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, 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 EXECUTIVE DIRECTORATE (EXD)

The Executive Directorate (EXD) is the steward of OECD resources, on behalf of the Secretary-General.  Our focus is on people and their wellbeing; the effective and efficient management of the budget; the safety and security of staff, Delegations, visitors, and of the OECD’s data; maintaining and sustaining physical and digital infrastructure; and enabling the convening power of the OECD through conferences, meetings and events, whether virtual, physical or hybrid.  As well as providing corporate services, functions and management support to our staff and Members, we provide integrated, strategic and expert advice on corporate policies and management issues to the Secretary-General, to Council and to Standing Committees, to which we regularly report on corporate matters. We also provide compliance and risk management functions (for management areas under our purview). Ours is a fast-paced environment focused on delivering management excellence across all of our functions.

THE PROGRAMME, BUDGET AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICE (EXD/PBF)

Within the Executive Directorate (EXD), the Programme, Budget and Financial Management Service (EXD/PBF), employs a workforce of approximately 115 staff who provide stewardship of the Organisation’s financial resources on behalf of the Secretary-General. The service is composed of six main business units: Accounting & Financial Support Division; Corporate Procurement Group; Engagement and Strategic Transformation Division; Programme of Work Management Division; Resource Management Systems Division; and Voluntary Contribution Management Group.

Within EXD/PBF, the Corporate Procurement Group (CPG) is responsible for procuring goods and services for internal clients, from providers and/or suppliers providing the best overall value for the Organisation while ensuring quality, feasibility and respect for our environmental standards.

THE POSITION

CPG is looking for a Purchasing Legal Co-ordinator who will be responsible for the review of contractual procurement documents, ensuring the interests of the Organisation are protected, ensuring the Financial Regulations of the OECD are respected and advising internal clients on procurement processes and contract management issues in close cooperation with other members of CPG. The selected candidate will work under the supervision of the Head of the Contract Management Unit within CPG.

Main Responsibilities

Procurement Support

• Review procurement contracts submitted to EXD/PBF/CPG and propose modifications to ensure alignment with the foreseen contractual relationship. Advise internal clients and procurement officers on contractual documents to ensure the interests of the Organisation are protected and the Financial Regulations of the OECD are respected.
• Negotiate contractual clauses with suppliers to reach agreements which minimise risks and are in the best interests of the Organisation.
• Provide advice and draft correspondence as necessary for internal clients, including in the event of any unforeseen issues under the contract such as unsatisfactory performance, contract termination, breach of contract. Ensure that financial loss to the Organisation is limited and that interests are protected in the event of a contract termination.  
• Provide client support coordination and technical support (review of the competitive process, advice, contractual review, signature of final documents) on market consultations processed independently by Directorates or Programmes.
• Maintain organised and comprehensive information fit for purpose, to facilitate analysis and reporting.  Work with the Head of Unit to provide regular reports on various queries.
• Identify areas where communication and support should be strengthened, assist with communication plans and tools in accordance with the analyses carried out.

Other Tasks

• Propose alternatives to reduce operational risk, increase efficiency and customer service in procurement activities through the use of new technologies and tools.
• Assist in internal training on current procedures and give best practice recommendations. Provide support to internal clients in the form of presentations and call assistance.
• Assist in the promotion of procurement and contract best practices vis-à-vis internal clients, including on technical and financial negotiation, use of standard contractual documents and Service Level Agreements.
• Contribute to procurement-related IT projects and initiatives.
• Assist the Head of the Contract Management Unit with any other tasks related to the activity of the Unit and carry out any other related duties in accordance with instructions received.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• Post-secondary education in the legal and/or procurement field. 

Professional Background

• Four years of practical experience in contract review and legal negotiations.
• Advisory skills and proven experience in analysing complex issues related to supplier relationship management providing solutions compliant with both internal clients’ constraints and the interests of the Organisation.
• Experience in communicating and explaining technical information to non-expert audiences.
• Experience in analysing sensitive situations, identifying problems and risks, assessing their relative importance and proposing satisfactory solutions, demonstrated ability to think flexibly.
• Proven ability to establish priorities and work accurately under pressure. Ability to work independently and to take initiative, as well as to cope with conflicting requests and meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to propose and implement improvement in processes and tools to enhance efficiency, and to identify areas to improve quality of service and mitigate risks.
• Ability to communicate clearly and convincingly, both orally and in writing.
• Experience working in a multicultural environment would be an advantage.

Tools

• Excellent knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Ability to quickly master the standard range of software packages used in the Organisation, and to make optimal, innovative use of these tools and emerging technologies.
• Use or knowledge of tools and new technologies in procurement or legal review to increase efficiency and reduce risk would be an advantage.

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

• For this role, the following competencies would be particularly important: Achievement focus, Analytical thinking, Drafting skills, Flexible thinking, Teamwork, Client focus, Diplomatic sensitivity, Negotiating, Strategic thinking.
• Please refer to the level 2 indicators of the OECD Core Competencies.

Contract Duration

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

What the OECD offers

• Monthly base salary starting from 4 421 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.
• 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.

Selection Process

For retained candidates, written tests/video-recorded interviews are foreseen in early May and panel interviews are planned for early June.

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.