Head of Division - SME and Entrepreneurship Division (SMEE)

Are you a Korean national? On behalf of several participating organizations, Impactpool seeks Korean nationals for our upcoming Virtual Career Fairs:

Senior Women Event: Register here

Asia-Pacific Event: Register here

************

 

THE OECD – Who we are, what we do

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation comprised of 38 member countries, whose mission is to build better policies for better lives. We 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 to establish evidence-based international standards, and finding solutions to a broad range of social, economic, and environmental challenges, from the improvement of 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.

 

CENTRE FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP, SMEs, REGIONS and CITIES

The Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities (CFE) leads co-ordinated, innovative, international action with respect to the OECD’s work on entrepreneurship and SME policy, tourism policy, local and regional development, and cities, as well as multi-level governance and decentralisation issues, both international and domestic. It is the focal point for the OECD’s work in these areas, including in sub national, tourism and SME finance comparative statistics, analysis and capacity building. It helps local and national actors, in the public, private and non-profit sectors work together to unleash the potential of entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the social and solidarity economy, and to promote inclusive and sustainable regions and cities, boost local job creation, and implement sound tourism policies. The Directorate implements the priorities of the Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) set by Member Countries and the Secretary-General in its area of business.

The SME and Entrepreneurship Division (SMEE) advances the OECD’s work on SME and entrepreneurship policy, in areas such as access to finance, productivity, the green and digital transitions, integration into global value chains, innovation, policy benchmarking and evaluation, inclusive entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship in higher education. The Division supports OECD member and partner governments in their efforts to enable SMEs and entrepreneurs to strengthen their contributions to sustainable, resilient and inclusive growth, serving as an important source of policy analysis and advice to provide level playing fields for firms of all sizes and to design and implement effective targeted SME and entrepreneurship policies. It also develops relevant standards, instruments, policy tools and data to support governments in policy design and implementation. The Division also contributes to horizontal activities on matters related to SMEs and entrepreneurship in other OECD Committees.

 

THE POSITION

CFE is looking for a dynamic and visionary Head of Division to provide leadership and strategic direction to CFE and to deliver on the Declaration of Ministers at the 2023 Ministerial Conference on SMEs and Entrepreneurship. As a key member of the Senior Management team of the Organisation, s/he will provide intellectual leadership and ensure that the OECD is at the forefront of global economic policy thinking. Key activities of focus for the Head of Division include policy design and analyses to enable SMEs to thrive in the green transition, to capitalise on the full potential of digitalisation, to boost productivity growth, trade and scale-ups, and to identify barriers holding disadvantaged groups back from delivering on their full entrepreneurial potential.

The breadth and the complexity of policy issues covered by the Division requires an experienced senior executive with an excellent understanding of SME and entrepreneurship policy, political processes and effective institutional settings. S/he thrives in a fast paced, multidisciplinary work environment and is an innovative strategic thinker with political sensitivity. Finally, s/he has a proven track record of managing and delivering a complex work programme and budget and fundraising as well as managing large and diverse international teams, with an ability to leverage, or build, and maintain, a wide and effective professional network. S/he will work under the supervision of the CFE Director and will work closely with the senior leadership team and the heads of CFE Divisions to achieve the overall objectives of the CFE as well as contributing to the advancement of the Strategic Orientations established by the OECD Secretary-General.

 

Main Responsibilities

Leadership

Identify policy priorities, new directions of work and strategies that  reinforce the position of the Committee on SMEs and Entrepreneurship (CSMEE), and the OECD, as the leading source of analysis, policy advice and cross-country co-operation  on SME and entrepreneurship policy.

Support the Office of the Secretary-General, the OECD Sherpa, and their respective teams on targeted policy advice and on the Organisation’s contributions in the area of SME and entrepreneurship policy including for  the G20 and the G7.

Contribute to ensuring the global impact of the OECD’s SME and entrepreneurship work, including through increased engagement with key partners, and in line with the global relations strategy of the OECD.

