The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation comprised of 38 member countries, that works to build better policies for better lives. Our mission is to 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 on establishing evidence-based international standards, and finding solutions to a range of social, economic and environmental challenges. From improving 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.

The OECD Environment Directorate (ENV) in line with the strategic objectives of the Secretary-General, provides relevant and timely information, analysis and advice to support governments in identifying and implementing the environmental policies needed to support a cleaner, more resource-efficient, resilient and low-carbon development pathways. The Directorate currently comprises approximately 175 staff members working across a broad range of issues such as: climate change, biodiversity, water, eco- innovation, resource productivity and waste, environmental policy tools and evaluation, green growth, safety of chemicals, biotechnology and nanomaterials, and linkages between environment and tax, agriculture, energy, transport, development assistance, trade and investment policies.

 The Climate, Biodiversity and Water Division of the OECD Environment Directorate (ENV/CBW) seeks experienced and motivated Economists/Policy Analysts to develop, undertake and deliver policy-relevant research and analysis on the economics of biodiversity. The selected candidates will support the CBW team with qualitative and empirical analysis which will contribute directly to the outputs and deliverables of the OECD Working Party on Biodiversity, Water and Ecosystems. The selected candidates will report to the Biodiversity Programme Head of Unit within the Climate, Biodiversity and Water Division. 

Main Responsibilities

Analysis, Drafting and Research 

• Carry out policy and economic analysis on biodiversity, to support OECD engagement with inter alia, the domestic policy frameworks and international negotiations under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
• Conduct policy-relevant research and analysis on the economics of and policies for biodiversity, with a focus on scaling up economic incentives for biodiversity and designing effective policy mixes (relevant to Target 18 of the CBD Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework).
• Draft chapters and case studies on different types of economic incentives for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, including biodiversity-relevant taxes, fees and charges, tradable permits, biodiversity offsets, payments for ecosystem services, and biodiversity credits; undertake analysis on challenges and opportunities in scaling up these instruments and develop good practice insights.  
• Contribute to the Biodiversity programme’s broader outputs and activities and the further development of related projects in the programme of work under the Working Party on Biodiversity, Water and Ecosystems and other bodies as appropriate.

Outreach, Liaison and dissemination

• Participate, as required, in horizontal and multidisciplinary projects and activities of ENV and the OECD.
• Contribute to preparations, development and execution of a high-quality international OECD workshop or conference on scaling up positive incentives for biodiversity.
• Develop, draft and deliver material that is accessible and impactful for a range of different audiences, both specialist and non-specialist.
• Update OECD biodiversity brochures and websites, as well as to briefing material,  speeches and other material for the OECD’s senior leadership on the OECD work on biodiversity.
• Engage and cultivate a network of relevant academic, foundation and industry contacts at a range of levels that could contribute to the OECD’s work in this area and participate in relevant OECD events.
• Contribute to the external visibility of the division through participation and presentations in workshops, conferences etc and maintaining contacts with the press and media.
• Propose projects and workshop topics, draft proposals and terms of reference and seek opportunity for new projects to promote the work on biodiversity.

Other

• Contribute, as required, to the Environment Policy Committee and its Working Parties, horizontal and multidisciplinary projects within the Environment Directorate and OECD, when requested.
• Review and provide constructive comments on, and input to, relevant OECD analysis.
• Prepare draft proposals for new funding and prepare budgets and contribute to fund raising.

Candidate’s profile

Academic Background

• Advanced university degree in environmental economics, natural resource economics, economics, or equivalent practical experience.

Professional Background

• Minimum five, preferably seven years’ professional experience, in environmental economics or policy acquired in a national administration, international organisation, university or research institute, NGO, or consultancy.
• Experience with economic, environmental and/or financial policy issues related to biodiversity, such as valuation of biodiversity and ecosystem services, cost-benefit analysis, and policy-relevant data and indicators. Solid knowledge and understanding of economics as applied to the environment is essential.
• Proven ability in writing analytical and policy-relevant papers on topics relevant to biodiversity or environmental economics that are clear, concise and reader-friendly and achieve the right balance of length, technical detail and accessibility for target audiences.
• A strong quantitative background would be an asset
• Proven experience in managing relationships with government officials and in contributing to the organisation, agenda and outputs of international events.

Tools

• Proficient in Excel; familiarity with online databases and statistical packages such as R is generally desirable.

Languages

·         Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and working knowledge of, or willingness to learn the other, with a commitment to reach a good working level.

Core Competencies

• For this role, the following competencies would be particularly important:  Achievement Focus, Analytical Thinking, Drafting Skills, Teamwork, Organisational Alignment, Strategic Thinking.
• Please refer to the OECD Core Competencies and the level 3 indicators.

Contract Duration

• 13 months fixed term, with the possibility of renewal.

What the OECD offers

·         Depending on level of experience, monthly salary starts at 6 672.15 EUR, plus allowances based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.

·         Click here to learn more about what we offer and why the OECD is a great place to work.

·       Click here to browse our People Management Guidebook and learn more about all aspects relating to people at the OECD, our workplace environment and many other policies supporting staff in their daily life.

Please note that the appointment may be made at a lower grade based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.

Selection Process

For retained candidates, video-recorded interviews/written tests are planned for early/mid- September 2023 and panel interviews are planned for late September/early October 2023, to be held virtually.

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

The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes the applications of 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. 

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