Researcher - Corporate Performance (x2) in Oxford

Global Canopy is a data-driven not for profit that targets the market forces destroying nature. We do this by improving transparency and accountability. We provide innovative open-access data, clear metrics, and actionable insights to leading companies, financial institutions, governments and campaigning organisations worldwide.

About the Role

We are looking for two full-time Researchers to join the Corporate Performance team on fixed-term contracts, one for six months and the other for nine months. This role will be central to the Corporate Performance programme and strengthening our data. You will be responsible for carrying out thorough and detailed research and engagement on corporate performance, focusing on deforestation, ecosystem conversion and associated human rights abuses across a range of high-risk commodities and geographies. This work will bring greater accountability and transparency to companies and financial institutions exposed to deforestation, ecosystem conversion and associated human rights abuse risks.

You will be responsible for activities such as:

• Working with members of the Corporate Performance team and external consultants to complete assessments of companies and financial institutions on their commitments and reporting
• Locating, evaluating and cataloguing company and financial institution policies and other company-disclosed information (both qualitative and quantitative) relevant to their deforestation and human rights commitments
• Ensuring the data collected is accurate and reliable, and delivered to a high standard
• Collating and cleaning the data from the assessments ready to be presented on the website and for analysis
• Working with the team to identify novel insights emerging from the data
• Provide support to data users
• Supporting, and occasionally leading on, engagement with assessed entities
• Reviewing company and financial institutions comments on their finalised assessments, and working with other Researchers to respond accurately
• Engaging assessed entities on their assessments and areas for improvement
• Supporting wider research tasks, including methodology reviews, selection of entities for assessment, and team coordination

Other duties:

• Play an active role in Global Canopy’s ongoing development as a member of a small, dynamic team.
• Contribute to Global Canopy’s other activities as appropriate.
• Other duties commensurate with the post and as required.

About You

To be successful in this role, these are the things that will matter the most:

• Strong qualitative and quantitative analytical skills, with excellent attention to detail
• Clear and effective communication skills
• A commitment for data quality, accuracy and consistency
• A strong drive to contribute to our mission, and a passion for sustainability
• A collaborative mindset and experience working effectively in a team
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks
• Proactive and independent approach to managing own work

Essential behavioural competencies:

• Positive and proactive approach to work
• Flexible team player, while also able to work independently
• Ability to work to deadlines and manage competing priorities effectively and support others to do the same

Skills and experience:

• Qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis and management
• Ability to apply methodologies to assess and evaluate data in practical contexts
• Experience with large, complex datasets, including data cleaning and processing
• Ability to distill complex data into clear, evidence-based insights and actionable findings
• Strong engagement and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex methodologies and research findings to non-expert audiences, both in writing and verbally
• Ability to problem solve and identify opportunities for improvement in existing systems, research approaches, and ways of working
• Confidence using relevant IT packages, e.g. Excel, Google Sheets
• Knowledge and experience of working on deforestation, human rights, supply chains, or ESG topics

Desirable

• Fluency in languages in addition to English are an advantage, in particular Portuguese
• Experience engaging corporate or financial institutions on topics relating to deforestation, sustainability, or ESG
• Knowledge and use of GIS, R-scripts, statistical testing/data analysis software would be an advantage.
• Interest in the human rights and social dimensions of commodity-driven deforestation and environmental degradation

Benefits

• Salary: £32,000 per annum full time equivalent. This role sits within Band E on Global Canopy’s remuneration framework.
• Nature of contract: Full-time, fixed-term (6 months and 9 months) You will be asked to confirm which contract you are interested in when submitting your application. We are a flexible employer and welcome candidates wishing to work flexibly.
• Base: Our office is in Oxford. We offer hybrid working, with regular office attendance required for this role (details in role overview).
• Holidays: 36 days (including bank/public holidays) for discretionary use across the annual leave year.
• Pension: Employer pension contribution of 8%.
• Healthcare cashback plan: Covering dental fees, eye-care, wellbeing, physiotherapy, chiropody and much more – for you and any children.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Which provides free, confidential advice on personal and legal matters.
• Other: Huge range of discounts and cashback deals at gyms, restaurants, holidays, and much more.

How to Apply

To apply for the position, please follow the links and submit an up-to date CV and covering letter. The covering letter should explain your motivation for the role, and how your skills and experience fit the person specification. (Please no more than 1 side of A4). All candidates are asked to complete an anonymous diversity monitoring form when they apply. Right-to-work in the UK is required for this position. The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 7 April at 9:00am BST. Interviews and written exercise assessments will be held virtually starting w/c 13 April. Depending on the volume of the applicant pool, we may begin the selection process with a first-round screening interview. We are looking for the successful candidates to start in May. Applicant data will be managed in accordance with the candidate privacy policy available on our website.