Head of Division – Export Credits and Competition Division ( Job Number: 16171 )

Application Closing Date: 31-05-2023, 9:59:00 PM

THE OECD – Who we are, what we do

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.

TRADE AND AGRICULTURE DIRECTORATE

The OECD has earned a leading role in Trade and Agriculture. The Trade and Agriculture Directorate (TAD) provides relevant and timely information and advice to support the efforts of governments to improve the domestic and international performance of their trade, agriculture, food and fishery policies and to maintain the orderly use of export credits. I t works to advance the Strategic Orientations of the Secretary-General, ensuring impact of the OECD work in the international governance architecture.

The Export Credits and Competition Division (TAD/XCC) serves members by preserving and expanding the export credit brand, and emphasising the objective of fair competition where governments provide support to industry through officially supported export credits and industrial subsidies. On export credits, the division serves members in identifying, designing, negotiating, and implementing financial and good governance disciplines to be applied in the provision of official export credits. It works to: 1) minimise/eliminate subsidies; 2) maintain a level playing field to ensure that competition is fair and efficient; and 3) operates transparency/consultations systems to resolve any financing issues. It also serves members in operating disciplines on environmental standards and procedures, and sets procedures for combating bribery. The disciplines extend to tied aid programmes to combat trade distortions and provides for transparency for untied aid programmes to support competition and efficiency. On industrial subsidies, the division serves members by developing tools and methods for identifying, measuring and quantifying the use of industrial subsidies by governments.

THE POSITION

TAD is looking for a dynamic and visionary Head of Division to lead a highly qualified analytical team engaged in facilitating work relating to the policies and practices of OECD Member governments who provide officially Supported Export Credits. S/He will exercise responsibility for the timely delivery of the work programme and will be required to work effectively with delegations, inter-governmental bodies and other stakeholders. The selected candidate will report to the Director of TAD.

As a key member of the management team of TAD, the selected candidate will work closely with the Director and Deputy Director to support, advance and provide strategic direction to the Directorate’s work and to work closely with the Office of the Secretary-General (OSG) and the rest of the Organisation in the development and implementation of horizontal work, and on strategies to advance implementation of OECD advice in member and partner countries.

Main Responsibilities

Leadership

•  Support the advancement of the Strategic Orientations of the Secretary-General, in particular as they relate to maintaining a level playing field in the provision of officially supported export credits and government industrial support.
•  Support the Office of the Secretary-General on targeted policy advice and on the Organisation’s contributions in the area of official export credits and government industrial support, including to the G20 and G7.
•  Contribute to ensure the global impact of the OECD official export credits and level playing field work, including through increased engagement with key partners, and in line with the global relation strategy of the OECD.

Representation and liaison

•  Ensure effective support for the Committees on Export Credits that oversee the work carried out by the Division. Facilitate effective participation of national government delegates, other intergovernmental organisations and, as appropriate, other partners and stakeholders, in the work of the Committees on Export Credits.
•  Represent the Directorate and the OECD in international meetings and conferences, involving senior policy makers, on matters related to the substantive responsibilities of the Division.

Management and co-ordination

•  Lead, manage and support staff of the Division to deliver high quality economic and policy information, analysis and advice in support of the Division’s work programmers, initiatives, and emerging new priorities.
•  Build and lead a cohesive, multicultural and multidisciplinary team, promoting excellence, inclusion and diversity.
•  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.
•  Create an environment conducive to teamwork, continuous learning, and innovation and ensure effective internal communications within the Division and good working relations with other divisions and directorates and with external partners.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic and Professional Background

•  An advanced university degree in economics or another relevant area.
•  At least 10 years’ experience in policy analysis in government, international organisation or a research institute conducting comparative analysis in public governance issues and policy fields related to integrity in the public sector.
•  Excellent knowledge of public governance issues and ability to quickly acquire an understanding of policy issues in unfamiliar areas, and the ability to work collaboratively with those with detailed expertise. Knowledge of the policy challenges governments face to be innovative and benefit from the digital revolution, openness and inclusion would be an advantage.
•  Strong leadership and management skills; proven experience in team building and in planning, co-ordinating and supervising the work of a team and ability to motivate staff including a strong attention to career development.
•  Ability to plan and implement the articulated Programme of Work of the Division including managing the corresponding budget.
•  Strong achievement orientation and personal initiative as well as an ability to work under pressure, often to tight deadlines.
•  Proven ability to raise external funding to support the work programme of the Organisation.
•  Excellent drafting and editorial skills.
•  Excellent communications skills and the ability to represent the Organisation’s key messages on policies to different fora.

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.

Core Competencies

•  For this role, the following competencies would be particularly important: Flexible thinking, Managing resources, Teamwork and Team leadership, Client Focus, Diplomatic sensitivity, Influencing, Negotiating, Developing talent, Organisational alignment.
•  Please refer to the level 5 indicators of the OECD Core Competencies .

Contract Duration

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

What the OECD offers

•  Monthly base salary starting from 11,079 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.

Selection Process

N.B. A leadership assessment will be requested by candidates in the final selection stage.

Please note that our Rules and Regulations stipulate that the mandatory retirement age is 65.

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. 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 in order to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Staff members are encouraged to actively contribute to this goal.