Head of Workplace Strategy and Space Planning
- Full-time
- Directorate: CSI
- Grade: CF6
Company Description
THE OECD – Who we are, what we do
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 EXECUTIVE DIRECTORATE (EXD)
The Executive Directorate (EXD) is the steward of OECD resources, on behalf of the Secretary-General. Our focus is on people and their wellbeing; the effective and efficient management of the budget; the safety and security of staff, Delegations, visitors, and of the OECD’s data; maintaining and sustaining physical and digital infrastructure; and enabling the convening power of the OECD through conferences, meetings and events, whether virtual, physical or hybrid. As well as providing corporate services, functions and management support to our staff and Members, we provide integrated, strategic and expert advice on corporate policies and management issues to the Secretary-General, to Council and to Standing Committees, to which we regularly report on corporate matters. We also provide risk management functions (for management areas under our purview). Ours is a fast-paced environment focused on delivering management excellence across all our functions.
THE CONFERENCE, SECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICE (EXD/CSI)
Within the OECD's Executive Directorate (EXD), the Conference, Security and Infrastructure Service (EXD/CSI) is responsible for facilitating conferences that bring together delegates from our 38 Member countries, key partners and other stakeholders, for language services (interpretation and translation), for safety and fire security of OECD staff, delegates and visitors, and for the management and operation of OECD buildings including the move to the Circle.
THE POSITION
Within EXD/CSI, the Buildings and Infrastructure Division (BID) is responsible for the management, smooth running and continuity of operations in the Organisation's technical infrastructures and buildings including strategic and operational space planning over a combined surface area of 100,000 square meters and around 4,000 workstations in Paris, France.
EXD/CSI/BID is looking for a Head of Workplace Strategy and Space Planning who will contribute to the development and implementation of the Organisation’s space management strategy and of innovative space management concepts and improvements, such as Activity Based Working and collaborative work environments. The selected candidate will work hands-on on projects and tasks while also leading a team of office space and logistics experts. The selected candidate will work under the supervision of the Buildings and Infrastructure Head of Division.
Main Responsibilities
Workspace Strategy and Planning
- Develop and implement efficient and innovative space management strategies to support the Organisation’s medium and long-term premises planning.
- Propose the allocation of office space (work space and work stations) to meet evolving corporate needs.
- Propose new space allocation concepts based on latest ways of working.
- Conceptualize and re-design space for major office allocation and move projects.
- Be “owner” of all floor area data for the Organisation’s owned and leased portfolio and provide an annual report every January to record any changes.
- Monitor and report on the use of space across the Organisation (desk sharing ratios, use of meeting spaces etc.).
- Provide services for the set-up and adaptation of the Organisation's conference rooms.
- Manage and maintain a computer assisted design (CAD) database using AutoCAD software.
- Lead improvement of space management processes.
- Manage link of Autocad data with the Organisation’s Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS) tools.
- Engage with all internal stakeholders, actively driving positive communication and building a solid foundation of partnership.
- Maintain and improve strategic supplier and contractor relationships that deliver value for money and ensure timely and quality service.
Leadership, resource management and administration
- Supervise an internal team of office space and logistics support staff and coordinate and develop the team’s capacity to deliver high-quality office and conference space services
- Supervise external contracted service providers and ensure that contract conditions are respected.
- Engage in the preparation and execution of market consultations and tenders while ensuring compliance with the Organisation’s rules and procedures.
- Assist in budget management, including the development of forecasts, particularly for furniture and logistics.
- Facilitate the updating of and reporting on physical furniture inventories and contribute to maintaining a service catalogue.
- Develop and report on key performance indicators on the unit’s activities.
- In collaboration with BID leadership team and CSI colleagues, actively contribute to the ambitious development of a holistic Service function in the Organisation.
- Contribute to the training and recruitment plans for any skills lacking in the team to achieve desired outputs, together with the Head of Division.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Academic Background
- An advanced university degree in architecture, engineering, space planning, or another relevant field.
Professional Background
- At least eight years’ professional experience in space planning and operations.
- Proven experience in managing operational teams and supervising outsourced contractors, while demonstrating good knowledge of management methods.
- Experience with inventory, contracts and budget management.
- Experience in the field of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) would be an advantage.
- Experience working in a multicultural environment would be an advantage.
- Be at ease with French space definitions such as SUN, SUB, SUBL etc..
Tools
- Very good knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the ability to quickly learn relevant software tools used in the Organisation.
- Excellent knowledge of office planning software such as AutoCAD.
- Experience working with Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS) tools such as Archibus.
- Experience working with inventory management tools.
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 2); Ethics and Integrity (Level 2); Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 3); Achieve Results (Level 3); Innovate and Embrace Change (Level 2).
- To learn more about the definitions for each competency for levels 1-3, please refer to OECD Core Competencies.
Languages
This position will require an excellent command of French language. Fluency in English will also be appreciated with the ability to work effectively in a bilingual environment.
Contract Duration
- Open-ended appointment, with no foreseen end date.
What the OECD offers
- Monthly salary starts at 9 401.97 EUR, plus allowances based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.
- Click here to consult the Staff Regulations applicable to officials of the OECD. Please note that from 1 July 2025, all Official appointments will be made under the OECD’s new contractual modalities.
- 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 one grade lower in the specified job family, based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.
- This vacancy may be used to create a pool of candidates for comparable positions, both for open-ended and fixed-term functions.
Closing Date
- This vacancy should be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than midnight 11th May 2026 (Paris time).
Selection Process
All applications are screened based on the criteria for the position. For retained candidates, written and video interview assessments are foreseen a virtual panel interview (calendar may be subject to change).
The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates who are nationals of OECD Member Countries or [derogations to hire non-Member nationals], 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.