TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

Executive Search Services for ICTP

RFP 26_10_RFP_HEADHUNTING
July 21, 2026  |  Valid for 90 calendar days
Submitted By
CARRHURE Executive Search
Contact: Aurée de Carbon
27-29 Rue de Bassano, 75008 Paris, France
adecarbon@carrhure.com | +336 7592 3285
www.carrhure.com
Submitted To
Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP)
Strada Costiera, 11 | 34151 | Trieste, Italy
https://www.ictp.it/
tenders@pec.ictp.it
Executive Summary 8.1 Assignment 8.2 Expertise 8.3 Methodology 8.4 Sourcing 8.5 Quality 8.6 Team 8.7 Documents Why CARRHURE

Cover Letter

Dear Sir and Madam,

Thank you for the opportunity to present an overview of our executive search services and proposal for RFP 26_10_RFP_HEADHUNTING as needed by the ICTP.

My CARRHURE colleagues and I would be delighted and honored to partner with you on this challenging and essential search assignment.

As a B Corp Certified executive search firm, a member of the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC), and a signatory of the French Charte de la Diversité, CARRHURE combines ethical executive search practices with extensive experience recruiting senior leaders for international organizations, research institutions, and multilateral organizations.

We recognize that ICTP's establishment of a Long-Term Agreement for executive search services comes at an important stage in the Centre's continued evolution as it advances its Strategic Plan and strengthens its position as a leading international scientific institution.

This success has been built on:

We believe CARRHURE is uniquely qualified to provide executive search services for ICTP under the proposed Long-Term Agreement. This proposal is valid for 90 calendar days.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Aurée de Carbon
Director General, CARRHURE

Executive Summary

Your need, our fit, our approach, and what we deliver
01

Your Need

ICTP seeks a Long-Term Agreement for executive search, starting with two ICTS leadership appointments (P4 Chief IT Officer and P3 IT Infrastructure Team Leader) to support ICTP 2.0.

02

Why CARRHURE

14+ years recruiting C-suite talent for international organizations, UN agencies, and research institutions. Proven IT leadership recruitment (CIMMYT KMIT Director). B Corp certified, boutique, senior-partner-led.

03

Our Approach

Two-phase methodology: Role Analysis and Search Strategy (Week 1), then Candidate Identification, Assessment and Shortlisting (Weeks 2 to 6) using our Three-Step Assessment and CPFI Index.

04

Deliverables

Search Strategy Note, Calibration Report, Progress Reports, Longlist (8 to 15 candidates), Shortlist (3 to 5 finalists), and Closure Report, all via the CARRHURE Client Portal.

Table of Contents

Click any section to navigate directly
8.1 Understanding of the Assignment 8.2 Expertise of the Firm / Organization (a) Management Structure (b) Resource Plan 8.3 Proposed Methodology, Work Plan and Timeline Executive Search Methodology Timeline 8.4 Approach to Candidate Sourcing and Assessment Sourcing Strategy Assessment Process 8.5 Quality Assurance, Risk Management Risk Mitigation 8.6 Proposed Team Detailed CVs 8.7 Report Samples and Supporting Documents E – References G – DEI H – GDPR I – Key Policies Why CARRHURE for ICTP

8.1 Understanding of the Assignment

ICTP's institutional context, strategic priorities, and the executive search challenge

At a Glance
1964
Founded by Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam
Cat. 1
UNESCO Institute (tripartite: Italy, UNESCO, IAEA)
5,000+
Participants from 144 countries (2024)
65%
From developing / least developed nations
The Rare Profile We Must Target
Enterprise IT
Leadership
Scientific
Computing
UN Governance
Rare Overlap

Very few technology leaders combine all three domains.

Governance Structure
Steering CommitteeItaly, UNESCO, IAEA — oversight and budget
Scientific CouncilAdvises on scientific programme
Prof. Atish DabholkarDirector & UNESCO Assistant DG
Mr. Shaun KennedyHead of ICTS — roles strengthen this
Detailed Sections

CARRHURE understands that ICTP is an internationally recognized research centre for physical and mathematical sciences, founded in 1964. Based in Trieste, Italy, ICTP operates under a tripartite agreement between the Italian Government, UNESCO, and the IAEA, and holds the status of a UNESCO Category 1 Institute.

ICTP's mission is to advance scientific research, education, and international cooperation by providing scientists from developing countries with access to world-class research and global collaboration.

