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 (CBW) Division of the OECD Environment Directorate (ENV) is looking to recruit a Senior Economist to lead ENV’s work on climate change mitigation. The CBW division programme of work on mitigation aims to support governments with analytical work and policy guidance in the process of reaching their long-term emission reduction strategies. The programme of work is implemented in close interaction with OECD teams working on climate change mitigation, including macro-economics, trade or tax policy, and broader environmental economic policy forums .

The successful candidate will have a strong background in quantitative analytical work and drafting reports, including translating complex technical economic analysis and results into accessible messages to non-expert audiences, and working cooperatively across teams in complex corporate environments.  The chosen candidate will be part of a dynamic division of enthusiastic professionals in the Environment Directorate. We are seeking a candidate who will actively work across areas of expertise, contributing to and capitalising on synergies, promoting horizontal collaboration within ENV and with other OECD entities. The selected candidate will report to the Head of Division.

Main Responsibilities

Research, analysis and drafting

·       Lead and undertake state-of-the-art research and data-driven empirical work to produce accurate and robust evidence on transformative climate change mitigation policies relevant for countries.

·       Explain clearly the linkages and trade-offs of mitigation policies and how they interact with climate adaptationpolicies and other environmental goals such biodiversity and water.

·       Ability to identify the linkages and trade-offs of climate mitigation policies, assess their effectiveness and how they interact with climate adaptation policies and other environmental goals such biodiversity and water.

·       Lead and support policy dialogues at national level, when and where appropriate, to facilitate reform discussions on climate change mitigation policies.

·       Contribute a strong and broad climate economics background to ENV’s work

·       Identify and lead the development of key ENV contributions on climate mitigation as a true value add to the contributions of other ongoing streams of work across the OECD.

Co-ordination, management and liaison

·       Ensure effective coordination across OECD Directorates in relation to climate change mitigation.

·       Responsible for recruitment, when necessary e), supervise, co-ordinate and guide multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary staff, providing guidance on research and outputs, and supporting personal and professional development.

·       Provide clear direction and priorities to the team. Organise teamwork to encourage co-operation and bring together complementary skills and expertise to ensure high quality deliverables. Combine tasks into an efficient workflow to deliver project outputs according to a clear timeframe.

·       Initiate and manage large projects through their life cycle, including identifying and raising political support and voluntary – financial and in-kind – contributions to support the work and ensuring the deliverables and reporting are done in a timely manner and according to the rules.

Communication and outreach

·     Promote a shared understanding of ENV’s work on mitigation, internally and externally through participation in workshops, making presentations to different teams. Tailor communication to each deliverable with relevant context to positively influence policies, reforms and directions.

·       Represent ENV and OECD as required in internal and external fora.

·       Prepare briefings, speeches, for the work of the Environment Policy Committee and its working parties and horizontal and multidisciplinary projects within the Environment Directorate and OECD family.

·       Actively and continuously support the engagement of countries in the work. In particular, manage the Working Parties overseeing work in climate mitigation.

·       Identify and create opportunities to initiate new partnerships that will facilitate broad participation and encourage voluntary contributions to the work stream.

·       Maintain an awareness of on-going research and policy developments relevant for the work of the team.

·       Coordinate with external collaborators.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background:

·       An advanced post-graduate university (Ph.D. preferred) in environmental or resource economics, climate science or a closely related disipline, with strong analytical skills in climate economics.

·       A strong quantatitive background would be an asset.

·       A track record of publications in the field of economics of climate change.

·       Experience in providing policy analysis and advice would be a strong asset

Professional Background:

·       At least 8 years of relevant experience in analytical work and policy relevant recommendations in relation to climate change mitigation.

·       A track record of outstanding report writing and communications skills, including the ability to present complex analyses to non-specialist audiences and develop briefings for Executive management.

·       Advanced ability to apply economic and econometric tools to climate change mitigation policy question.

·       Excellent written and verbal communication skills – a strong command of all forms of communication, devliering messages in an effective, timely and engaging manner.

·       A good understanding of international  climate and related policy discussions.

·       Excellent knowledge of mitigation policies and related issues in OECD and G20 countries.

·       Proven experience with project management including evidence of optimally using human and financial resource and managing staff and external consultants.

Languages

·       Excellent written and oral command of one of the two official languages of the OECD (English and French) and working knowledge of, or willingness to learn, the other.

·       Knowledge of other languages would be an asset

Core Competencies

·       Please refer to the level 4 indicators of the OECD Core Competencies.

Contract Duration

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

What the OECD offers 

·      Depending on level of experience, monthly salary starts at  9 567.29 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 mid-July 2023 and panel interviews are planned  the first week of September 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.