Company Description
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 Trade and Agriculture Directorate (TAD) leads co-ordinated, innovative, international action with respect to the OECDโs work on trade, agriculture, food and fishery policies. 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.
TAD is working across a broad range of policy areas, and its mission is delivered by five divisions focusing on providing 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, both internal and domestic and to maintain the orderly use of export credits.
The Agro-Food Trade and Markets (ATM) Division undertakes quantitative and qualitative policy analysis and recommendations targeting the agro-food sector, agricultural trade and global food system performance, including health, nutrition, competition and concentration in the food chain. The Division engages in stakeholder dialogue on these issues, e.g. with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO). Key outputs include the annual Agricultural Outlook publication done jointly with the FAO. The Division also has primary responsibility for the OECD input into the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS). The Head of the ATM Division is also responsible for the OECD Agricultural Codes and Schemes Unit (Seeds Schemes, Forest Seed and Plant Scheme, Tractor Codes, Fruit and Vegetable Scheme) which facilitates international trade through the simplification and harmonisation of documentary, inspection and testing procedures.
TAD is looking for a dynamic and visionary Head of Division to provide leadership and strategic direction to the Directorate of Trade and Agriculture. 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. Key activities across these areas of focus include identifying emerging policy issues and develop a timely programme of work, lead and manage a highly qualified team, develop evidence-based policy analysis and advice, and disseminate the results at high profile international fora. The Head of Division will be required to work in close consultation with national delegates, other international organisations, the private sector and civil society representatives. The selected candidate will report to the Director of TAD.
The breath and the complexity of the policy issues for which TAD is responsible requires an experienced senior executive with an excellent understanding of agricultural and related 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, as well as managing large and diverse international teams, while maintaining a wide and effective professional network
Job Description
Main Responsibilities
Leadership
Support the implementation of the Organisationโs Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) and the advancement of the strategic outcomes, in particular as they relate to agricultural markets, the global food system and agricultural trade, ensuring a policy relevant programme of work in response to evolving needs of governments.Support the Office of the Secretary-General, the OECD Sherpa, and their respective teams on targeted policy advice and on the Organisationโs contributions in the area of agricultural and related policy issues, including to the G20 and G7.Contribute to ensuring the global impact of the OECD agricultural policy work, including through increased engagement with key partners, and in line with the global relations strategy of the OECD.Provide broad direction and advice to the Head of the OECD Codes and Schemes Unit on the development of strategic plans for the programmes and the management of sensitive emerging political issues as they arise.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 effective dissemination of the work of the Division through the media, professional networks, academia and other communities.Ensure effective support for the Committee on Agriculture, its subsidiary bodies and related groups that oversee the work carried out by the Division, including, in particular, the Food Chain Analysis Network and Division responsibility for the Joint Working Party on Agriculture and Trade.Management and Co-ordination
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.Lead and manage the staff of the Division. Set 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.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.Ensure effective collaboration with other OECD Directorates, including but not limited to the Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs, the Environment Directorate, the Public Governance Directorate and the Directorate for Financial and Enterprise Affairs, in areas of common interest.Qualifications
Ideal Candidate Profile
Academic and Professional Background
An advanced university degree in economics, agricultural science or a related subject.At least 10 yearsโ experience at senior/managerial levels, including experience in government or international organsations.Excellent knowledge of current agricultural and related policies and institutions and in the treatment of these policies at intergovernmental level, acquired in national administration or international organisation.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 of trade and agricultural policies, including strong understanding of international, political and economic developments in key agricultural economies.Demonstrated capacity to deliver high quality policy-orientated work useful to policy makers.Excellent drafting and editorial skills.Excellent diplomatic skills.Excellent communications skills and the ability to represent the Organisationโs 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.Knowledge of other languages would be an asset.Additional Information
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 Monday 8 September 2025 (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 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.Process
All applications are screened based on the criteria for the position. For candidates who are screened-in, written tests and video-recorded interviews are foreseen for October, and panel interviews are planned for November. 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.
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