Key Considerations

  • Research-Driven Environment: Six scientific sections, 60,000+ affiliates, four partner institutes (Brazil, Rwanda, China, Mexico)
  • International Operating Environment: Leaders must operate within international public-sector governance while engaging diverse stakeholders
  • Strategic Role of IT: ICT services are fundamental to scientific research, computing, conferences, digital learning, and institutional services

The recruitment directly supports ICTP 2.0, the Centre's Strategic Plan 2025:

  • International Science Alliance: Expanding scientific collaboration through partnerships
  • ICOMP: AI, quantum computing, machine learning, climate science, HPC
  • ICTP Core: Modernizing physical and digital infrastructure

These ICT leadership appointments are strategic enablers for ICTP's digital infrastructure, scientific computing, and cybersecurity.

ICTP seeks a non-exclusive Long-Term Agreement. Initial roles: ICTS Chief IT Officer (P4) and ICTS Team Leader, IT Infrastructure (P3).

Key Challenges

  • Specialized Candidate Profile: Few combine enterprise IT, scientific computing, and UN governance
  • Attracting Talent to Trieste: Niche location vs. Geneva or London; requires proactive engagement
  • UN Compensation: Must emphasize mission, career stability, and quality of life
  • Targeted Search: Direct search and market mapping beyond traditional advertising
  • Practical experience within UN system, international organizations, MDBs, and research institutions
  • Boutique, senior-partner-led firm suited to ICTP's size and mission
  • Proven scientific recruitment from developing world (Africa, India): economists, statisticians, agronomists, researchers in physics, chemistry, mathematics, metrology, data science
  • Transversal leadership recruitment: IT, HR, Finance, Administration, Partnerships
  • Paris to Trieste proximity for in-person engagement

8.2 Expertise of the Firm / Organization

Management structure, resource plan, and relevant experience

At a Glance
14+
Years of Executive Search
29
Consultants, 3 Continents
3,643
Candidates Longlisted
B Corp
Certified

Established in 2012, CARRHURE is an independent, boutique executive search firm headquartered in Paris. Core activities include Executive Search, Candidate Screening, Background Screening, and Executive Assessment.

Relevant IT Leadership Assignments

ClientPositionService
CIMMYTDirector, KMIT / Senior IT Project ManagerExecutive Search
AfDBDivision Manager, Infrastructure PartnershipsScreening / Longlist
BIPMDirectorExecutive Search
FAOChief Economist (ADG Level)Executive Search
IRRIChief Financial Administrative OfficerExecutive Search

Contract management led by Aurée de Carbon, Director General.

29 consultants across Europe (UK, France, Netherlands), Africa (Nigeria, Kenya, Madagascar, Tunisia, Cote d'Ivoire), Asia (Philippines, India), and North America.

Capabilities

CategoryResources
RecruitmentManatal ATS; Taleo, SuccessFactors, Workable
SearchLinkedIn Recruiter, Apollo, RocketReach, ORCID, Boolean search
AssessmentDiSC, Hogan, Genos EI
CollaborationClient Portal (real-time), Microsoft 365, Teams, Zoom

8.3 Proposed Methodology, Work Plan and Timeline

A structured, two-phase executive search approach tailored to ICTP

The Recruitment Funnel
Phase 1: Role Analysis and Search Strategy
Kick-off, Assignment Brief, Search Strategy Note
Week 1
Market Mapping and Executive Outreach
Research institutions, UN agencies, scientific computing centres
Week 2
Candidate Screening and Assessment
CV review, interviews, assessment scorecards
Wk 3-4
Three-Step Executive Assessment
Competency + EI + CPFI evaluation
Wk 4-5
Longlist (8 to 15 Candidates)
Full dossiers, evaluation matrices
Week 5
Shortlist (3 to 5 Finalists)
Evidence-based recommendations
Week 6

Phase 1 — Role Analysis (Week 1)

Structured kick-off meeting, position review, discovery of ICTS structure, ICOMP ambitions, and ICTP 2.0. Within 5 working days, CARRHURE submits a Search Strategy Note covering target markets, sourcing channels, risks, diversity approach, and confidentiality framework.

