidence to liaise with senior candidates and clients • Calm under pressure, with a good understanding of cultural diversity • Exemplary organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage conflicting deadlines and work in a fast-paced environment Oxford HR - Researcher, Africa
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Excellent project management skills with a ‘completer – finisher’ attitude Ability to work within a small, close-knit team and respond quickly and efficiently to requests for support
Personal Style and Behaviour • Collaborative and inclusive working style, able to reach decisions in a collegial and congenial manner • Able to foresee and mitigate problems – proactive approach to problem solving • Keen eye for detail, consistency and quality • Self-motivated and driven to succeed • Empathy with the vision and values of the business and those of our clients • A positive, supportive attitude towards colleagues, candidates and clients • Demonstrable commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Our 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 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the priorities in the Agenda 2030. More specifically we believe in:
Continuous improvement
Collective and personal expertise
Care
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.
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.
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
Value for money
Ethical and transparent
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.
We like working with clients in the ‘for purpose sector’ and recognise they are often under severe financial constraints. We want to offer services that are flexibly priced and can be creative around how services are delivered to support this goal.
We uphold principles of ethical recruitment including openness and transparency in our dealings with candidates and clients.
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How to Apply
Please apply for this role through Oxford HR website, attaching your CV and Statement explaining why you are interested in this post and how your skills and experience make you suitable, addressed to Maria Grigore, Director of Research at Oxford HR. Timeline Closing date: Interviews:
18th February 2022 21st February 2022
These dates may be subject to change, and applicants will be advised in advance should this happen. Selection Process All candidates will receive feedback within four weeks of the closing date. Shortlisted candidates may be required to undertake a technical assessment during the interview. 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 contact Maria Grigore of Oxford HR Consultants by email to mgrigore@oxfordhr.co.uk in the first instance.
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OXFORD
LONDON
AMSTERDAM
NAIROBI
46 Woodstock Road
Three Tuns House,
Korte Schimmelstraat 12
Watermark Business Park
Oxford
109 Borough High Street,
1053 SZ
Cove Court, 1st Floor
OX2 6HT
London
Amsterdam
Ndege Road off Langata Road
SE1 1NL United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The Netherlands
Kenya
+44 (0) 1865 985 457
+44 (0)20 7939 7451
+31 (0) 621 153 452
+254 (0) 797 233 217
www.oxfordhr.co.uk | Company No. 6456325
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