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.

The Economics Department (ECO) leads co-ordinated, innovative, international action with respect to the OECD’s work on economic policy, both international and domestic. ECO implements the priorities of the Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) set by Member Countries and the Secretary-General in its area of business.

ECO aims at enhancing economic performance in Member and non-Member countries through sound and innovative policy advice with a view to seeking an inclusive and durable increase in living standards. It deals with a wide array of policy areas combining macro-economic analysis and a strong emphasis on structural policy issues. Its policy advice is derived from a variety of sources such as country surveillance, cross-country benchmarking and evidence derived from empirical research. Much of the ECO’s policy analysis and advice is provided as input to committee-based peer review and multilateral surveillance processes and contributes to the overall OECD mission. ECO interacts with several other OECD directorates working in specific policy fields.

ECO is looking for dynamic and visionary Heads of Division to lead highly qualified teams. As key members of ECO’s management team, the selected persons will work under the supervision of the Chief Economist, the Directors and the Deputy Directors to advance ECO’s work and provide strategic and intellectual direction to  ensure that the OECD is at the forefront of global economic policy thinking. They will be expected to contribute to the Organisation’s major initiatives, fostering collaboration with other OECD Directorates and advancing the agenda with Key Partners and accession countries. They will work closely with the Office of the Secretary General (OSG) and the rest of the OECD in the development and implementation of horizontal initiatives, and on strategies to advance implementation of OECD advice in Member and partner countries.

The breath and complexity of the policy issues for which ECO is responsible requires an experienced senior executive with an excellent understanding of economic policy issues, political processes and effective institutional settings. S/he thrives in a fast paced, multidisciplinary work environment, 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 (PWB), as well as managing large and diverse international teams, while maintaining a wide and effective professional network.

Main Responsibilities

Leadership

• Support the implementation of the OECD’s PWB and the advancement of the strategic outcomes, in particular as they relate to economic policy and advice.
• Support the OSG, the OECD Sherpa, and their respective teams on targeted policy advice and on the OECD”s contributions in the area of economic policy and advice, including to the G20 and G7. Ensure effective coordination with OSG.
• Contribute to ensuring the global impact of the OECD economic work, including through increased engagement with key partners, and in line with the global relations strategy of the OECD.
• In line with the Strategic Orientations of the Secretary-General and the views of the OECD Chief Economist, contribute to the identification, development and implementation of a policy-relevant and innovative work programme. Contribute to organisational wide initiatives.
• Ensure the soundness, timeliness and policy relevance of economic policy analysis and advice provided by the Division, considering evolving needs of governments.
• Identify new approaches in developing policy options, being knowledgeable of and open to cutting-edge research and tools.
• Exercise critical oversight of research and policy-oriented documents (such as OECD Economic Surveys, the OECD Economic Outlook, and cross-country policy research) intended for Committees, OECD senior management, and the public.
• Communicate clearly and effectively OECD goals and the strategies for achieving them. Help others understand how their daily work contributes to the OECD mission and inspire staff to proactively contribute.
• Contribute actively as a member of ECO’s senior management team in discussions on corporate priorities and planning of the overall work of the Department.

Representation and Liaison

• Foster collaboration within ECO by exploiting synergies between insights obtained at the country level and cross-country analytical work, and with external stakeholders.
• Seek and ensure close co-operation and fruitful exchanges with other substantive OECD Directorates  as well as with relevant external stakeholders.
• Contribute to the planning and organising of meetings and other aspects of ECO’s programme of work.
• Participate in the general work of the Department, in particular to ensure consistency in the area of work for which s/he takes the lead. 
• Represent ECO and the OECD at internal and external meetings and conferences.
• Actively contribute to the effective dissemination of ECO’s work through the media, professional networks, academia and other communities.

Management and Co-ordination

• Ensure the delivery of high-quality evidence based policy information, analysis and advice, in support of the Department work plans, corporate initiatives and emerging new priorities.
• Lead, manage and support the staff of the Division. Set performance objectives and provide guidance on the goals, 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 and horizontal cooperation across ECO and the OECD.
• Build and lead a cohesive, multicultural and multidisciplinary team, promoting excellence, inclusion and diversity. Participate in recruitment activities for the Department.
• 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.
• Manage financial resources under the responsibility of the division and mobilise additional sources of financing to support ECO’s PWB.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic and Professional Background

• An advanced university degree in economics including macro and micro-economics and econometrics. A PhD would be an asset.
• At least 10 years’ experience in  empirical research, policy analysis and policy recommendations at senior management level in a national administration, international organisation, research institute or the private sector; preferably in a multicultural 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.
• Solid and up-to-date knowledge of theoretical and empirical economics as well as the application of economic reasoning to a wide range of policy questions.
• Strong analytical skills combined with an ability to identify emerging issues with implications for economic performance on Member countries and major emerging economies, and the ability to formulate and execute an innovative work programme.
• Knowledge of applied policy analysis and interest in cutting-edge or non-mainstream analytical frameworks and tools.
• Proven management capacities to plan and execute dynamic work programmes, including research projects, and to foster collaborative problem solving in a horizontal manner.
• Demonstrated skills in public speaking, presenting and dealing with non-technical audiences to contribute to the diffusion of the Department’s outputs.
• Proven ability to manage and develop professional and support staff in a multicultural environment, and a demonstrated commitment to equal opportunities.
• Proven ability to manage financial resources and raise additional funding.

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.
• An excellent capacity to draft, both technical and policy-oriented papers, in one of the official languages.
• 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 3 December 2025 (CEST).

Contract Duration

• 36 months 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 12 448 EUR plus allowances, based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.
• Please note that the appointment may be made at a lower grade based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.

Salary Information

Process

All applications are screened based on the criteria for the position.  For candidates who are screened-in, video-recorded interviews are foreseen in January 2026, and panel interviews are planned for February/March 2026. 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.

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