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 Statistics and Data Directorate (SDD) leads co-ordinated, innovative, international action with respect to the OECD’s work on statistics and data, both international and domestic. 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.

As a data-driven Organisation, the Statistics and Data Directorate is integral to the OECD’s mission. High quality statistics and data are the cornerstone of the OECD’s evidence-based policy analysis and advice. These statistics provide an important service to governments and the public, who come to the OECD for information they can trust.

SDD is working across a broad range of policy areas, and its mission is delivered by four divisions – on national accounts, smart data practices and solutions, trade and productivity statistics and the Partnership in Statistics for Development in the 21st Century (PARIS21) – that focus on providing evidence on a comparable basis and from a variety of sources to analysts, policy makers, and members of civil society. SDD develops new metrics and innovative digital tools to address emerging policy issues, leads the development of international statistical standards, advances statistical methodology, and co-ordinates statistical and data-related activities within the Organisation and with other international organisations.

SDD is looking for a dynamic and visionary Chief Statistician and Director to provide leadership and strategic direction to the Directorate on Statistics and Data. 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 the international measurement agenda and statistical debate. Key activities include the development of state-of-the-art measurement tools and frameworks, best statistical practices, methodologies and standards to maintain the Organisation’s position as the ‘go to’ place for international comparable data and evidence. 

The breadth and complexity of statistical policy and data management issues for which SDD is responsible requires an experienced senior executive with an excellent understanding of statistical and data 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 work programme and budget, as well as managing large and diverse teams, while maintaining a wide and effective professional network.

Job Description

Main Responsibilities

Leadership

• Lead the Directorate’s team in delivering the work programme in line with the priorities set by Members and the Secretary-General and with the OECD’s strategy for statistics and data in the Programme of Work and Budget.
• Support the advancement and delivery of strategic outcomes in the area of statistics and data through enhanced engagement and multidisciplinary work. 
• Ensure the Directorate is at the forefront of international thinking and research on statistics and data, in line with current developments, and shaping the Organisation’s global contribution to statistics.
• Support 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 area of statistics and data, including to the G20 and G7.
• Lead the development of new and efficient tools and processes for data management across the Organisation with an aim to inspire, shape and harmonise statistical standards and data systems. 
• Exercise critical oversight and quality assurance of the statistical content of all outputs, ensuring that they are robust, timely and co-ordinated inputs to the policy debate in national governments, international bodies and with civil society.  

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.
• Liase effectively with relevant counterparts in Member Countries to promote coherence in data collection, definitions and processing of data.
• Play a key role in developing global standards and data systems in respective international fora to ensure OECD remains at the forefront of international thinking and research.
• Establish and maintain a network of relationships with other international organisations, national authorities, academia and research institutes.
• Actively contribute to the development, promotion and implementation of enhanced engagement with key partners and other non-member economies. 
• Lead and oversee policy missions to OECD Member Countries and several non-OECD member economies, involving meetings with Ministers and other high level policy makers.

Management and Co-ordination

• Actively manage the Directorate’s human capital, through merit-based recruitment processes, professional development and performance management of its staff.
• Ensure optimal use of resources, skills and knowledge in support of the Directorate’s business needs.
• Build and lead a cohesive, multicultural and multidisciplinary team, promoting excellence, inclusion and diversity.
• 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” (multidisciplinary) projects.
• 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.

Qualifications

Academic and Professional Background

• An advanced university degree in statistics, economics or econometrics, or a related subject. 
• More than 10 years’ experience in economic statistics, including the development of statistics that support an integrated analysis of social, economic and environmental policies.
• Proven understanding of the latest technological developments in the field of statistics
• Excellent knowledge of international statistical systems and a proven record of managing large and complex statistical operations with an appreciation for new data, tools and techniques.
• 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 a number of areas of statistical subject matters, such as national accounts, environmental accounts, trade and business statistics, productivity and price statistics.

Core Competencies

• OECD staff are expected to demonstrate behaviours aligned to six core competencies which will be assessed as part of this hiring processes: Vision and Strategy (Level 3); Enable People (Level 3); Ethics and Integrity (Level 3); Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 3); Achieve Results (Level 3); Innovate and Embrace Change (Level 3).
• There are three possible levels for each competency. The level for each competency is determined according to the specific needs of each job role and its associated grade.
• To learn more about the definitions for each competency for levels 1-3, please refer to OECD Core Competencies.

Languages

• Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and knowledge of the other, with a commitment to reach a good working level.
• Knowledge of other languages would be an asset.

Additional Information

Contract Duration

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

What the OECD Offers

• Depending on the level of experience, the monthly salary will start at 14 899 EUR, plus allowances based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.
• Click here to learn more about what we offer and why the OECD is a great place to work.
• Click here to browse our People Management Guidebook and learn more about all aspects relating to people at the OECD, our workplace environment and many other policies supporting staff in their daily life.

Selection Process

Please note that this position will be unposted at midnight on November 27, 2023.

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 between December 2023 and January 2024, and panel interviews are tentatively planned for Febuary 2024. A leadership assessment will also be requested by candidates in the final selection stage.

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.

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.