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 Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities (CFE) helps local and national governments unleash the potential of entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), promote inclusive and sustainable regions and cities, boost local job creation, and implement sound tourism policies. It includes the Secretariat serving the Regional Policy Development Committee (RDPC) and its three Working Parties on Urban Policy, Rural Policy and Territorial Indicators and the Expert Group on Multi-level Governance, the Committee on SMEs and Entrepreneurship (CSMEE), the Tourism Committee and its Working Party on Tourism Statistics, and the Local Employment and Economic Development (LEED) Directing Committee. In CFE, the SME and Entrepreneurship (SMEE) Division undertakes analysis and advises governments on effective policies for SMEs and entrepreneurs, including in areas such as the green and digital transition, access to finance, internationalisation, inclusive entrepreneurship and skills development. 

The SMEE division produces global publications, such as the OECD SME and Entrepreneurship Outlook, Financing SMEs and Entrepreneurs: An OECD Scoreboard and The Missing Entrepreneurs, as well as country-specific work, such as the series of OECD country reviews of SME and entrepreneurship policy. The Division also manages three external partner networks: the OECD Digital for SMEs Global Initiative (D4SME),  the OECD Platform on Financing SMEs for Sustainability, and the OECD Platform for the Entrepreneurship Education Collaboration and Engagement  (EECOLE), which undertake research and policy dialogue on the respective focus areas.

The SMEE Division is looking for one or more dynamic, innovative, and motivated Junior Economist(s)/Policy Analyst(s) to contribute to the division’s work, particularly in the following two areas:

• The green transition of SMEs and broader country assessments of SME and entrepreneurship policies
• Inclusive entrepreneurship (e.g., women’s entrepreneurship, youth entrepreneurship, migrant entrepreneurship, etc.)
   

Main responsibilities

Research, analysis and drafting

• Conduct statistical, economic and policy analysis on issues affecting SME and entrepreneurship development, within both country-specific and global thematic projects.
• Undertake statistical, economic and policy analysis identifying key trends on the green transition of SMEs, identifying major trends and common challenges across OECD countries and other main emerging economies.
• Gather, verify and analyse international data on entrepreneurial activities including barriers faced by disadvantaged and under-represented groups in entrepreneurship.
• Asses international practices in the design and delivery of selected SME      and entrepreneurship policy instruments.
• Produce high quality papers and reports in the relevant policy areas.
• Organise and summarise complex material in a clear concise manner for specialist and non-specialist audiences, including briefings, blogs and seminar proceedings.
• Contribute to corporate requests, such as briefings, talking points and power-point presentations for senior OECD officials.
• Ensure timely and high-quality delivery of OECD documents.
• Stay informed on the latest research and policy developments in entrepreneurship and SME policies, emanating from other OECD directorates, international organisations, national governments, private sector, and academia.

Co-ordination, representation, and liaison

• Support project management by organising fact-finding missions, setting agendas for workshops and webinars, and supervising interns or external/internal consultants as required.
• Contribute to the regular meetings of the CSMEEE, by contributing to specific agenda items and presenting project outcomes to delegates.
• Represent the OECD Secretariat at international conferences, enhancing the visibility and profile of the OECD SMEE division internationally.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with high-level representatives in relevant ministries and government agencies, as well as intergovernmental organisations and relevant stakeholders.
• Contribute to the Division’s fundraising efforts in the preparation of concept notes and project proposals and by identifying new project opportunities with delegates and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate across Divisions and Directorates by contributing to horizontal and multidisciplinary projects and outputs as needed.

Ideal candidate profile
Academic background

• An advance university degree in a relevant area, such as economics (e.g., development economics, industrial economics), public policy and environmental policy.

Professional background

• At least two years of professional experience in the areas of SME policy, entrepreneurship policy and/or environmental policy at industry level, preferably acquired in international organisations or national governments.
• Demonstrate understanding of fundamental economic principles and theories.
• Excellent policy research and analytical skills, including quantitative analytical skills, as shown by prior substantive contributions to government policy reports and/or academic publications.
• Excellent drafting skills, including the ability to translate data insights into simple narrative/papers and revise the contributions of interns and/or external consultants, if needed.
• Ability to prepare and deliver effective presentations to expert and non-expert audiences.
• Strong organisational skills, notably the ability to keep track of the progress of a project and identify relevant speakers and participants for workshops and webinars.

Tools

• Strong knowledge of MS office.
• Skilled in creating basic visualisations using standard tools and techniques, capable of presenting data in simple charts and graphs for basic analysis
• Knowledge of relevant statistical databases 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 2); Enable People (Level 1); Ethics and Integrity (Level 2); Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 2); Achieve Results (Level 2); Innovate and Embrace Change (Level 2).
• There are three possible levels for each competency. The level for each competency is determined according to the specific needs of each job role and its associated grade.
• 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.
• Knowledge of additional languages would be an asset.

Closing Date:

• This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible.

Candidates should apply no later than midnight 27 November 2024 (CET)

Contract Duration

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

What the OECD offers

• Depending on level of experience, monthly salary starts at 5741.55 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, tests are foreseen in December 2024 and panel interviews are planned for February 2025.

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.