Open, transparent and merit-based recruitment

Establishing an OTM-R policy for IMDEA Nanociencia in line to the Recruitment principles provided in the European Charter & Code is one of the key actions of the Human Resources Strategy for Research (HRS4R). The Recruitment general principle states that organizations 'should establish procedures which are open, efficient, transparent, supportive and internationally comparable, as well as tailored to the type of positions adversided'.

But what is OTM-R policy and why is it so crucial?

OTM-R stand for Open Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment and for the implementation of such practices the EC offers a comprehensive checklist that organizations holding the HR in research award must comply with.

The checklist is a self-assessment tool that includes broad questions on the publicity and transparency of the policy itself as well as specific questions on issues related to the dissemination of job adverts and the use of e-recruitment tools, transparency and information to candidates throughout the process or the rules for the use of selection committees.
Following the self-assessment, the Institute must develop and publish its own OTM-R policy which will enable the development of toolkits, guidelines and strategies in order to improve recruitment and selection practices. This is crucial for the institute to maintain the recruitment and retention of world-class scientists and technicians using methods and strategies adapted to the changing needs of the research environment.

How will this action be implemented?

The task of developing this action lies with the HR department, along with the Working Groups and Steering Committee. The main focus will be on the following actions that address the main weaknesses found during last year's process:

• Providing basic training for all personnel involved in the recruitment and selection processes
• Enhancing the use of e-recruitment tools to improve the efficiency of the processes
• Creating protocols for the enforcement of Selection Committees for certain positions
• Improving the communication with candidates in order to improve the transparency of the processes