Head of Management Support Unit - Economics Department

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 Economics Department (ECO) aims at enhancing economic performance in member countries and non-member economies through sound and innovative policy advice with a view to seeking an inclusive and durable increase in living standards. It deals with a wide array of policy areas combining macro-economic management, with a strong emphasis on structural policy issues to address policy objectives covering material well-being, social concerns and green aspirations. Its policy advice is derived from a variety of sources such as country surveillance, cross-country benchmarking and evidence derived from empirical research. Much of the Department’s policy analysis and advice is provided as input to committee-based peer review and multilateral surveillance processes and contributes to the overall OECD mission. The Economics Department interacts with several other OECD directorates working in specific policy fields.

The Economics Department is seeking a Head of Management Support Unit to support ECO in developing and implementing its strategic objectives. In particular, he/she will be responsible for the management of ECO’s financial and human resources, as well as overseeing the day-to-day operations. He/she will report to ECO Directors and will be a key member of the senior management group.  The Head of Management Support Unit will oversee the Resource Management Advisor (RMA) team and coordinate their work, within the Department as well as with other internal and external stakeholders.

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Management and Liaison

• Assist and advise the Chief Economist , the Directors of Policy Studies and Country Studies branches , and members of the senior management team on the design and implementation of the Programme of Work and Budget, strategic oversight of human and financial resource management needs and general administration in accordance with the applicable regulations and guidelines.
• Represent the Department in organisation-wide reform projects to ensure that new policies and procedures are implemented and managers are kept abreast of developments and that the Economics Department ’s concerns and needs are represented. ‒ Advise senior management to ensure proper application of the internal control framework including compliance with Financial Regulations, Instructions and Procedures and Staff rules.
• Manage ECO’s Management Support Unit and its staff members, ensuring good teamwork, the professional development of MSU staff members and an effective collaboration between the MSU and managers,staff members and central OECD human resource, finance and communication counter parts.

Budget, Grant Management and Donor Relations

• Co-ordinate the preparation of ECO’s Programme of Work and Budget, ensure sound monitoring and reporting, and participate in and co-ordinate the evaluation of its implementation.
• Assume responsibility on behalf of the Directors for the control functions related to the execution of the budget, as well as the monitoring and reporting of expenditure in accordance with OECD rules and procedures.
• Ensure adequately documented administration of grants and voluntary contributions. Participate in and advise Senior Management on negotiations with Donors.
• Keep abreast of and provide input on reforms in budgetary and financial procedures and systems, ensuring that the Department’s needs are taken into account.

Human Resource Management\:

• Oversee the administration of human resources in ECO in line with the Organisation’s policies and regulations, ensuring proper implementation and continuous application of policies for staff management and development.
• Take charge of recruitment procedures in the Department and play a leading role in the strategic planning of the ECO’s mid to long-term staffing needs under the supervision of the Chief Economist and the Directors.
• Oversee and provide guidance on the performance management review process and co-ordinate the Department’s efforts on skills analysis, talent management and career development.
• Lead and promote learning and development strategies for the Department

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• An advanced university degree in business administration, human resources management, finance or a closely related field.

Professional Background

• At least ten years’ experience in a role with significant human and budget resource management responsibilities. Knowledge of the OECD’s structure, processes, regulations and administrative systems or experience in a similar role in another International Organisation would be an advantage.
• Experience and/or training in the communication field could also be desirable.

Tools

• Very good level of proficiency in the use of resource management applications such as SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, etc.

Languages

• Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and a knowledge of, or a willingness to learn, the other.

Core Competencies

• For this role, the following competencies would be particularly important\: Flexible thinking, Managing resources, Teamwork and Team leadership, Client focus, Strategic networking.
• 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 

• Monthly base salary starting from 9,198 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. 

Selection Process

For retained candidates, written tests and/or video-recorded interviews are foreseen early-January and panel interviews are planned for end-January/early-February.

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.