Phase 2 — Identification, Assessment and Shortlisting (Weeks 2-6)

  • Continuous international talent market analysis
  • Targeted executive outreach to active and passive candidates
  • Three-Step Executive Assessment (Competency + EI + CPFI)
  • Longlist Report with full candidate dossiers
  • Shortlist facilitation with ICTP Search Committee
  • Assignment Closure Report with lessons learned

Standard timeline: 6 to 8 weeks. Recent accelerated examples: IRRI longlist in 4 weeks, GGGI longlist in 4 weeks, GCF in 2 weeks.

Accelerated timeline requires formal Amendment acknowledging risks (narrower pool, reduced diversity outcomes, limited due diligence time).

8.4 Approach to Candidate Sourcing and Assessment

How we find, evaluate, and recommend the right leaders

Three-Step Executive Assessment
01

Competency-Based Executive Interview

Technical expertise, leadership, strategic achievements, governance, stakeholder management. Weighted scorecard customized per assignment.

02

Emotional Intelligence Assessment (Genos EI)

Self/social awareness, relationship management. Conducted by the Director General personally.

03

CPFI Global Coherence Evaluation

Consolidates Competency + EI + Leadership Risk into evidence-based ranking.

  • Comprehensive market mapping of target organizations and talent pools
  • Search Masterlist documenting criteria, strategy, and pipeline
  • Proactive direct search beyond advertised applications
  • LinkedIn Recruiter, executive databases, Boolean/AI-assisted search
  • DEI integration throughout sourcing
  • Week 1 Calibration Report refinement

Target Organizations

CERN, EMBL, European XFEL, Elettra, IAEA, WHO, ITU, WIPO, UNDP, CINECA, CECAM, SURF, European universities, CGIAR centres.

Workflow

  • Initial CV Review → Candidate Profile Form → Competency Interview → Assessment Scorecard → Internal Calibration

Level of Effort

RoleStaffTotal Days
Director General130
Research Director120
Executive Recruiters224
Talent Sourcing323
Project Support230

8.5 Quality Assurance, Risk Management, Confidentiality and Ethics

Structured frameworks for consistency and transparency

QA Process Flow
1

Assignment Alignment

Formal kick-off to validate Brief, competencies, timelines

2

Structured Screening

Standardized methodology, EU Directive compliant, gender-neutral

3

Competency Interviews

Standardized guides aligned with Position Brief

4

Multi-Level Calibration

Recruiters and DG jointly review using CPFI

5

Continuous QA

Bi-weekly reports, Client Portal, feedback integration

B Corp
Syntec Conseil
EPIC
UN Global Compact
EcoVadis Bronze
CERC
Charte de la Diversité
Profile Misalignment
Early Brief validation, continuous calibration, sourcing refinement
Limited Pool
International mapping, global search, active and passive candidates
Withdrawal
Continuous engagement, early motivation assessment, backup candidates
Low Diversity
Broad sourcing, DEI integration, pipeline monitoring
Timeline Delays
Clear milestones, progress monitoring, flexible resourcing
Confidentiality
GDPR, secure Client Portal, signed commitments from all consultants

8.6 Proposed Team

A dedicated, senior-partner-led team with global reach

Team Overview

Aurée de Carbon

Director General / Assignment Lead
Paris, France
25+ years

Lilian Buckx

Research Director
Netherlands
28+ years

Malvina Muraccioli

Executive Recruiter / IT Specialist
United Kingdom
8+ years

Jewel Ruiz

Executive Recruiter / Assessment
Philippines
11+ years

Santatra Randrianasolo

Talent Acquisition Specialist
Madagascar
14+ years

Abiodun Ibitayo

Talent Acquisition Specialist
Nigeria
7+ years

Amani Jean-Didier Yao

Talent Acquisition Specialist
Cote d'Ivoire
7+ years
Detailed Curriculum Vitae

Paris, France | Project Lead / Focal Point

Founder and owner of CARRHURE. 30 years of professional experience, 13 serving the developing world. Fluent in French and English.

Certifications

Hogan, Genos EI, CERC, CNIL GDPR (4 modules), SHL 360°, DiSC, Professional Coach, BA Arts (Paris X)

Career

  • 2012-Present: Director General, CARRHURE
  • 2013-2015: Managing Director France, Kincannon & Reed
  • 2010-2013: International Director, SRI Executive Search
  • Earlier: Marketing, banking (HSBC, BNP Paribas), communications (1992-2010)

Netherlands | BA Business, fluent in Dutch, English, German, French

Career

  • 2015-Present: Research Director, CARRHURE
  • 1998-Present: Owner, LB International Search
  • 2019-2023: Senior Consultant, Schelstraete Delacourt
  • 2012-2022: Research Director Europe, Kincannon & Reed

United Kingdom | Master's in Communication. Provides sector-specific IT recruitment expertise for ICTP.

