Senior Economist – Climate Change Adaptation

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 Environment Directorate (ENV), in line with the strategic objectives of the Secretary General, provides relevant and timely information, analysis and advice to support governments in identifying and implementing the environmental policies needed to support a cleaner, more resource-efficient, resilient and low-carbon development pathways. The Directorate currently comprises approximately 175 staff members working across a broad range of issues such as\: climate change, biodiversity, water, eco-innovation, resource productivity and waste, environmental policy tools and evaluation, green growth, safety of chemicals, biotechnology and nanomaterials, and linkages between environment and tax, agriculture, energy, transport, development assistance, trade and investment policies. For more information, please refer to www.oecd.org/env.

The Environment, Transitions and Resilience Division of the OECD Environment Directorate (ENV/ETR)  is looking to recruit one Senior Economist to lead ENV’s work on adaptation to climate change. The ETR division programme of work on adaptation primarily aims at providing governments with guidance on the development and implementation of effective national adaptation policies. The programme of work is implemented in close interaction with OECD teams working on climate policies, resilient infrastructure, disaster risk management, or sustainable finance.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in analytical work and drafting reports, including translating complex technical questions into accessible messages to non-expert audiences, and working cooperatively across teams in complex corporate environments.  The chosen candidate will be part of a dynamic team of enthusiastic professionals in the Environment Directorate. We are seeking a candidate who will actively work across areas of expertise, contributing to and and capitalising on synergies, promoting horizontal collaboration within ENV and with other OECD entities. The selected candidate will report to the Head of Division.

Main Responsibilities

Research, analysis and drafting

• Lead and undertake state-of-the-art research and analysis to produce accurate and robust evidence on issues related to adaptation to climate change (including measuring adaptation, resilient infrastructures, financing adaptation).
• Lead and support policy dialogues at national level, when and where appropriate, to facilitate reform of adaptation-related policies.
• Contribute a strong and broad economics background to ENV’s work.
• Lead the development of an OECD policy framework on adaptation and resilience (including in relation to infrastructure, disaster risk management, or finance).

Co-ordination, management and liaison

• Ensure effective coordination across OECD Directorates in relation to adaptation and resilience. 
• Hire (as appropriate), supervise, co-ordinate and guide multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary staff, providing guidance on research and outputs, and supporting personal and professional development.  
• Organise teamwork to encourage co-operation and bring together complementary skills and expertise to ensure high quality deliverables. Combine tasks into an efficient workflow to deliver project outputs according to a clear timeframe.
• Initiate and manage large projects through their life cycle, including identifying and raising political support and voluntary - financial and in-kind - contributions to support the work and ensuring the deliverables and reporting are done in a timely manner and according to the rules.

Communication and outreach

• Promote a shared understanding of ENV’s work on adaptation, internally and externally through participation in workshops, making presentations to different teams. Tailor communication to each deliverable with relevant context to positively influence policies, reforms and directions.
• Participate in preparations for and contribute to briefings, speeches, for the work of the Environment Policy Committee and its working parties and horizontal and multidisciplinary projects within the Environment Directorate and OECD family.
• Actively and continuously support the engagement of countries in the work. In particular, manage the Task Force on Climate Change Adaptation and contribute to its development.
• Identify and create opportunities to initiate new partnerships that will facilitate broad participation and encourage voluntary contributions to the work stream.
• Maintain an awareness of on-going research and policy developments relevant for the work of the team.
• Coordinate with external collaborators.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• An advanced university degree in economics, environmental economics, climate policy, or related fields. Familiarity with the quantitative component would be an asset.

Professional Background

• At least 8 years of relevant experience in analytical work and policy relevant recommendations in relation to adapatation to climate change.
• Proven experience with drafting reports and other relevant written material, addressed to non-expert audience and briefings for Executive management.
• A good understanding of international  climate considerations and related policy discussions.
• Excellent knowledge of adaptation policies and related issues in OECD and G20 countries.
• Experience with project management including evidence of optimally using human and financial resource and managing staff and external consultants.

Languages

• Excellent written and oral command of one of the two official languages of the OECD (English and French) and working knowledge of, or willingness to learn, the other.
• Knowledge of other languages would be an asset.

Core Competencies                                   

• Please refer to the level 4 indicators of the OECD Core Competencies.

Contract Duration

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

What the OECD offers

• Depending on level of experience, monthly salary starts at 9 046.55 EUR, plus allowances based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.
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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, video-recorded interviews, written tests and panel interviews are planned.

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.