Company Description

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 Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs (ELS), in line with the strategic objectives of the Secretary-General, helps OECD member countries and other key economies achieve productive and fair societies by enabling efficient and inclusive labour markets, social policies that protect those in need and promote participation in society, international migration systems that support national priorities, and health systems that are efficient, effective, accessible, and resilient.

The Employability Division (EMP) provides support to policymakers on employment services, including the operation of the public employment service and active labour market policies; and measures to support the employment of certain groups often on the margins of the labour market, including in particular people with disabilities, and older workers.

The Division’s work involves a mix of analytical and policy-oriented research which is conducted in a dynamic, multicultural environment by a team of highly qualified and experienced economists.

We are looking for a Head of Division to manage the EMP Division. The selected candidate will report to the Director of ELS and be responsible for developing and implementing the programme of work of the EMP Division. As a key member of the senior management team, s/he will support the implementation of the Organisation’s Programme of Work and Budget and advance the Strategic Orientations of the Secretary-General as they relate to social dialogue. S/he will work closely with the Director and Deputy Director of ELS and provide strategic direction to the Directorate’s work and to co-ordinate with the Office of the Secretary-General (OSG), and the wider Organisation in the development and implementation of horizontal initiatives related to gender, ageing, inclusion, and digitalization/AI, and implementation of OECD advice in member and partner countries.

Job Description

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Vision and Leadership

• Support the implementation of the Organisation’s Programme of Work and Budget and the advancement of the Strategic Orientations of the Secretary-General.
• As a member of the Directorate’s Senior Staff, contribute to the maintenance of an integrated and strategic overview of the work contained in the ELS Programme.
• Maintain close contacts with national delegates, ministries, experts and research bodies to ensure that the policy analysis is relevant and draws on the best available quantitative methodologies.
• Ensure close co-operation with other relevant parts of the OECD Secretariat (Economics Department, Tax Policy, Science, Technology and Innovation, Education and Skills, Statistics Directorate) is smooth and mutually beneficial.
• Formulate proposals for a work programme in the domains covered by EMP including on the operations of the public employment services; active labour market policies; the employment of people with disabilities, older workers, and other vulnerable groups; and other policies that affect the labour market.
• Generate appropriate resources to support the work of EMP, both through the regular budget of the Organisation but also through voluntary contributions from member countries and elsewhere. Ensure that resources are managed appropriately.

Liaison and Representation

• Represent ELS at internal and external meetings, seminars and evaluations and build and enhance strategic partnerships and networks of government policymakers, workers’ and employers’ organisations and civil society organisations.
• Establish and maintain a network of relationships with other international organisations, national authorities, academia and research institutes.
• Develop and maintain excellent relations and work closely with the focal points of the division both within the OECD as well as with governments, enterprises, trade unions, business associations and civil society organisations.

Management and Co-ordination

• Ensure effective co-ordination, collaboration and co-operation across the Organisation including with the Office of the Secretary-General and policy directorates.
• Build and lead a cohesive, multicultural and multidisciplinary team, promoting excellence, inclusion and diversity in the areas of recruitment, performance management and the professional development of staff.
• Ensure a caring environment where managers promote, respect and support staff in developing their full potential.
• 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.
• Mobilise and secure voluntary funding to support the work of EMP.

Qualifications

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in labour economics, development, international relations, public administration or equivalent.

Professional Background

• At least ten years’ experience in dealing with multilateral questions in a national administration or international organisation.
• Relevant experience working on international economic issues, including labour markets, industrial relations, social dialogue and inclusive growth and particularly policy aspects of those issues.

Additional Information

Core Competencies

• OECD staff are expected to demonstrate behaviours aligned to six core competencies which will be assessed as part of this hiring processes: Vision and Strategy (Level 3); Enable People (Level 3); Ethics and Integrity (Level 3); Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 3); Achieve Results (Level 3); Innovate and Embrace Change (Level 3).
• There are three possible levels for each competency. The level for each competency is determined according to the specific needs of each job role and its associated grade.
• To learn more about the definitions for each competency for levels 1-3, please refer to OECD Core Competencies.

Languages

• Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and knowledge of the other, with a commitment to reach a good working level.
• Knowledge of other languages would be an asset.

Closing Date:

• This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than midnight 2/05/2024 (CEST).

Contract Duration

• Two-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

• Depending on level of experience, monthly salary starts at 12 110 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 end May 2024 and panel interviews are planned for the end of June 2024.

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.