Company Description

THE OECD – Who we are, what we do

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation comprised of 38 member countries, whose mission is to build better policies for better lives. We promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.  Together with governments, policy makers and citizens, we work to establish evidence-based international standards, and finding solutions to a broad range of social, economic and environmental challenges, from the improvement of economic performance and creating jobs to fostering strong education and fighting international tax evasion. We provide a unique forum and knowledge hub for data and analysis, exchange of experiences, best-practice sharing, and advice on public policies and international standard-setting.

TRADE AND AGRICULTURE DIRECTORATE

The Trade and Agriculture Directorate (TAD) leads co-ordinated, innovative, international action with respect to the OECD’s work on trade, agriculture, food and fishery policies, both international and domestic. The Directorate implements the priorities of the Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) set by Member Countries and the Secretary-General in its area of business.

TAD is working across a broad range of policy areas, and its mission is delivered by five divisions focusing on trade, agriculture and fisheries policies. The Analysis, Data and Modelling division (TAD/ADM) provides evidence to support policy advice in support of the OECD’s role in promoting open markets and a rules-based international trading system in good working order.  Its work programme includes the regular monitoring of international trade and quantifying and analysing supply chain interdependencies. The division maintains OECD databases on export restrictions on raw materials and the inventory of Fossil Fuel Support. It develops and maintains the data and modelling infrastructure to support timely and granular trade analysis as well as providing support to all other divisions across the Trade and Agriculture Directorate on corporate data engineering and data science aspects.

Job Description

THE POSITION

TAD is looking for a dynamic and visionary Head of Division to provide leadership and strategic direction to the Trade and Agriculture Directorate. As a key member of the Senior Management team of the Organisation, s/he will provide intellectual leadership and ensure that the OECD is at the forefront of global economic policy thinking. Key activities across these areas of focus include the design and timely delivery of the work programme in support of the OECD Trade Committee. The Head of Division will be reporting to the Director of TAD.

The breath and the complexity of the policy issues for which TAD is responsible requires an experienced senior executive with an excellent understanding of trade policy issues, political processes and effective institutional settings. S/he thrives in a fast paced, multidisciplinary work environment, is an innovative strategic thinker with political sensitivity. Finally, s/he has a proven track record of managing and delivering a complex Programme of Work and Budget, as well as managing large and diverse international teams, while maintaining a wide and effective professional network.

Main Responsibilities

Leadership

• Support the implementation of the Organisation’s Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) and the advancement of the Strategic Orientations of the Secretary-General, in particular as they relate to providing quantitative evidence in support of open markets and a rules based trading system.
• Support the Office of the Secretary-General, the OECD Sherpa, and their respective teams on targeted policy advice and on the Organisation’s contributions in the area of international trade and global supply chains, including to the G20 and G7.
• Contribute to ensuring the global impact of the OECD trade and agriculture work, including through increased engagement with key partners, and in line with the global relations strategy of the OECD.
• Provide leadership to Directorate-wide activities on the digital and data centred workplace to innovation of modelling and data tools to a assure that its toolbox is fit for evolving analytical challenges and changes in the international trade policy landscape. 

Representation and Liaison

• Represent the Directorate and the Organisation at internal and external meetings, establishing close contacts and active collaboration with a wide range of colleagues, stakeholders and partners to achieve maximum effectiveness and efficiency.
• Establish and maintain a network of relationships with other international organisations, national authorities, academia and research institutes.
• Actively contribute to the effective dissemination of the work of the Division through the media, professional networks, academia and other communities.
• Ensure effective support for the Trade Committee and Subsidiary Bodies that oversee the work carried out by the Division. Facilitate effective participation of national government delegates, other intergovernmental organisations and as appropriate, other partners and stakeholders, in the work of the Committee.
• Effectively liaise with relevant senior policy communities and research communities in ministries, think tanks and academia.

Management and Co-ordination

• Ensure effective co-ordination, collaboration and co-operation across the Organisation including with the Office of the Secretary-General and policy directorates to support and contribute to flagship corporate initiatives and horizontal projects.
• Lead, manage and support the staff of the Division. Set objectives and provide guidance on the goals, direction and timing of their work; provide regular and constructive feedback on performance to motivate staff and contribute to their professional development. Develop and maintain good teamwork and ensure effective work methods and project management; implement and maintain arrangements to ensure effective internal communications within the Division.
• Build and lead a cohesive, multicultural and multidisciplinary team, promoting excellence, continous learning, innovation, inclusion and diversity.
• Adhere to and promote the highest professional standards and the ethical principles of the OECD's Code of Conduct in all internal and external matters. Ensure a caring environment where managers promote, respect and support staff in developing their full potential.
• Oversee maintenance and modernisation of key trade and agriculture-related databases and associated corporate data infrastructures.
• Oversee wide-ranging analytical work including in the field of general equilibrium modelling and supply chain interdependency analysis.
• As a member of the directorate’s management team, contribute to decision making process on budgets, human resources, outreach, thematic priority setting and work plan implementation.

Qualifications

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic and Professional Background

• An advanced university degree in economics or a related subject.
• At least 10 years’ relevant experience in international trade at senior/managerial levels, including experience in government or an international organisation. 
• Excellent knowledge of current economic modelling, data management and policy relevant research in international trade. Experience in the design or management of relevant IT infrastructures would be an advantage.
• Proven record of conducting relations at senior level and within a political decision-making environment. Well-established contacts with key players and stakeholders in the relevant international communities.
• Excellent knowledge of public governance issues and ability to quickly acquire an understanding of policy issues in unfamiliar areas, and the ability to work cooperatively with those with detailed expertise.
• Excellent drafting and editorial skills.
• Excellent communications skills and the ability to represent the Organisation’s key messages on policies to different fora.

Communication and Languages

• Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and a knowledge of, or a willingness to learn, the other.
• Knowledge of other languages would be an asset.

Core Competencies

Staff in Executive Leadership are expected to demonstrate behaviours aligned to six core competencies which will be assessed as part of this hiring processes at level 3: Vision and Strategy; Enable People; Ethics and Integrity; Collaboration and Horizontality; Achieve Results; Innovate and Embrace Change.

To learn more about the definitions for each competency, please refer to the OECD Core Competency Framework.   

Additional Information

Closing Date

• This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than midnight 5 June 2024 (CEST).

Contract Duration

• Three-year fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.

Please note that our Rules and Regulations stipulate that the mandatory retirement age is 65.

What the OECD offers

• Monthly base salary starting from 12,109 EUR plus allowances, based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.
• Please note that the appointment may be made at a lower grade based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.

Process

All applications are screened based on the criteria for the position.  For candidates who are screened-in, written tests and/or video-recorded interviews are foreseen for the month of June, and panel interviews are planned for the month of July. A leadership assessment will also be requested by candidates in the final selection stage.

The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates who are nationals of OECD Member Countries, irrespective of their racial or ethnic origin, opinions or beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, health or disabilities. Our selection processes are merit-based; we strive to enhance diversity both from national and gender perspectives while running fair, transparent and competitive selection processes.

The OECD promotes an optimal use of resources to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Staff members are encouraged to actively contribute to this goal.

Learn more about what we offer and why the OECD is a great place to work.

Browse our People Management Guidebook to learn more about all aspects relating to people at the OECD, our workplace environment and on policies supporting staff in their daily life.