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, 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 EXECUTIVE DIRECTORATE (EXD)

The Executive Directorate (EXD) is the steward of OECD resources, on behalf of the Secretary-General. Our focus is on people and their wellbeing; the effective and efficient management of the budget; the safety and security of staff, Delegations, visitors, and of the OECD’s data; maintaining and sustaining physical and digital infrastructure; and enabling the convening power of the OECD through conferences, meetings and events, whether virtual, physical or hybrid. As well as providing corporate services, functions and management support to our staff and Members, we provide integrated, strategic and expert advice on corporate policies and management issues to the Secretary-General, to Council and to Standing Committees, to which we regularly report on corporate matters. We also provide risk management functions (for management areas under our purview). Ours is a fast-paced environment focused on delivering management excellence across all of our functions.

THE HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SERVICE (EXD/HRM)

Within the OECD’s Executive Directorate (EXD), the Human Resource Management Service (HRM) is responsible for providing stewardship of the Organisation’s human capital on behalf of the Secretary-General. Overseeing three divisions (HR Operations, the Client Services Group and the Talent Management and Analytics Group), EXD/HRM’s Head Office provides strategic HR direction, leadership in corporate and legal matters and oversight and co-ordination for the Organisation at large. In addition, EXD/HRM is at the forefront of a major project currently underway to review the Organisation’s Employment framework with regards to its contractual policy and grading structure for OECD officials (NEP).

EXD/HRM is looking for a Junior Legal Advisor who will will carry out research and analysis relating to a variety of legal and HR policy topics. The selected candidate will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Unit.

Main Responsibilities

Research and Advisory

Provide legal support, analysis and advice on the topics covered by the work of the HR Legal Unit on:

• The intepretation and/or implementation of OECD internal rules, particularly in relation to the Staff Regulations, Rules and Instructions and other norms relating to the Organisation’s staff management.
• Major HR reforms, notably the New Employment Package (NEP), including as needed drafting related amendments to the Staff Regulations, Rules and Instructions.
• Drafting internal regulations, rules, guidelines and information notes on legal and policy matters related to the OECD’s Human resource management framework.
• The management of claims received with regard to the compensation and benefits package, the OMESYS System, Pensions, and any issue arising from the employment relations between the OECD and its staff.
• Queries regarding internal programmes and internal/external mobility (MoUs and MoAs internships, Junior Professional officer) in liaison with EXD/HRM relevant stakeholders.
• Procurement contracts, co-operation arrangements or other agreements relating to matters addressed by EXD/HRM.
• Any topic in the HR area, as required.

Conflict resolution and investigation

• Supporting the work of the HR Legal unit in the management of formal complaints received by EXD/HRM relating to potential misconduct; following predefined investigation procedures (from the preliminary review carried out to assess the complaint to resulting investigations and/or disciplinary procedures) and ethical guidelines.
• Taking part in the overall management of such cases, in support of the Head of Unit and Head of Service, and liaising as necessary with relevant shareholders, along with internal and external investigators, in particular by taking charge of all or part of the relevant contractual procedures and communications.

Co-ordination

• Under the supervision of the Head of the HR Legal Unit, ensure efficient liaison on Human resources files and projects with EXD/HRM colleagues, the OECD Legal Directorate and other OECD corporate services as needed.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• A master’s degree or other equivalent specialised higher education in law is required.
• A specialization in international organisation’s law, and/or in employment law and Human resources policy, would be considered as an asset.

Professional Background

• A minimum of three years of professional experience in the legal department of an international organisation or law office, in a position focusing on international organisations, international civil law, employment law and/or human resources policy.
• Experience in international civil service law and international organisations law, and/or in employment law and human resources policy would be an advantage.
• Experience with the two main legal systems of relevance to the OECD (civil and common law) would be an advantage.

Core Competencies 

• OECD staff are expected to demonstrate behaviours aligned to six core competencies which will be assessed as part of this hiring processes: Vision and Strategy (Level 1); Enable People (Level 2); Ethics and Integrity (Level 2); Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 2); Achieve Results (Level 1); Innovate and Embrace Change (Level 2).

• To learn more about the definitions for each competency for levels 1-3, please refer to OECD Core Competencies.

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.
• Ability to verify the equivalence of texts in both languages would be an advantage.
• Knowledge of other languages would be an asset.

Closing Date

• This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than 23h59 23 October 2024 (Paris time).

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 5.741,55 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. 

Salary Information  

• Please note that the appointment may be made at one grade lower in the specified job family, based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.

Selection Process

For retained candidates, written tests/video-recorded interviews are foreseen end of October and panel interviews are planned for November.

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.