Policy Analyst - Temporary

The Global Relations and Co-operation Directorate (GRC) supports the implementation of the Secretary-General’s strategic orientations by co-ordinating the OECD’s relations with partner countries and with other international organisations. It advises the Secretary-General and other OECD Directorates on how to strengthen co-operation with key partner countries, regions and organisations, ensuring a homogeneous implementation of the Global Relations Strategy. GRC supports the work of the OECD External Relations Committee (ERC), working with members to help them reach consensus on global relations priorities and ensure that relevant regions and economies are effectively engaged in the Organisation’s work. Within GRC, the Eurasia (EUR) Division supports governments in thirteen countries in Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia^[1] improving their investment and business climate, and unleashing their competitiveness.  

In 2014, the OECD and the government of Ukraine signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Cooperation (MoU), which was recently prolonged until 2025. Subsequently, the OECD and the government of Ukraine signed on 22 April 2015 an Action Plan for the implementation of the MoU, which sets out the key areas for OECD intervention in Ukraine according to the Government priorities.  The Action Plan is being revised in order to reflect the government priorities for their own Recovery Plan. The Eurasia Division oversees OECD’s cooperation with Ukraine in the context of the OECD-Ukraine Memorandum of Understanding and the implementation of the Action Plan.

Following Russia’s large-scale aggression against Ukraine, the OECD Council further decided to enhance OECD support to Ukraine, including the creation of an OECD Ukraine Liaison Office, to be initially based in Paris within GRC and to be transferred to Kyiv when circumstances permit.

The OECD Eurasia (EUR) Division is looking for a policy analyst to join the Liaison Office team, with knowledge of, and experience in, Ukraine, including\:

• the political economy of Ukraine, including good knowledge of the government structure, the international context and reforms under way before 24 February;
• a broad understanding international relations and policy challenges in Ukraine;
• experience conducting policy research, identifying priority areas of OECD relevance, and drafting policy briefs in the context of geopolitical threats;  
• good contacts with key stakeholders from Ukraine, including but not only\: the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food, and the Ministry of Finance among others. Good understanding and contacts with relevant State-owned Enterprises, governmental bodies, parliament, as well as civil society, academia, private sector, and business organisations; and
• experience organising events, including webinars via zoom, seminars and meetings.

The selected person will report to the Head of Division, and will work under the management of the Acting Head of the OECD-Ukraine Liaison Office.

Main Responsibilities

Monitoring and Analysis

• Monitor and report on political and economic developments in Ukraine
• Assist with the co-ordination of input requests and the preparation/updating of country co-operation notes and briefing notes on Ukraine
• Prepare a weekly Newsletter on Ukraine with key news, reports and information relevant to OECD work;
• Update the GRC Flyer on Ukraine, Ukraine Country Note, Ukraine Policy Brief and other internal notes as requested;
• Carry out analysis of policy developments in Ukraine as requested;
• Design questionnaires and data collection requests as appropriate to collect official information in preparation of the analysis;
• Draft summary reports of the analysis stemming from OECD work;
• Draft summary records and proceedings of Ukraine-related meetings and events;
• Draft letters, agendas, issues papers and invitations in preparation of meetings and events;
• Contribute to drafting sections of OECD reports related to Ukraine as requested, provide comments to draft prepared by other directorates, and ensure coordination;
• Prepare presentations, talking points and background material in preparation of ERC, Council and other official meetings as requested;
• Carry out desk research and drafting needed to support the work of the Division;
• Work in close cooperation with other analysts and interns of the Ukraine Unit and of GRS more broadly for the effective implementation of the work;
• Work in close cooperation with other members of the Ukraine Unit in preparation of material for the web, social media and corporate communication channels;
• Support the revision of the OECD-Ukraine Action Plan as requested.

Liaison and Co-ordination

• Assist the preparation of OECD fact-finding missions both, virtual and to Ukraine, including organising meetings, schedules and identifying relevant stakeholders for the projects;
• Participate in Ukraine-related meetings as requested, playing an active role, and preparing minutes and proceedings as follow up;
• Liaise with the local consultant in Kyiv to ensure timely and effective follow up of information requests, official correspondence and other documents; 
• Liaise with OECD Secretariat (other Directorates) staff working with Ukraine;
• Liaise with the main counterparts in Ukraine, namely the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers and other key government and parliament bodies, to ensure an effective implementation of OECD work in Ukraine;
• Liaise with international organisations (e.g. EBRD, EU, IMF, etc), members Delegations to the OECD, and OECD members’ Embassies to Ukraine, to ensure effective communication and implementation of OECD work in Ukraine;
• Report back to the Head of Unit on projects’ meetings and relevant exchanges with Ukrainian stakeholders in relation to the projects
• Provide regular updates to the Head of Unit on the status of Ukraine’s political situation
• Support the Head of Unit in the OECD-wide coordination of OECD work with Ukraine

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background\:

• An advanced university degree in economics, law, economic development, public policy or international relations with a strong focus on Ukraine and the broader region.  Experience working in Ukraine would be an advantage.

Professional Background\:

• Three/four years’ relevant professional experience dealing with public policies and strategic development.
• Excellent understanding of the economic and policy context of Ukraine.
• Excellent analytical capacity.
• Excellent communication and networking capacities.
• Excellent diplomatic sensitivity and strategic thinking.
• Experience working in an international or national administration would be an advantage.
• Demonstrated policy expertise in relevant policy domains (e.g. investment, competition, anti-corruption, regional development, public administration).
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with senior officials at national and international level.
• Good organisational skills, including the ability to plan and implement independent research, organise and assimilate research information, and rapidly produce high quality reports. 
• Ability to work with minimum supervision, efficiently under pressure, with the capacity to prioritise tasks according to tight deadlines

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 Ukrainian is an important advantage.

Core Competencies

• For this role, the following competencies would be particularly important\: achievement focus, analytical thinking, drafting skills, communication skills, teamwork, diplomatic sensitivity.
• Please refer to the OECD Core Competencies and the level 3 indicators.

Contract Duration

Twelve-month fixed-term appointment with possibility of renewal.

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.

^[1] Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus (suspended), Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Republic of Moldova, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan.