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.

PUBLIC GOVERNANCE DIRECTORATE

The Directorate for Public Governance (GOV) leads co-ordinated, innovative, international action with respect to the OECD’s work on governance, 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.

GOV is working across a broad range of policy areas, and its mission is delivered by nine divisions supporting countries to promote good governance and integrity in the public sector. It provides member and partner countries with policy guidance and support in the areas of budgetary governance; regulatory policy; reforms of the public sector and other reforms of the public sector. The Directorate employs 300 staff members who support work across a broad range of policy areas (please refer to oecd.org/gov for more information).

THE POSITION

GOV is looking for a dynamic and visionary Deputy Director to provide leadership and strategic direction to the Directorate of Public Governance. 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 policy thinking. Key activities across these areas of focus include assisting the Director in advancing the strategic orientations of the Secretary-General in GOV’s areas of work in collaboration with the other Deputy Director. 

The breath and the complexity of the policy issues for which GOV is responsible requires an experienced senior executive with an excellent understanding of public governance 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. 

Main Responsibilities

Leadership

• Assist the Director with the planning, orientation, oversight and control of the Directorate’s activities and advice on issues of substance and management. Keep the Directorate at the forefront of the policy discussion and research in the public governance field.
• Support the advancement and delivery of strategic outcomes in the area of public governance through enhanced engagement and horizontal work. 
• Ensure the Directorate is at the forefront of international thinking and research on public governance, in line with current developments, and shaping the Organisation’s global contribution.
• 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 public governance, including to the G20 and G7.
• Assist the Director in providing intellectual leadership and in identifying key trends, opportunities and challenges in order to support public governance reform agendas in member and partner countries and to maximise the impact and relevance of the Directorate’s work. Assist the Director in enhancing the OECD’s position as a leading player in international policy debates and in the development of international public governance practices and standards.

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 relationshipswith other international organisations, national authorities the private sector, academia, research institutes and the media.
• Actively contribute to the development, promotion and implementation of enhanced engagement with key partners and other non-member economies and “horizontal” (multidisciplinary) work.  
•  Replace the Director in his/her absence.

Management and Co-ordination

• Actively manage the Directorate’s human capital, through merit-based recruitment processes, professional development and performance management of its staff.
• Ensure optimal use of resources, skills and knowledge in support of the Directorate’s business needs.
• Build and lead a cohesive, multicultural and multidisciplinary team, promoting excellence, inclusion and diversity.
• 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.
• 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 and contribute to the timely provision of relevant briefing material and contributions to the initiatives led by the Office of the Secretary-General and senior staff. Support their role in representing the work of the Directorate and the OECD to the wider public. 
• Proactively support the Director to guide GOV Heads of Division in making effective contributions to corporate outputs and in spearheading committee work programmes to achieve outputs of high policy relevance and high quality and to identify opportunities to promote the visibility and effectiveness of the OECD’s work. 
• Mobilise and secure sufficient voluntary funding from a variety of sources to support all policy areas of the Directorate’s work. 

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic and Professional Background

• An advanced university degree in economics, sociology, public policies and administration or a related subject.
• At least 10 years’ experience in central government ministries/departments with a good understanding of the public governance field, including experience in formulating and implementing policy recommendations at the domestic and international level. This experience would have been acquired in a national administration and or an international organisation.
•  Excellent knowledge of current national and international policy challenges in these areas in member countries as well as of the implications of the economic crisis and the role of the emerging economies in the global economy. Very good knowledge of the economic performance and institutional settings across OECD member countries and non-OECD economies.
• Proven record of conducting relations at senior level and within a political decision-making environment ability to achieve consensus and interact effectively with multiple high-level stakeholders; ability to influence policy decisions at the national and international level..
• Strong communication skills; the ability to build support across member and partner countries for better policies on the basis of evidence-based analysis.

Communication and Languages

Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and a knowledge of, or willingness to learn, the other.

Core Competencies 

For this role, the following competencies would be particularly important: Flexible thinking, Teamwork and Team leadership, Influencing, Developing talent, and Organisational alignment. Please refer to the level 5 indicators of the OECD Core Competencies. 

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 13 094 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 September 2023, and panel interviews are planned for October 2023. 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.