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.

The Local Employment, Skills and Social Innovation Division (CFE/LESI) is recruiting a Head of Unit for Social Economy and Innovation to lead and drive the OECD's agenda on social economy, social innovation and related social inclusion issues. This role will focus on advancing policy, governance and data initiatives. The successful candidate will play a key role in positioning the Organisation as a global leader in social economy and innovation, building networks and driving fundraising to support the work programme. In addition to strong programme and management skills, the candidate should bring in-depth expertise in social economy and social innovation policies, particularly their integration with broader local employment and economic development policies. The Head of Unit will lead the Social Economy and Innovation Unit under the supervision of the Head of the LESI Division to support LEED’s overall strategic development. Close collaboration with other OECD Directorates will be essential to strengthen horizontal work in these areas.

Main Responsibilities

Leadership and management

• Lead the design and implementation of the LEED Committee’s Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) in areas related to the social economy and social innovation. Identify emerging issues in designing projects that respond to them.
• Ensure the financial sustainability of the social economy component of LEED’s PWB and manage the financial resources with high standards of budget management and reporting in accordance with the OECD’s financial rules and practices. This includes identifying,  seeking and securing new funding sources.
• Manage the Unit’s team, providing opportunities for development through regular constructive performance feedback and coaching to an environment conducive to teamwork, innovation and open communication.
• Ensure the timely delivery of high-quality outputs, maintaining  relevance and development of the Unit’s outputs.
• Build and maintain strong networks with national and subnational policy makers and practitioners in the providing policy guidance and programme implementation expertise.
• Manage the Informal Expert Group on the Social and Solidarity Economy and Social Innovation under the LEED Directing Committee.  

Analysis, drafting and communication

• Keep updated on relevant developments in social economy and social innovation policy,  research and academic literature.
• Draft in-depth analytical reports on cutting-edge issues related the social economy, social innovation and broader local employment and economic development policies.
• Draft policy briefs, press releases, briefings, speeches and presentations ensuring clarity and consistency in messaging.
• Review and edit documents and analysis prepared by team members or external consultants to maintain high-quality standards.

Coordination and Liaison

• Develop strong working relationships with OECD colleagues, policymakers, international organisations, private sector representatives, civil society and other stakeholders.
• Develop policy dialogue and foster collaboration with non-member economies, including through increased engagement with key partners, and in line with the Global Relations approach of the LEED Committee.
• Represent the OECD in international meetings, presenting substantive matters to senior officials and participate in relevant OECD-wide meetings
• Coordinate the Division’s inputs for social economy and related issues to contribute to relevant international networks, institutions and fora.
• Contribute to horizontal work in CFE and OECD, and collaborate with colleagues across CFE and the OECD on joint projects related to the Unit’s areas of work.
• Carry out other related duties as assigned.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• An advanced university degree in economics, public policy, political science or another related field.

Professional Background

• A minimum of eight years' experience of policy-oriented research or analytical work with the social economy or broader local employment and economic development policies.
• Extensive knowledge of the social economy landscape in OECD and partner countries.
• Proven expertise in international comparative analysis, including economic analysis.
• Demonstrated Experience in team management and fundraising.

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 3); Enable People (Level 2); Ethics and Integrity (Level 2); Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 3); Achieve Results (Level 3); Innovate and Embrace Change (Level 3).
• 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 other languages would be an asset.

Closing Date

• This vacancy should be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than 2nd January 2025 at 23h59 (Paris time).

Duration

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

What the OECD offers

• Depending on level of experience, monthly salary starts at 10 640.30 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 one grade lower in the specified job family, based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.

Selection Process

For retained candidates, the selection process may include a video-recorded interview, job-based assessment and panel interviews.

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.