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 Environment Directorate (ENV) leads co-ordinated, innovative, international action with respect to the OECD’s work on environment, both international and domestic. 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. 

ENV helps countries design and implement effective policies to address environmental problems and sustainably manage natural resources, with countries regarding the OECD as a leader in environmental information and indicators. ENV works across a broad range of policy areas, and its mission is delivered by five divisions focusing on: the environment, health and safety; the environment and economy integration; environmental performance and information; climate, biodiversity and water; and finance, investment and global relations.  

The Environment Directorate (ENV)

ENV is looking for a dynamic and visionary Director to provide leadership and strategic direction to the Environment Directorate. 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. The Director will be responsible for advancing the Secretary-General's and the member countries’ priorities in ENV's areas of work. S/he will deliver analysis and policy advice that leverage ENV's competitive advantages and address linkages between environmental challenges, as well as their economic, sectoral, financial and social implications, ensuring they fully reflect the multidimensional nature of OECD work. S/he will work closely with the senior management team, providing guidance and support in the coordination and management of its Programme of Work and Budget, and its Committees, Working Parties and Expert Groups. S/he will promote horizontal work and foster coordination and joint work with other areas of the Organisation. S/he will be responsible for ensuring that the diversity of skills and knowledge within ENV's workforce meets its current and future needs, and for maintaining a high performing workplace that fosters collaboration, accountability and promotes staff wellbeing.  

The breath and the complexity of the policy issues for which ENV is responsible requires an experienced senior executive with an excellent understanding of environmental issues, 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 Programme of Work and Budget, as well as managing large and diverse international teams, while maintaining a wide and effective professional network, representing the OECD in international meetings, conferences and media events.  

Main Responsibilities 

Leadership 

• Lead the Directorate’s team in delivering the work programme in line with the priorities set by Members and the Secretary-General and with the OECD’s strategy for environment in the Programme of Work and Budget. 

• Support the advancement and delivery of strategic outcomes in the area of environment through enhanced engagement and horizontal work.   

• Ensure the Directorate is at the forefront of international thinking and research on environment, in line with current developments and emerging trends, and shaping the Organisation’s global contribution.  

• 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 environment, including to the G20 and G7. 

• Reinforce synergies within ENV's extensive co-operation programmes with non-members to achieve better overall value for the Organisation, as well as ensuring consistent and high-quality evaluations of candidates for accession to OECD across all ENV committees concerned. 

• Enhance the OECD's position as a leading player in policy dialogue, the identification of good international public environment practices, and in the development of standards and best practices. 

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, academia and research institutes. 

• Actively contribute to the development, promotion and implementation of enhanced engagement with key partners and other non-member economies and “horizontal” (multidisciplinary) work.   

• Lead and oversee policy missions to OECD Member Countries and several non-OECD member economies, involving meetings with Ministers and other high-level policy makers.  

• Promote collaboration across the Organisation, and effective relations with the relevant policy communities and permanent delegations, both within and outside the OECD, to ensure a coherent approach to the OECD's support for economic growth and social progress. 

Management and Co-ordination 

• Actively manage the Directorate’s human capital, through merit-based recruitment processes, professional development and performance management of its staff.  

• Ensure optimal use of financial resources, skills and knowledge in support of the Directorate’s business needs.  

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

• Ensure effective co-ordination, collaboration and co-operation across the Organisation, including with the Office of the Secretary-General and policy directorates to support and contribute to flagship corporate initiatives and horizontal projects. 

• 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.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic and Professional Background

• An advanced university degree in economics, environmental economics, law, public policy or another relevant discipline. 

• More than 10 years’ experience in the environmental and climate sector, in environmental economics or other policy areas falling within ENV's remit, including experience in formulating and implementing policy recommendations as well as in international co-operation. This experience would have been acquired in a national administration (ministry, regulatory body or other institution), international organisation, academia, the private sector or the not-for-profit sector (think tank or other institution). 

• Excellent knowledge of current national and international environmental policy challenges as well as of the implications of geopolitical and other developments for the environment.

• 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. 

• Excellent knowledge and experience of environmental and climate policy issues in emerging economies would be an asset. 

• Well established professional network and contacts with key actors and stakeholders in relevant communities. 

• Proven ability to interact confidently with various audiences, including the media would be an advantage. 

• Excellent communication skills, strong culture of collaboration, and a proven record of fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace. 

Communication and Languages  

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

• Knowledge of other languages would be an asset. 

Core Competencies  

Staff in Executive Leadership are expected to demonstrate behaviours aligned to six core competencies which will be assessed as part of this hiring processes at level 3: Vision and Strategy; Enable People; Ethics and Integrity; Collaboration and Horizontality; Achieve Results; Innovate and Embrace Change. 

To learn more about the definitions for each competency, please refer to the OECD Core Competency Framework.     

Closing Date:

• This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than midnight 20 April 2025 (CET).

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 67. 

What the OECD offers

• Monthly base salary starting from 15 806 EUR plus allowances, based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.

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 for end April/May and panel interviews are planned for June.  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.