Erika Leunens selects graduates for Oxfam

E&M: What sort of positions do you offer? Are your job advertisements published by all Oxfam organisations simultaneously?

Leunens: The positions are as different as our activities. They vary from local shop attendants or logistic managers for the second hand shops, to management positions at our headquarters, to program coordinators on the field, in developing countries.

At the headquarters, here in Brussels for example, we have people working on communication, campaigning and education, as well as fund-raising. We also need all the administration that a large organisation requires: human resources, finances - but even those who hold administrative positions work quite closely with the program officers. As for those directly working on humanitarian or development action, they usually work from their home country - we try always to promote local teams on the field, so positions in developing countries are limited in number.

On the website of Oxfam International, all positions in headquarters or on the field are published. Only the more specific positions, at local shops for example, are not advertised there. Human Resource services also work together in order to broadcast position openings internationally.

E&M: What sort of students are you interested in? In which fields of studies do you recruit?

Leunens: Disciplines like International Studies, European Studies or Social Sciences are always useful, and a lot of our recruits come from that background. We also look for technical abilities, like agronomy, or specific types of engineers. As for any organisation, students with a background in communications, marketing, and necessary services like finance or human resources, are welcome.

But as a whole, the organisation might be open to any kind of degree, if something else in the applicant's motivation, experience or background makes the difference. The degree is usually not the most important thing.

E&M: What makes the difference between an average application and someone you want to recruit?

Leunens: We often recruit young people who do not yet have a lot of experience. A former commitment can then be a real asset. For example, experience as a volunteer on the field is a real plus for some positions, because it gives an insight into the reality of the problems and situations that are central to our work.

But overall, sharing the same visions as Oxfam is a prerequisite. As such, a knowledge of Oxfam's positions and of the global questions that we have to deal with, is essential.

Finally, the ability to speak several languages is of course crucial. For example, if you want to work at the Belgian headquarters in Brussels, you will need to master French and Dutch, which are the common languages for meetings and work, and English is of course used for international communication. But for field work, Spanish, as well as Portuguese, can be necessary - a Liaison Officer should always be able to speak at least one of the languages of the organisation, and one language of the country in which he or she works.

E&M: What can new starters expect when they begin working at Oxfam? Do you offer a specific training?

Leunens: All newcomers here at Oxfam will attend one of the regular sessions of an introduction program. They get to know Oxfam as a whole, rather than only their job. They receive a package of documents, and they become familiar with the organisation.

The specific training on the job, however, consists of an overlap of a couple of weeks between the former holder of the position, and the newcomer. Whenever that is not possible, it is the responsibility of the team to play that training role.

After that, you have to get into the job and take responsibility. Of course, not everything can be mastered at once, and the team is always there to help with information or a piece of advice, but some things have to be learned by doing them yourself, and an active and responsible attitude is encouraged from the beginning.

E&M: What are the possibilities of an international career at Oxfam? Is it possible, or encouraged, to change countries within the organisation?

Leunens: The exchange of information and of experience between different Oxfam affiliates is very important. Even for those who want to stay in their country, there is something international in belonging to Oxfam. The added value that we get from workshops and meetings between different national teams is already interesting, but we want to foster more intensive exchanges, like even working for a few months with an organisation in another country, where you can learn a lot more about their style and particular assets.

As for international careers, as the human resources already work together at an international level, it is of course possible to move between countries, and it's even encouraged. In the future, this will take on even more importance, and become more and more common.

E&M: What are the advantages and problems of an international team? Do you face any challenges in cross-cultural collaborations?

Leunens: This is the biggest challenge of our job, but also the most interesting part of it. Even in neighbouring countries, national teams have different working styles.

In my opinion, the most important thing is to acknowledge differences and take them into account. Multiculturalism means working with people who solve problems differently, see things differently - but in order to take advantage of these differences, and not let them turn into problems or difficulties, you have to acknowledge them and be prepared to learn from them. To me, this exchange between different cultures is a big motivation to be a part of Oxfam.

E&M: Is there a particular working style in a non profit organisation?

Leunens: Yes, of course.

In a non profit organisation, you get lots of chances to use your own initiative as the authority structure is very flexible and the motivation of the people around you is also really deeply rooted. Everybody is committed not only to their own job or career, but also to the organisation and its special values. You work with people with the same vision as you. 

E&M: If one does not get employed by Oxfam, which other employer would you recommend?

Leunens: I think this kind of working style can be found in non profit organisations, as well as in other social movements.

Teaser photo: net_efekt / www.flickr.com