Voluntary and charitable sector
"Oxfam works on complex global as well as local issues, so we are always looking for staff who are able to communicate accurately and sensitively in this environment. Practically speaking this often means looking for candidates with two or more languages. European languages are needed in some locations. But in the international division many staff also have to be able to operate in a local or regional language, the national language of the country in which they are based and the language used by their international colleagues. I am often amazed at the fluency in four or five languages which our staff, say in West Africa or South Asia, show.'
Andrew Thompson, International HR Director, Oxfam
Oxfam’s experience applies to many other organisations in this sector, although as can be seen, languages can come into play even without the international perspective.
Case studies
Take a look at our public services case studies.