Career

  • 2023-Present: Executive Recruiter, CARRHURE
  • 2015-2020: IT Recruitment Specialist, Intuition IT (SAP, Java, enterprise IT)
  • 2015: SAP Specialist, Montreal Associates
  • 2014: Java Specialist, Darwin Recruitment

Philippines | 11+ years across Asia, Africa, Europe. Clients include AfDB, CIMMYT, ICARDA, FAO, GAVI, GGGI, BIPM.

Career

  • 2023-Present: Executive Recruiter, CARRHURE
  • Earlier: Training (Keystone), education (Avalon), recruitment support (JobSolutions Philippines)

Madagascar | 14+ years HR. Licence in HR Management (CNAM), Master 2 in Organizational Communication.

Career

  • 2021-Present: Talent Acquisition Specialist, CARRHURE
  • 2014-2019: Chef de Service Recrutement, Madarail SA

Nigeria | MBA in HR (UEL). IPMA certified. 7+ years talent acquisition.

Career

  • 2024-Present: Talent Acquisition, CARRHURE
  • 2022-Present: Global TA Specialist, Kings Choice Global
  • Earlier: Gratitude India, Appen, banking (FCMB)

Cote d'Ivoire | Master II in Work and Organizational Psychology.

Career

  • 2024-Present: Talent Acquisition, CARRHURE
  • 2021-Present: Recruitment Consultant, ALDELIA
  • 2017-2018: Headhunter West Africa, Groupe RMO

8.7 Report Samples and Supporting Documents

Corporate credentials, financial capacity, sample reports, and compliance

Document Index
A
KBIS Certificate
B
Financial Capacity
C
Sample Reports
D
Client Portal
E
References
F
Sustainability
G
DEI
H
GDPR
I
Policies
ClientAssignmentYearOutcome
IRRIChief Financial Administrative Officer2026Successfully completed
BIPMDirector2025Successfully appointed
AfDBDirector General, Central Africa2025Successfully recruited
CIMMYTDirector, KMIT2025Successfully completed

DEI is integral to every stage of CARRHURE's executive search methodology.

Longlist Data (2015-2025): 3,643 Candidates

71%
Male (2,604)
29%
Female (1,039)

Geography

Africa 75.9% | Europe 10.7% | N. America 5.5% | Asia 4.9% | S. America 1.6% | MENA 0.9% | Oceania 0.5%

Shortlist by Market Type (331 candidates)

63.75% developing economies | 36.25% developed economies

  • Transparency: Candidates informed about data collection and usage
  • Data Minimization: Only data necessary for recruitment
  • Consent: Explicit consent via questionnaire before processing
  • Security: Restricted access protocols
  • Rights: Access, rectification, erasure, portability upheld
  • Retention: 2 years active, 5 years archive, then deletion
  • Training: Team trained (CNIL guide, December update)

Objectivity

All candidates, including internal, undergo the same process.

Confidentiality

Information shared only for consented candidates deemed a potential match.

Cancellation

Client may cancel at any time. Without cause: pro rata retainer plus expenses. CARRHURE agrees to UNESCO General Terms and Conditions, including 30-day notice and UNCITRAL arbitration.

Why CARRHURE for ICTP

Five reasons we are uniquely positioned to deliver
1

Proven International Organization Expertise

14+ years delivering executive search for UN agencies, MDBs, CGIAR centres, and research institutions worldwide.

2

IT Leadership Recruitment Track Record

Successfully recruited technology leaders including CIMMYT KMIT Director and AfDB infrastructure leadership.

3

Proprietary Assessment Methodology

Three-Step Assessment (Competency + EI + CPFI) provides objective, evidence-based candidate evaluation.

4

Boutique, Senior-Partner-Led Service

Direct access to the Director General. No hand-offs. Paris-to-Trieste proximity for in-person engagement.

5

Ethical and Values Aligned

B Corp, EPIC, UN Global Compact, EcoVadis. Our values mirror ICTP's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and global impact.