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. 

Support for Improvement in Governance and Management (SIGMA) is a joint initiative of the OECD and the European Union, principally financed by the EU. We work with countries to strengthen their public governance systems and public administration capacities and facilitate sustainable reforms. These countries are EU candidate countries and potential candidates (Turkey and Western Balkans) and a wide range of European Neighbourhood partner countries, to the east and south of the EU’s borders.

SIGMA is looking for Regional Project Coordinators to support a Regional Team of the SIGMA programme in the Public Governance and Territorial Development Directorate (GOV) for the overall administration of the regional team’s activities, including planning and control of budgets and project execution. The selected candidates will have repsonisiblites for regional work and also country specific work and will report to the Regional Liaison Senior Policy Adviser.

Main Responsibilities

1. Regional project and budgetary support

·       In cooperation with the Regional Manager, maintain regional and country level work programmes/action plans, budgets and reports; monitor the regional budget, as well as commitments and expenditures against plans; suggest required adjustments to the Regional Manager and signal any potential issues with implementation of projects. Contribute to expenditure reporting by compiling information.

·       In co-operation with the Regional Manager and the relevant Resource Management Adviser (RMA) monitor the advancement of projects across the region according to agreed timelines and budget. Ensure timely and pro-active action when a project requires an extension in time or budget.

·       Ensure timely closure of all regional projects and ensure properly documented project files for audit purposes in line with SIGMA internal regulations and agreements.

2. Project co-ordination

·       As regional coordinator and project coordinator responsible for one of SIGMA beneficiary countries in the region, organise and prepare official missions for OECD Staff and experts which includes: travel and hotel bookings, visa applications, processing expense claims and other follow-up actions. Ensure compliance with the Financial Regulations of the Organisation as well as SIGMA’s rules.

·       Administer contracts for intellectual services. Pro-actively and timely advise managers on procedures and thresholds, prepare contracts, financial commitments, and payment orders. Respond to all queries from consultants concerning contracts and payments. Liaise with the Division’s Resource Management Advisor to ensure compliance with the Financial Regulations of the Organisation as well as SIGMA’s rules.

·       Develop and maintain excellent working relations with external stakeholders.

3. Coordination of support work

·     In co-operation with the SIGMA’s Deputy Head, and SIGMA’s Central Management Unit, coordinate the work allocation of

o   assistants within the regional team where needed (e.g. horizontal projects) and ensure

o   back-up arrangements where required

·     Coordinate with the other Regional Project Coordinators and the CMU to ensure coherence of procedures within the regional teams and across SIGMA.

·     Manage information effectively, using appropriate technologies

·     Train and support new SIGMA project coordinators into the team, providing guidance on all relevant procedures and processes.

·     Contribute to the induction of new Senior Policy Advisers with regards to familiarising them with administrative rules and procedures.

·     Arrange monthly meetings with the regional teams, be responsible for note taking, dissemination and follow up of meeting minutes.

·     Maintain skills up to date in order to successfully perform in this position through regular training and development.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

·       Good general education, preferably at post secondary level.

·       Administrative/secretarial qualification.

Professional Background

·       At least six years’ experience of administrative/secretarial work, of which at least three years in an international environment.

·       Thorough knowledge of OECD’s administrative rules and procedures regarding consultants, missions and other relevant administrative procedures and Sigma’s internal project management and budget management tools and procedures.

Tools

·       Knowledge and experience in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) or an ability and willingness to learn new systems rapidly.

·       Excellent command of the OECD’s software package and corporate tools or ability to learn and adapt to new tools quickly.

·       Knowledge of OECD video conferencing facilities and communications tools or a capacity and willingness to learn quickly.

Languages

·       Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and very good knowledge of the other. Ability to draft routine correspondence in both languages.

·       Proficiency in one of the official languages of SIGMA beneficiary countries located in the respective region would be an asset.

Core competencies

·     For this role, the following competencies would be particularly important: Analytical Thinking, Achievement focus, Drafting skills, Flexible thinking, Managing resources, Teamwork, Client focus, Diplomatic sensitivity, Organisational knowledge.

·     Please refer to the full list of OECD Core Competencies and the level 2 indicators.

Contract Duration

·       One-year fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.

What the OECD offers

·       Monthly base salary starting from 4, 421.84 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

Retained candidates will be requested to undertake written tests/video-recorded interviews and an eventual interview.

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.