Head of Research (0919) At Oxfam GB

Oxfam is a global movement of people working together to end the injustice of poverty.

Do you have experience in research for real world impact on issues of economic, social, and environmental justice?

Do you want to be part of rethinking and shifting power in research that has radical impact?

If the answer is yes, then we would like to hear from you.

The Role

Oxfam Great Britain is looking for a Head of Research. This role will provide conceptual and technical leadership in defining and implementing formative quantitative and qualitative research on OGB strategic priorities: the care economy, climate justice and the triple nexus (rights, resilience, response). It involves researching in novel ways to: (1) make problems visible, (2) understand solutions, and (3) know how to change systems, as well as ensuring that these insights influence our influencing and grounded work. The role involves managing a team of researchers and working in collaboration with Oxfam’s global research network.

What we are looking for

Our next Head of Research will have at least ten years of experience with developing and delivering formative quantitative and qualitative research on OGB priority areas (the care economy, climate justice and/or, ideally, rights/resilience/response in fragile and conflict-affected contexts). You will be an inspiring manager for a dispersed team of up to 6 people, working with university partnerships and across the confederation. You show deep commitment to and experience with decolonial, safe, anti-racist, intersectional feminist and partner led research. You have excellent communication skills and a high level of analytical and strategic thinking.

We offer

This role will give you an opportunity to undertake research that captures the attention globally on key issues of our time, presented in fresh ways and influencing policy and programming. You will be able to innovate methodologically, and work across geographies and organisations with passionate colleagues. You will be able to model research that supports power shifts away from mainstream voices and approaches. Research in support of Oxfam’s work in fragile and conflict-affected contexts is a particular priority.

Flexfam

We believe flexible working is key to building the Oxfam of the future, so we’re open to talking through the type of flexible arrangements which might work for you. We think this role would work particularly well as a partially home-based role or job share.

Our values and commitment to safeguarding

Oxfam is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom Oxfam GB engages. Oxfam expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Oxfam GB also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

How to apply

As part of your online application, please upload your up-to-date CV and respond to three key questions related to your experience:

1. Why do you think you are suitable for this role?
2. What are the frontiers in terms of research questions that have radical impact?
3. What do you think power shifts could look like in research?

About us

Oxfam is a global community who believe poverty isn’t inevitable. It’s an injustice that can be overcome. We are shop volunteers, women’s right activists, marathon runners, aid workers, coffee farmers, street fundraisers, goat herders, policy experts, campaigners, water engineers and more. And we won’t stop until everyone can live life without poverty for good.

Oxfam GB is a member of international confederation of 21 organisations working together with partners and local communities in the areas of humanitarian, development and campaigning, in more than 90 countries.

A thriving diverse Oxfam:

It’s people power that brings about change. To play our part as a global organisation working to overcome poverty and inequality, we need equality, diversity and inclusion across our community of staff, partners and volunteers. Together, we’re committed to becoming a more diverse workforce, better able to tackle the global challenges that face our world today.

To do that:

• We need to dismantle the unequal power structures that exist everywhere, this including Oxfam and the wider development and charity sectors.
• We need an inclusive Oxfam where everyone can bring who they are to our work and feels celebrated for the differences they bring.
• We want and need everyone, and that means we need you.

In response to Covid-19 if you are offered a role where you are required to travel between countries please ensure you have been briefed by the Hiring Manager about any changes to working or precautions you should take as part of your role.