Company Description

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation comprised of 38 member countries, whose mission is to build better policies for better lives. We 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 to establish evidence-based international standards, and finding solutions to a broad range of social, economic and environmental challenges, from the improvement of 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.

Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs 

The OECD 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.   

ELS contributes actively to global governance discussions in fora such as the G20, G7, APEC and the European Commission. Its data, policy analysis and standards inform international debates, facilitate mutual learning and promote the uptake of OECD standards beyond its membership. 

ELS is looking for a dynamic and visionary Director to provide leadership and strategic direction to the Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs. As a key member of the Senior Management team of the Organisation, s/he will provide intellectual leadership and ensure that the OECD is at the forefront of global economic policy thinking. Key activities across these areas of focus include advancement of strategic objectives and directorate management, reporting to Secretary-General. 

The breadth and the complexity of the policy issues for which ELS is responsible requires an experienced senior executive with an exceptional understanding of employment, skills, health, migration and social policies issues, political processes and effective institutional settings. S/he thrives in a fast paced, multidisciplinary work environment, is an innovative strategic thinker with political sensitivity. Finally, s/he has a proven track record of applied economic research, managing and delivering a complex Programme of Work and Budget, as well as managing large and diverse international teams, while maintaining a wide and effective professional network.

Job Description

Leadership 

• Lead the Directorate’s team in shaping with Member countries and delivering the work programme also in line with the priorities set by the Secretary-General and with the OECD’s strategy for employment, skills, migration and social and health policies in the Programme of Work and Budget. 
• Support the advancement and delivery of strategic outcomes in the area of employment, skills, migration, social and health policies through enhanced engagement and horizontal work.   
• Ensure the Directorate is at the forefront of international thinking and research on employment, skills, migration, social and health policies, in line with current developments, and shaping the Organisation’s global contribution.  
• Support the Office of the Secretary-General, the OECD Sherpa, and their respective teams on targeted policy advice and on the Organisation’s contributions in the area of employment, skills, migration and social and health policies, including to the G20 and G7. 

Representation and Liaison 

• Represent the Directorate and the Organisation at internal and high-level external meetings, establishing close contacts and active collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders and partners to achieve maximum effectiveness and efficiency. 
• Establish and maintain a network of relationships with other international organisations, national authorities, academia and research institutes. 
• Actively contribute to the development, promotion and implementation of enhanced engagement with key partners and other non-member economies and “horizontal” (multidisciplinary) work.   
• Lead and oversee policy missions to OECD Member Countries and several non-OECD member economies, involving meetings with Ministers and other high level policy makers.  

Management and Co-ordination 

• Actively manage the Directorate’s human capital, through merit-based recruitment processes, professional development and performance management of its staff. 
• Ensure optimal use of resources, skills and knowledge in support of the Directorate’s business needs.  
• Build and lead a cohesive, multicultural and multidisciplinary team, promoting excellence, inclusion and diversity. 
• Ensure effective co-ordination, collaboration and co-operation across the Organisation, including with the Office of the Secretary-General and policy directorates to support and contribute to flagship corporate initiatives and horizontal projects. 
• 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. Ensure a caring environment where managers promote, respect and support staff in developing their full potential.

Qualifications

Academic and Professional Background 

• Advanced university degree (Master or PhD) in economics and or social policy or another relevant discipline. 
• More than 10 years’ experience in employment, skills, migration and social and health policies. 
• Excellent knowledge of current national and international policy environment in at the least some of the areas of employment, migration, social and healthcare policy issues. 
• Proven record of conducting relations at senior level and within a political decision-making environment. 
• Well established professional network and contacts with key actors and stakeholders in relevant international communities. 
• Strong diplomatic skills and proven ability to interact confidently with various audiences, including the media. 
• Excellent communication skills, strong culture of collaboration, and a proven record of fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace. 

Communication and Languages  

• Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and knowledge of, or a willingness to learn, the other.
• Knowledge of other languages would be an asset. 

Core Competencies  

• Staff in Executive Leadership are expected to demonstrate behaviours aligned to six core competencies which will be assessed as part of this hiring processes at level 3: Vision and Strategy; Enable People; Ethics and Integrity; Collaboration and Horizontality; Achieve Results; Innovate and Embrace Change. 

To learn more about the definitions for each competency, please refer to the OECD Core Competency Framework.     

Additional Information

Closing Date 

• This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than midnight 19 April 2026 (Paris time). 

Contract Duration

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

Please note that our Rules and Regulations stipulate that the mandatory retirement age is 67. 

What the OECD offers

• Monthly base salary starting from 16 091 EUR plus allowances, based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.

Process 

All applications are screened based on the criteria for the position. For candidates who are screened-in, written tests and/or video-recorded interviews are foreseen in May 2026 and panel interviews are planned for May/June 2026. A leadership assessment will also be requested by candidates in the final selection stage. 

The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from 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. Our selection processes are merit-based; we strive to enhance diversity both from national and gender perspectives while running fair, transparent and competitive selection processes. 

The OECD promotes an optimal use of resources to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Staff members are encouraged to actively contribute to this goal. 

Learn more about what we offer and why the OECD is a great place to work. 

Browse our People Management Guidebook to learn more about all aspects relating to people at the OECD, our workplace environment and on policies supporting staff in their daily life.