Counsellor, Office of the Secretary-General

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 a vital role in the global governance architecture. It strengthens, within its mandate, the rules-based international order by developing standards promoting well-being for all. The OECD will continue to develop evidence based analysis that helps generate innovative policies and standards to build stronger, more sustainable and more inclusive economies, inspiring trust and confidence for resilient, responsive and healthy societies.

The Office of the Secretary-General (OSG) supports the Secretary-General in implementing his vision and priorities for the Organisation to\:

• optimise the strength and the quality of the economic recovery from COVID-19 through stronger, cleaner and fairer growth;
• drive and promote global leadership on ambitious and effective action on climate change;
• seize the opportunities and better managing the risks of the digital transformation;
• finalise a multilateral approach to taxation/digital taxation;
• strengthen OECD outreach in the Asia-Pacific and Africa; and
• promote well-functioning trade systems and global markets.

We provide high quality advice and support to the Secretary-General to achieve a coordinated and innovative approach to the development and implementation of the OECD’s work. We do this by forming timely and well-founded advice, consulting and coordinating with Members, with Deputy Secretaries, and across Directorates, and fostering a high functioning organisation.

We are looking for a Counsellor to support to support the Secretary General in the advancement of his strategic agenda and in identifying and developing responses to upcoming policy challenges that will impact the work of the Organisation. This pivotal coordination role not only oversees OSG work, but also provides strategic advice, substantive input and strives to structure and enhance OSG’s outputs and deliverables. The selected candidate will work under the supervision of the Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff and will also liaise closely with other senior staff in the Office of the Secretary-General.

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Vision and Co-ordination

• Contribute to the preparations of the annual OECD Council Meeting at Ministerial Level and the Global Strategy Group meetings, and coordinate with the Chair and Member countries.
• In close collaboration with staff serving the governance bodies of the Organisation, ensure the high quality of the Organisation’s outputs to be considered by these bodies.
• Review key documents prepared for Council, Standing Committees and special bodies.
• Support the Secretary-General and the Chief of Staff in the implementation and oversight of the OECD work programme and participate in internal strategic policy discussions.
• Follow closely major policy issues of critical importance to OECD mandates.
• Advise and support the Secretary-General and Chief of Staff on the preparation and organisation of the Group of Directors, the Director’s retreat, and cabinet and corporate management meetings.
• Support preparation of the budget of the Office of the Secretary-General and its presentation to the Budget Committee in close coordination with the Chief of Staff and Head of Protocol and Resource Management.
• Monitor the Organisation’s major outputs aligned with its main governance bodies (Council, Executive Committee, Budget Committee and the External Relations Committe). Participate as necessary in the regular  meetings of these bodies and the preparatory meetings of Council.
• Contribute to strategic advice, drafting and review of key outputs in support of the Secretary-General, together with the Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff and team of Advisors.

Strategic liaison and partnerships

• Engage with Delegations and capitals to identify policy priorities and potential avenues for collaboration.
• Contribute to strengthening the OECD’s strategic relations with governments, International Organisations and global initiatives, particularly for OECD cross-cutting work in key priority areas.
• Pursue strategic development, outreach and co-ordination of relations with EU Institutions.
• Advance the OECD’s and the Office of the Secretary-General’s engagement with foundations, private sector and other strategic non-state partners. Coordinate high-level, thematic roundtables with foundations and other key stakeholders.
• Advise on the establishment of MOUs and related corporate guidance to OECD Directorates.
• Enhance coordination and planning of Voluntary Contributions (VCs) across the Organisation. Work in close collaboration with OECD Directorates, corporate services and colleagues in the Office of the Secretary-General to unlock opportunities for partnerships and collaboration on VCs.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• An advanced university degree in economics, political science, law, or international relations.
• An excellent understanding of complex geo-economic-political issues and strong analytical skills in economics.

Professional Background

• At least ten years of relevant professional experience, at a progressively senior management level and preferably in an international context.
• Experience in representation with senior officials in various public fora and briefings at both the national and international level.

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 would be of particular importance\: Achievement Focus, Analytical Thinking, Strategic Thinking, Strategic Networking, Diplomatic Sensitivity, Drafting Skills, Team Leadership and Managing Resources.
• Please refer to the full list of OECD Core Competencies and the level 5 indicators.

Contract Duration

Two year fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.

What the OECD offers

• Monthly base salary starting from 10,476 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.