Environment, Climate and Conservation Sector Specialism
Addressing climate and ecological emergency requires ingenuity, disruption, and collaboration on a sizeable scale. Never has environmental leadership, both individual and collective, been so important.
We have had the privilege of working with a range of environmental, climate and conservation organisations. Local and global NGOs and charities that are protecting species, landscapes, natural resources and the rights of indigenous communities; campaigning and advocacy organisations championing climate justice; as well as philanthropies providing financial support and infrastructure to climate change initiatives and environmental research. We also work with research organisations focusing on sustainable interventions ranging from supply chain, agriculture and responsible procurement.
Our portfolio comprises NGOs such as Greenpeace, Global Canopy, RSPB, Oceana and the Environmental Defense Fund; conservation organisations such as the Sahara Conservation Fund, Maliasili and WWF; For purpose companies like Climate Impact Partners and Manufacture2030; philanthropies such as the Clean Air Fund and the Green Climate Fund; and organisations working towards sustainable and ethical supply chains such as Ethical Tea Partnership, the Sustainable Procurement Pledge, Forum for the Future, Bonsucro and the Better Cotton Initiative. Our goal is to work with many more and in the process deepen our own learning and understanding of what leaders need most.
About the role
If you are interested in helping impact driven organisations that are committed to positive change, and like the sound of working in a multicultural entrepreneurial and nurturing environment where your expertise and opinion is valued, then this might be the place for you.
In this role you will work with a global team to develop our reputation and expertise in the climate, environment, and conservation space. You will be building relationships with new and current clients, listening deeply to understand their leadership and talent needs and running executive search processes (including head hunting, interviewing and appointments) for INGOs, charities, social enterprises, start-ups, and consultancies, depending on the need.
You’ll be encouraged to attend conferences and events and engage in general networking opportunities to promote Oxford HR and to develop your own reputation in the sector too. we run regular knowledge festivals to deepen understanding of key issues connected to climate, development, for-purpose leadership, diversity and inclusion. Your knowledge and expertise will contribute to the overall strategy of the company, and particularly the shaping of this key sector specialism.
Person Specification and Qualifications
Many of our Associates are established leaders who are looking to apply their knowledge, insights and networks in an area that is interesting and relevant to them. You may well have held a senior leadership role in a climate focused organisation or worked in consultancy dealing with topics around ESG, climate finance, or broader issues around sustainability or conservation.
Skills and Abilities
- A love for networking with ability to build authentic relationships.
- Good negotiation skills, persuasion, and ability to deliver convincing arguments.
- Excellent communication, listening and a partnership approach to working with clients.
- An affinity for business development, proposal writing and business planning.
- Experience working internationally and collaboratively with diverse and multicultural teams.
- Ability to manage a project team and a desire to get the best from people while creating a supportive working environment.
- Strong organisation, multi-tasking skills and ability to work to tight deadlines.
- Analytical, critical and intuitive.
- Excellent presentation and report writing skills.
- Keen interest in learning new subjects.
- Willingness to work flexibly.
Experience
- Work or voluntary experience in the larger environment or sustainability sector with a passionate interest in tackling climate change. An openness to different approaches to environmental action and a willingness to work with a range of organisations from radical activists to commercial startups.
- Demonstrable experience in managing multiple consecutive projects, prioritising and achieving results with and through others.
- Knowledge of climate justice issues, the decolonisation agenda and intersectionality.
- Experience in a client facing role in a commercial setting or with partners or funders in an NGO.
- Experience managing people, with a coaching approach.
- Previous involvement in learning & development, talent, coaching, mentoring or consultancy would be an added advantage. Experience in Executive Search is not essential if you can demonstrate transferable skills and alignment with our values.
Attitudes and Values
- Transparent and consistent
- Collaborative
- Accountable
- Open to change and agile
- Confident
- Solutions oriented
- Optimistic
Role Deliverables
- Client management: Build relationships with new and current clients, understand their leadership and talent needs and collaborate to meet their expectations in an effective manner. Manage client relationships for continued partnership and retention.
- Candidate management: Influence potential candidates to apply, interview and support them through appointments and rejections.
- Team management: Lead and oversee the accomplishment of core tasks in the assignment including candidate packs, search strategies, advertising, reports, milestones, invoices and ensure there they are delivered to the highest quality.
- Project management: Managing multiple consecutive projects, prioritising work deadlines and achieving results with and through others.
- Business development:
- Actively participate in business development efforts from proposal development, client calls, pitches and bring in potential clients to the BD team.
- Develop a personal brand as a professional within the industry through networking in person or online (LinkedIn, writing thought pieces).
- Attending and participating in conferences, networking events and exhibitions that are relevant to the industry and/or sector specialisms.
- Research trends in project management, international development and build your brand by writing industry-relevant pieces on professional platforms like LinkedIn and contributing to LinkedIn articles.
