Director of Development Co-operation Directorate

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 Development Co-operation Directorate (DCD) encourages co-ordinated, innovative, international action to accelerate the implementation of Agenda 2030 in developing countries, and improve the financing of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Directorate helps set international standards for development co-operation, supporting the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC), and monitors how donors deliver on their commitments. Drawing upon OECD-wide expertise, DCD supports members and partners with data, analysis and guidance.

 

We are looking for a dynamic and visionary Director who can provide leadership and strategic guidance to a team of around 180 staff to best leverage the Directorate’s comparative advantage and profile its work more strategically within the OECD and in the international development arena.

 

Main Responsibilities

 

Leadership 

• Support the advancement of the strategic orientations of the Secretary-General, including enhanced engagement and horizontal work, and support the work of the Organisation in the development field.
• Lead the Directorate’s work programme in line with the priorities of the OECD and the DAC, and as they relate to the OECD’s strategy for development. Work effectively with other policy communities to identify opportunities to leverage work in other sectors to promote development.
• Identify upcoming policy challenges, develop and promote ways the Organisation can influence the international aid system and contribute to increasing the effectiveness of aid.
• Foster inter-divisional and horizontal work within the OECD as well as with other international policy communities to facilitate a coherent strategy of OECD support for development.
• Exercise critical oversight of programme proposals, policy papers and reports designed for high-level officials in national governments and international bodies.
• Steer and manage the Directorate’s work programme and its resources to ensure the achievement of results and impact

 

Liaison and representation

• Promote collaboration with the Secretary-General’s Office and other Directorates, and effective relations with the relevant policy communities and permanent delegations, both within and outside the OECD to ensure a coherent strategy of OECD support for economic growth and social progress.
• Provide support to the G20 Sherpa in the Secretary-General’s Office on targeted policy advice and on the Organisation’s contributions for the international governance architecture.
• Ensure effective communication and close collaboration with DAC Delegates and their authorities in capitals, as well as with the World Bank, UN and the IMF.
• Liaise with all major actors in the broader international development community to support collective approaches in development co-operation and to initiate and promote joint work where appropriate.
• Represent the OECD and the DAC at high-level meetings and conferences involving senior policy makers and representatives of business, academia, civil society and the media.
• Lead and oversee policy missions to OECD member countries and partner countries

 

Management and co-ordination

• Manage and motivate a multidisciplinary and multicultural team to deliver high-quality results designed to impact the delivery of aid and development co-operation.
• Promote excellence within the management team and the Directorate as a whole through effective recruitment, performance management and professional development of staff.
• Promote effective working methods, a positive work atmosphere and excellent communications.
• Mobilise support and funding for the work of the Directorate from a variety of sources

 

Ideal Candidate Profile

 

Academic background

• An advanced university degree in economics or another relevant field such as political science or international relations with a specialisation in development issues

 

Professional background

• Extensive senior-level experience in formulating and implementing policy on international development issues acquired in a bilateral or multilateral development agency.
• Significant track record of engagement in policy-making and international co-operation as well as significant field level experience in the area of development co-operation.
• Very good knowledge of current international policy issues; a proven record of operating at a senior level within a political decision-making environment including exposure to international relevant processes such as those in the UN, G20 or G7.
• Strong leadership skills and proven ability to motivate and manage a high-performing, multidisciplinary and multinational team.
• Proven management capacities to plan and schedule work programmes, to oversee the programme of work and budget, and ensure the effective organisation of meetings and events, both at the level of the DAC and internationally.
• Excellent political sense and well-established contacts with key actors and stakeholders in the international development community, including notably other international organisations.
• Ability to influence senior level audiences on complex political issues and to create consensus.
• Strong analytical skills combined with an ability to identify emerging issues with implications for development co-operation and to translate them into innovative work programmes.
• Proven ability to mobilise funds.
• Capacity to foster links with emerging and developing economies and to understand their constraints and challenges.
• Demonstrated skills in public speaking, presenting and dealing with the media in order to communicate the work of the Directorate to a wide range of audiences

 

Languages

• Working knowledge of both OECD official languages (English and French) would be an asset.
• Knowledge of other languages would be an asset.

 

Core Competencies

• For this role, the following competencies are of particular importance\: Analytical Thinking, Strategic thinking, Team Leadership, Influencing, Organisational Knowledge, Organisational Alignment, Strategic Networking, Achievement Focus, and Managing Resources.
• Please refer to the full list of OECD Core Competencies and the level 5 indicators.

 

Contract Duration

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

 

What the OECD offers

• Monthly base salary starting from 13,552.94 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.

 

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.