Head of Corporate Governance

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 has earned a leading role in financial and enterprise issues. The core mission of the Directorate for Financial and Enterprise Affairs (DAF) is to assist markets to fund inclusive economic growth, and in turn Better Lives, through setting and implementing standards, providing capacity building and technical assistance, acting as a forum for co-operation and collaboration across the OECD Directorates, external stakeholders and International Organisations. DAF’s work is structured under two work clusters - Conduct and Markets - and its mission is pursued through seven substantive divisions whose teams provide member and partner countries with policy guidance, analysis and support in the areas of competition, anti-corruption, corporate governance, responsible business conduct, financial markets, and international investment. DAF currently employs about 250 staff members (economists, lawyers, statisticians, support staff, consultants, and trainees), who support work across a broad range of policy areas.

The Corporate Governance and Corporate Finance Division (CG) focuses on corporate governance and the implementation of the OECD Principles of Corporate Governance as well as the OECD Guidelines on the Corporate Governance of State-Owned Enterprises. The work combines empirical data with economic and legal analysis to support assessment of policy options and regulatory reforms. This work is developed under the guidance of the OECD Corporate Governance Committee and the Working Party on State Ownership and Privatisation Practices. The Division also conducts outreach work in several regions, including Asia and Latin America, and develops analysis on capital market development.

As a key member of the senior management team of DAF, the Head of the CG Division will work closely with DAF Director and Deputy Directors to support, advance, and provide strategic direction to the Directorate’s work, as well as work closely with the Office of the Secretary-General (OSG), the Sherpa Unit, and other parts of the Organisation. Responsibilities include the development and implementation of horizontal projects and strategies to advance the implementation of OECD relevant standards and advice in member and partner countries in the area of corporate governance and corporate finance, and ensuring effective engagement with stakeholders and partners both inside and outside the Organisation, including in major emerging economies. S/he will inter alia supervise the revision of the OECD Principles of Corporate Governance Principles and develop new work areas related to audit quality and insolvency.

The Head of the CG Division will work under the direct supervision and strategic direction of the Deputy Director of DAF and Head of Conduct Cluster.

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, in particular as they relate to corporate governance and corporate finance.
• Contribute to engagements by the Secretary-General related to financial affairs, in co-ordination with the Office of the Secretary-General.
• Provide support to the OECD Sherpa – in co-ordination with the Sherpa team – on targeted policy advice and on the Organisation’s contributions in the area of corporate governance, including to the G20, G7 and APEC.
• Ensure the global impact of the OECD work on corporate governance, including through increased engagement with key partners, and in line with the global relation strategy of the OECD.
• Contribute to the development and exercise critical oversight of analytical and policy content of flagship publications, reports, policy papers and working documents. Ensure high quality and relevance of the Division's outputs in the framework of its programme of work.
• Contribute to horizontal projects and flagship corporate initiatives and to OECD-wide work on sustainable and inclusive growth, economic and environmental resilience, infrastructure, and digitalisation, among others.
• In line with the Strategic Orientations of the Secretary-General, identify policy priorities and new directions of work and strategies, to position the Corporate Governance Committee and the OECD as the leading sources of analysis, policy advice, and cross-country co-operation in corporate governance. Develop relevant projects that will deliver value to member and partner countries and to the OECD. Integrate the corporate governance perspective into high priority OECD-wide projects and ensure the continued relevance of the work undertaken in light of the evolving needs of governments.
• Design, plan, organise, and supervise the Division’s programme of work and its effective implementation, ensuring effective contributions to corporate outputs as well as coherence with the rest of the work of the Organisation.
• Ensure effective coordination and coherence with the work of other divisions and good collaboration with other directorates.
• Promote understanding, awareness, use, and, where appropriate, adherence to the OECD’s flagship instruments and policy tools, including through strategic communications and outreach tools.

Management and co-ordination

• Supervise, motivate, and contribute to the professional development and performance management of approximately 20 staff to ensure delivery of high-quality work within set deadlines, effective and efficient working methods, and a constructive working atmosphere.
• Promote excellent team spirit, professionalism, and accountability amongst staff and ensure efficient internal co-operation and communication with all DAF Divisions, the DAF Director’s Office, and other OECD Directorates.
• 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 the active mobilisation and securing funding to support the programme of work, including by strengthening the division’s capacity for sustainable fundraising.
• Ensure sound management of human and financial resources to meet the commitments of the Division in the implementation of its work programme.
• Participate actively as a member of the Management Team of the Directorate.

Liaison and Representation

• Respond in a timely fashion to briefing requests from the Secretary-General’s Office and other parts of the Organisation and co-ordinate the Division’s contributions in co-operation with other staff in the Directorate as appropriate to support and contribute to flagship corporate initiatives and horizontal projects.
• Ensure effective communication with key stakeholders, the media, and the general public in order to maximise the value, visibility, and impact of the work of the Division.
• Represent the OECD at high-level meetings and conferences involving senior policy makers and representatives of business, labour, academia, NGOs, and the media. Lead high-level missions to OECD Member countries and other economies.
• Build collaborative working relationships throughout the OECD and across other international organisations. Establish and maintain close contacts with national authorities, the private sector, academia, research institutes, and the media.
• Take responsibility for increasing co-operation with emerging and developing countries in the areas of work.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• An advanced university degree in economics or equivalent, preferably with a specialisation in corporate governance and/or corporate finance.

Professional Background

• At least ten years’ experience at a senior level, including management responsibilities, with at least four years’ experience in advising on corporate governance in a national or international administration (i.e., central banks, ministries of finance, international organisations or international financial institutions) in the areas of corporate governance and finance.
• Additional relevant private sector experience would be an advantage.
• Experience in leading discussions and developing consensus in international meetings.
• Proven experience in setting strategic policy targets and providing leadership in the areas covered by the Division.
• Experience in the implementation of policies related to the work of the Division would be a desirable addition to the strategic, analytical, and management competencies.
• Demonstrated ability to secure funding from diverse sources to support the programme of work.
• Strong communication skills; the ability to build support across member and partner countries for better policies based on evidence-based analysis.
• Strong culture of collaboration and a proven champion of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
• Collaborative and inclusive management style.

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.

Core Competencies

• For this role, the selected candidate will demonstrate professionalism and accountability as well as the following competencies\: Achievement focus, Analytical and strategic thinking, Drafting skills, Managing resources, Teamwork and Team leadership, Client focus, Diplomatic sensitivity, Influencing and Negotiating, Developing talent, Strategic networking.
• Please refer to the level 5 indicators of the OECD Core Competencies.

Contract Duration

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

What the OECD offers

• Monthly base salary starting from 10 291 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, written tests/video-recorded interviews are foreseen for the end of December 2021 and panel interviews are planned for January 2022.

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.