The OECD

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 Development Co-operation Directorate

The Development Co-operation Directorate (DCD) leads co-ordinated, innovative, international action with respect to the OECD’s work to improve the effectiveness of development co-operation for sustainable development, both international and domestic. The Directorate supports the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) to carry out its mandate and implements the priorities of the Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) set by Member Countries and the Secretary-General, in its area of business. Through inclusive partnerships for development, DCD help ensure better lives for people in the developing world by understanding development finance, strengthening the delivery of development co-operation, improving development policy building partnerships for development, and contributing to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Position

DCD is looking for a dynamic and visionary Deputy Director who will support the DCD Director in providing intellectual and strategic leadership to leverage the Directorate’s comparative advantage, both within the OECD and in the global development ecosystem. As a key member of the Senior Management team, the Deputy Director will be required to contribute to implementing the OECD’s PWB and to ensure the OECD remains at the forefront of global policy thinking.

Key responsibilities include supporting the Director with the development and implementation of horizontal projects, advancing OECD guidance in member and partner countries, and in global fora such as the G20 and G7 in coordination with the Sherpa office. This role requires a senior executive with a deep understanding of international cooperation, political processes, institutional settings and with robust people and resource management skills. Strategic thinking, political sensitivity, and a track record of managing complex PWB and large, multidisciplinary international teams is essential.

Main Responsibilities

Leadership

• Support the preparation and implementation of the Directorate’s PWB.
• Assist the Director in setting the strategic orientation of the Directorate, ensuring high-quality outputs and timely advice on substantive, managerial and institutional matters.
• Support the delivery of strategic outcomes on sustainable development in emerging and developing economies by strengthening horizontal work and engagement with non-member countries and developing regions, in line with the PWB.
• Support the Director in serving the DAC by providing international thinking and research on sustainable development in emerging and developing economies, aligned with evolving global dynamics and the Organisation’s global contribution.
• Identify emerging global opportunities and risks to develop robust, evidence-based policy guidance for member and non-member countries.
• Contribute to enhancing the global impact of the OECD’s work on development, with strengthened engagement with key partners and developing countries in international development processes.
• Support the DCD contribution to 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 development field, including to the G20 and G7.

Management and Co-ordination

• Support the Director in managing the Directorate’s human capital through workforce planning, recruitment, staff development, and performance management.
• Ensure the effective allocation of financial and human resources to deliver the Directorate’s priorities and maximise value.
• Lead the development and implementation of a strategic resource mobilisation plan to secure voluntary contributions and partnerships in support of the Directorate’s programme of work.
• Advise and strategically support the Director in building a cohesive, inclusive and high-performing multicultural team, while promoting excellence, respect, diversity and well-being.
• Strengthen coordination and collaboration across the Organisation, including with the Office of the Secretary-General and policy directorates, to support flagship initiatives and cross-cutting projects.
• Uphold the highest professional and ethical standards of the OECD Code of Conduct in all matters. Foster a caring environment where managers promote, respect and support staff in developing their full potential.

Representation and Liaison

• Represent the Director and the Organisation at internal and external meetings, building strong relationships and collaborating with colleagues, stakeholders, and partners to achieve maximum effectiveness.
• Establish and maintain a network of relationships with other international organisations, national authorities, academia and research institutes.
• Ensure effective communication and close collaboration with DAC Delegates and their authorities, as well as with the World Bank, the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund, and members of the G20 and G7
• Actively support the development, promotion, and implementation of stronger engagement with key partners, non-member economies, and multidisciplinary initiatives.
• Liaise with all major actors in the broader international development community to support collective approaches in development co-operation and to initiate and promote joint work.
• Replace the Director in their absence.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic and Professional Background

• An advanced university degree in economics, international relations, public policy, or a related subject.
• At least 10 years’ experience in development co-operation, international relations, or public policy within an international or governmental organisation.
• Excellent knowledge of current issues in sustainable development, international co-operation, and development finance.
• Proven record of conducting relations at senior levels within a political decision-making environment with well-established contacts with key players and stakeholders in the relevant international communities.
• Excellent knowledge of development policy, development finance, and the global development architecture.
• Extensive experience in managing and delivering complex programmes and budgets and leading large, diverse international teams.
• Demonstrated ability to secure funding from various sources to support policy areas.
• Strong analytical skills and experience in strategic planning and policy formulation.
• Experience working with international organisations such as the United Nations, World Bank, IMF, and other multilateral development institutions.

Communication and Languages

• Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and a knowledge of, or 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 02/03/2026 (CEST). 

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 14 279 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. 

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 mid-April 2026, and interviews are planned for mid-May 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. 

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.