Manage networks of public and private stakeholders, including the OECD’s Steering Group on SME and Entrepreneurship Financing, the Digital for SMEs Platform and the Platform for Financing Sustainability of SMEs.

Provide intellectual leadership and guidance on new analytical work related to SME and entrepreneurship policy and on policy monitoring and evaluation tools.

 

Representation and Liaison

Represent the Directorate and the Organisation at internal and external meetings, establishing close contacts and active collaboration with a wide range of colleagues, stakeholders and partners to achieve maximum effectiveness and efficiency.

Establish and maintain a network of relationships with other international organisations, national authorities, business associations, academia and research institutes.

Actively contribute to the effective dissemination of the work of the Division through the media, professional networks, academia and other communities.

Maintain effective relationships and co-ordinate relevant work with key external organisations, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and other governmental and non-governmental organisations, Prepare documents, speeches and presentations on  issues of the OECD’s work on SME and entrepreneurship.

 

Management and Co-ordination

Ensure effective co-operation across the Organisation including with the Office of the Secretary-General and policy directorates to contribute to flagship corporate initiatives and horizontal projects and to ensure coherence of policy recommendations that impact on SMEs and entrepreneurship.

Lead and manage the staff of the Division. Set objectives and provide guidance, direction and timing of their work; provide regular and constructive feedback on performance to motivate staff and contribute to their professional development. Develop and maintain good teamwork and ensure effective work methods and project management; implement and maintain arrangements to ensure effective internal communications within the Division.

Build and lead a cohesive, multicultural and multidisciplinary team, promoting excellence, inclusion and diversity.

Adhere to and promote the highest professional standards and the ethical principles of the OECD's Code of Conduct in all internal and external matters. Ensure a caring environment where managers promote, respect and support staff in developing their full potential.

Ensure sound management of human and financial resources to meet the commitments of the Division in the conduct of its work. Actively and strategically work to mobilise funding to support the programme of work.

Strengthen analytical work on place-based factors driving SME and entrepreneurship in close collaboration with CFE Divisions leading the work of the Regional Development Policy Commitee and the Local Employment and Economic Development Committee, and support work related to SMEs and entrepreneurship for the Tourism Committee.

 

Ideal Candidate Profile

 

Academic and Professional Background

An advanced university degree in economics, public policy or other relevant discipline, preferably with substantive prior knowledge of SME and/or entrepreneurship research,  or a related subject. A PhD in Economics would be an advantage

At least 10 years’ experience at a senior level in the policy areas covered by  the division, including managerial duties. as well as in  implementation of SME and entrepreneurship policies and/or  relevant private sector experience would be an advantage.

Excellent knowledge of SME and entrepreneurship policies and factors that drive or hold back SME and entrepreneurial performance, in particular with regard to the green and digital transitions, inclusiveness and globalisation.

Proven record of conducting relations at senior level and within a political decision-making environment. Well-established contacts with key players and stakeholders in the relevant international communities.

Proven track-record in managing large projects and in fund-raising.

 

Communication and Languages

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

Knowledge of other languages would be an asset.

 

Core Competencies

For this role, the following competencies would be particularly important\: Flexible thinking, Teamwork and Team leadership, Influencing, Developing talent, and Organisational alignment.

Please refer to the level 5 indicators of the OECD Core Competencies.

 

Contract Duration

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

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

 

What the OECD offers

Monthly base salary starting from 11,079 EUR plus allowances, based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.

Please note that the appointment may be made at a lower grade depending on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.

Process

All applications are screened based on the criteria for the position.

For candidates who are screened-in, written tests and/or video-recorded interviews are foreseen in December 2023 and panel interviews are planned for January 2024. A leadership assessment will also be requested by candidates in the final selection stage.

The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from 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. Our selection processes are merit-based; we strive to enhance diversity both from national and gender perspectives while running fair, transparent and competitive selection processes.

The OECD promotes an optimal use of resources to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Staff members are encouraged to actively contribute to this goal.

Learn more about what we offer and why the OECD is a great place to work.

Browse our People Management Guidebook to learn more about all aspects relating to people at the OECD, our workplace environment and on policies supporting staff in their daily life.