Head of Section, Codes and Schemes– Trade and Agriculture Directorate (Re-advertised)

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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 Trade and Agriculture Directorate (TAD) provides relevant and timely information and advice to support the efforts of governments to improve the domestic and international performance of their trade, agriculture, food and fishery policies. The Codes and Schemes section of TAD is the main centre in the OECD for the certification and standardization of agricultural inputs and outputs. The section manages certification codes and schemes that facilitate trade through the simplification and harmonization of documentary, inspection, and testing procedures in four areas, seeds, forest reproductive material, tractors and fruits and vegetables. The Co-operative Research Programme (CRP)\: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems facilitates international cooperation among research scientists and institutions. The CRP findings provide evidence and information to support policy makers in promoting the sustainable use of natural resources in the areas of agriculture, food, fisheries and forests.

TAD’s Codes and Schemes (TAD/COD) is looking for a new Head of Section to lead the work of the Section. The selected candidate will provide strategic management of the four Codes and Schemes programmes and CRP. This will include engagement with programme Members and management of staff and budget. S/he will have a proven track record in policy advice and project management, excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills and the ability to communicate complex messages to  stakeholders in a compelling manner. S/he will work under the direction of the Head of Division for Agro-food, Trade and Markets (TAD/ATM).

Main Responsibilities

Management

• Develop and manage the activities of the Codes and Schemes Section, including\: 
• Adaptation of the rules for the certification of agricultural seed and forest reproductive material, for the official testing of agricultural tractors and for the application of international standards for fruit and vegetables;
• Extension of these rules to new participating countries, especially non-OECD member countries;
• Supervision of implementation, including providing guidance to co-ordinating centres and consultants in charge of test approvals;
• Delivery of statutory documentation and annual reports;
• Advice to participating countries on relevant issues.
• Provide oversight of the implementation of the CRP.
• Prepare the Programme of Work and Budget of the Codes and Schemes and oversee its financial management.
•  Liaise with OECD’s Directorate for Legal Affairs, the Programme, Budget and Financial Management team, and the Executive Directorate for effective implementation of the programme.
• Manage, Supervise and provide guidance to staff of the Section; including quality and timeliness of staff output.

Communication and Outreach

• Develop and maintain communication networks with relevant international organisations, both governmental and nongovernmental, and with research institutions and professional organisations.
• Represent OECD at international meetings and promote OECD certification and standardization activities.
• Ensure co-ordination of the Section’s activities with the Directorate's programme of work, in particular in the areas of international agricultural trade and non-member economies, and with the OECD Internal Co-ordination Group on Biotechnology (ICGB).
•  Develop and manage an efficient communications and publication/dissemination strategy for the Section

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• An advanced university degree, with a focus on agriculture and/or food trade, or relevant field.

Professional Background

• Eight to ten years’ experience in agricultural markets, trade and policy, preferably with or within a national administration or a relevant international organisation.
• Extensive knowledge of agriculture and food policy issues, including\: trade; economic and technical barriers to trade; harmonisation of regulations and standards; and/or relevant technological developments. 
•  Proven capacity for sound policy-orientated work; ability to work effectively independently; ability to synthesise technical and policy-orientated issues for audiences at governmental or intergovernmental level.
• Ability to master new topics rapidly, and to draft clear and concise material, including under short deadlines. 
• Experience in managing teams and the delivery of team based projects.

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. 

Core Competencies

•  For this role, the following competencies would be particularly important\: Achievement focus, Managing resources, Teamwork, Client focus, Influencing and Diplomatic sensitivity.
• 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 5 221 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, video-recorded interviews and panel interviews are planned for October 2023.

Please note that our Rules and Regulations stipulate that the mandatory retirement age is 65.

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.