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 is looking to recruit a Senior Policy Analyst to lead ENV’s work on water. The CBW division programme of work on water aims to support governments with analytical work and policy guidance. It essentially covers financing water, managing water quality and supporting water policy reforms at national level. It entails numerous partnerships, within the OECD and other international organisations.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in quantitative and qualitative analytical work and drafting policy-relevant reports, including translating complex technical questions 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 team of enthusiastic professionals in the Environment Directorate. We are seeking a candidate who will actively work across areas of expertise (water, biodiversity, climate adaptation and mitigation, agriculture, health, land use …), 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

1.       Research, analysis and drafting

·       Lead and undertake state-of-the-art research and analysis to produce accurate and robust evidence on issues related to water (including water supply and sanitation, water resources management, mitigation of water-related risks), in OECD countries and beyond.

·       Lead and support policy dialogues at national level, when and where appropriate, to facilitate reform of water policies.

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

·       Contribute to building the information base on water, notably to ENV’s work on water accounts.

2.       Co-ordination, management and liaison

·       Ensure effective coordination across OECD Directorates in relation to water.

·       Recruit, supervise, co-ordinate and guide multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary staff, providing guidance on research and outputs, and supporting personal and professional development.

·       Provide 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 lead 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 prepared in a timely manner and according to the rules of the organisation.

3.       Communication and outreach

·       Promote a shared understanding of ENV’s work on water, internally and externally, through participation in workshops and international fora, in relation to water and related issues. Tailor communication to each deliverable with relevant context to positively influence policies and reforms.

·       Prepare briefings, speeches, for the work of the Environment Policy Committee (EPOC) and horizontal and multidisciplinary projects within the Environment Directorate and OECD family.

·       Actively and continuously support the engagement of countries, through active engagement with the Working Party on Biodiversity, Water and Ecosystems.

·       Support non-Members’ adherence to the OECD Council Recommendation on Water, including through collaboration with other teams in ENV and beyond.

·       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.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background:

·       An advanced post-graduate university (Ph.D. preferred) in water economics, water finance or related fields.

·       A strong quantatitive background would be an asset.

·       A track record of publications in the field of water policy analysis.

·       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 water.

·       Proven experience with drafting technical reports and other relevant written material, addressed to non-expert audience and briefings for Executive management.

·       A good understanding of the global and regional water agendas, and related policy discussions.

·       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

·       18 months fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.

What the OECD offers

·       Depending on level of experience, monthly salary starts at 9 567EUR, 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 September 2023 and panel interviews are planned for end October/early November 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.