Economist/Policy Analyst

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 Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities (CFE) helps local and national governments unleash the potential of entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), promote inclusive and sustainable regions and cities, boost local job creation, and implement sound tourism policies. It includes the Secretariat serving the Regional Policy Development Committee (RDPC) and its three Working Parties on Urban Policy, Rural Policy and Territorial Indicators and the Expert Group on Multi-level Governance, the Committee on SMEs and Entrepreneurship (CSMEE), the Tourism Committee and its Working Party on Tourism Statistics, and the Local Economic and Employment Development (LEED) Directing Committee.

CFE is looking for a dynamic, innovative  and motivated Economist/Policy Analyst with a solid quantitative profile to contribute to work of the Economic Analysis, Data and Statistics Division. The successful candidate will contribute to the CFE smart data strategy and to the policy-oriented research of the Division,  including leading or contributing to analytical and/or data-oriented projects connected to regional/local, urban and rural development, SMEs, Tourism and Culture, through quantitative work that applies new and unconventional data sources and take a leading role on the activities and programmes of the OECD in the field of geo-spatial analysis, including the Geo Spatial Lab.

The selected candidate will report to the Head of the Economic Analysis, Data, and Statistics Division  and/or to a Head of Unit within the Division.  

Main Responsibilities

Research, Policy Analysis and drafting

• Plan, conduct and supervise economic and data-driven analysis in the areas of work of CFE. Precise subjects to be addressed will evolve in line with the programme of work established by the different Committees served by CFE.
• Conduct quantitative analysis using different sources of data, including labour force and household surveys, administrative records and geo-spatial information.
• Perform comparative applied policy analysis for OECD member countries, including addressing policy outcomes, strategies, and practices in the respective areas as well as identifying best practices.
• Draft working papers and (chapters for) OECD reports and reviews on the key topics for the Centre.
• Draft other documents, including synthesis reports of expert discussions, seminar proceedings, mission reports and consultants’ contributions.
• Ensure timeliness and a high level of analytical and editorial quality in the preparation and publication of OECD documents.

 Co-ordination and Management

• Be responsible for the planning and delivery of meetings, workshops, and case-study missions.
• Manage projects  in the fieldds of work of the division, potentially including on regional or urban economics, housing and land economics, local labour markets, geospatial analysis, or SMEs.
• Engage with and supervise the work of more junior analysts, consultants, data-scientists, statisticians, and interns.
• Collaborate with other staff within the CFE and from other OECD Directorates, and contribute to horizontal and multi-disciplinary projects and outputs as needed.
• Contribute to the implementation of the Division's Programme of Work.  

Liaison and Representation

• Establish and maintain good working relationships with officials from local teams, international experts and academics.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts of CFE.
• Stay abreast of developments related to urban and regional development, tourism, and SMEs, and on developments in the academic literature on these topics.
• Participate as needed in the organisation of other conferences, seminars and workshops organised or co-organised by the Economic Analysis, Data and Statistics Division.
• Carry out other related duties, as assigned. 

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic background

• Advanced university degree (and preferably training to PhD level) in a relevant field, such as economics or economic geography, with coursework in statistics and quantitative analysis
• Training in econometric methods using micro-data or data science techniques.
• Familiarity with the field of entrepreneurship policies and research.

Professional background

• Minimum of three to five years of experience in research and analytical activities in the fields of regional development, applied economics, geography or public policy. Out of which at least two years of professional experience (i.e. beyond PhD research).

Tools

• Familiarity with using Python and/or R for relevant techniques (e.g. machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, or network/cluster analysis) would be an asset
• Knowledge of GIS software and common ecometric software (e.g. Stata) would be an asset.

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.

Core Competencies 

• For this role, the following competencies would be particularly important\: Analytical thinking, Achievement focus, Drafting skills, Teamwork and Team leadership, Diplomatic sensitivity, Strategic networking.
• Please refer to the level 3 indicators of the OECD Core Competencies.

Contract Duration

• Twelve months fixed-term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.

What the OECD offers

• Depending on level of experience, monthly salary starts at either 6,197.44 EUR or 7,647.05 EUR exempt of French income tax, plus allowances based on eligibility.
• 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.

This position is twin graded A2/A3. Appointment will be based on the candidate’s level of experience and demonstrated ability to perform the functions at the expected level.

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 first half of February 2022 and panel interviews are planned for the second half of February 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.