Job: Head of Division

Location: Paris
Closing Date: Friday, 06 December 2013

The OECD's mission – Better Policies for Better Lives – promotes policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. It provides a unique forum in which governments work together to share experiences on what drives economic, social and environmental change, seeking solutions to common problems.

The Trade and Agriculture Directorate (TAD), in line with the strategic objectives of the Secretary-General, provides relevant and timely information and advice in support of governments' efforts to improve the domestic and international performance of their trade, agriculture, food and fishery policies and to maintain the orderly use of export credits.

The Agro-Food Trade and Markets (ATM) Division undertakes quantitative and qualitative, policy-relevant analysis within the agro-food sector. A key output is the annual agricultural outlook publication prepared jointly with the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO). In support of these medium-term commodity projections and related analysis, the Division is responsible for the development and maintenance of the Aglink partial equilibrium model and its underlying global databases. In addition to outlook work, market analysis often extends into broader food chain issues such as health and nutrition, food waste, price formation, international trade and competition along the food chain.

The Division also has primary responsibility for the OECD input into the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) recently created by the G20, headquartered in Rome with the FAO. AMIS aims to enhance food market transparency and encourage coordination of policy action in response to market uncertainty with respect to the four grains that are particularly important in international food markets, namely wheat, maize, rice and soybeans.

The Head of 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. There are currently 63 country members in one or more of these voluntary programmes.

We are looking for a senior professional to identify 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. S/he will be required to work in close consultation with national delegates, other international organisations (especially the FAO) and both private sector and civil society representatives. S/he will also be expected to contribute towards the organisation's major initiatives including the global governance agenda, fostering collaboration between TAD, other OECD directorates and the OSG/Sherpa Unit through horizontal strategies.

The selected person will have excellent management and communication skills, a strong analytical background and a deep knowledge of current and emerging policy issues in the relevant areas and benefit from a wide professional network. S/he should have a proven track record of delivering high quality and policy relevant outputs to tight deadlines, and presenting findings in international meetings and public/media events. Reporting to the Director, s/he will have line management experience in a multicultural environment.

Main Responsibilities

Strategic vision and leadership

• In line with the strategic orientations of the Secretary-General, contribute to identification of the priority areas of work and appropriate research methodologies in the area of agricultural markets, increasing the impact of policy recommendations in member and partner countries and working towards increased integration of emerging economies in the work programme. Direct related analytical work, taking into account external developments and ensure timely and tailored policy advise to assist countries in advancing their reform agendas.
• 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.
• Ensure that the Directorate's contributions to the AMIS project are timely and appropriate with a special emphasis on developing and maintaining a policy focus to the work.
• 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 objectives, and inspire staff to proactively contribute to them.
• Contribute actively as a member of the Directorate's senior management team in discussions on corporate priorities and planning of the overall work of the Directorate.Management and co-ordination
• Lead, manage and support staff to deliver high quality economic and policy information, analysis and advice, in support of identified Division work plans, corporate initiatives, and emerging new priorities.Establish high standards of performance and demonstrate a commitment to excellence.
• Create an environment conducive to teamwork, continuous learning, innovation, and active collaboration inside and outside the OECD.

Representation and liaison

• Ensure effective support for the Committees, their subsidiary bodies and related groups that oversee the work carried out by the Division including Division responsibility for the Group on Commodity Markets, the Food Chain Analysis Network, the Aglink-Cosimo User Group and the World Outlook Group (national/international organisations involved in agricultural outlook work). Facilitate effective participation of national delegates, other international organisations, and both private sector and civil society representatives.Represent the OECD at high-level meetings and conferences involving senior policy makers and representatives of business, labour, academia, NGOs and the media.

Candidate's profile

Academic Background

An advanced university degree in agricultural economics or other relevant disciplines. Professional BackgroundAt least 10 years' relevant experience at senior/managerial levels, including experience in government or an international organisation.

Experience providing agricultural commodity market projections using economic models.

Extensive knowledge of trade and agricultural policies, including as related to trade and agriculture.LanguagesAn excellent written and oral command of one of the two official languages of the OECD (English and French) and working knowledge of, or willingness to learn, the other.

Knowledge of other languages would be an asset.

Core Competencies

Please refer to the OECD Core Competenciesand the level 5 indicators.

Contract Duration

3 year fixed term, with the possibility of renewal.

What the OECD offers

Monthly base salary starting from 8.811,70 EUR exempt of French tax, plus allowances based on eligibility.

NB: The appointment may be made at a lower grade if the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant correspond to that grade; in this case, the duties and responsibilities assigned will be adjusted accordingly.

The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.

More Info and Application