Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer

OECD - Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development

Paris, France

THE POSITION

The OECD is looking for a dynamic and visionary Director to provide leadership and strategic direction to corporate operations. Reporting to the Secretary-General, as a key member of the Senior Leadership team, s/he will lead the development and implementation of strategic objectives in support of DCO’s stewardship role, offering high-quality corporate services to the rest of the Organisation.

The Chief Operating Officer oversees the Digital, Knowledge and Information Service, the Conference, Security and Infrastructure Service, and the Human Resources Management Service. S/he will be responsible for ensuring that these functions operate in an integrated, coherent and client-focused manner, delivering reliable, efficient and responsive “One DCO” services to the Organisation. The role demands close, trust-based collaboration with the Office of the Secretary-General, PBF, policy directorates and other corporate functions.

This position requires an experienced senior executive with an excellent understanding of corporate and operational functions, political processes and effective institutional settings. S/he thrives in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment, and is an innovative strategic thinker with political sensitivity and a strong, demonstrated ability to forge collaboration and teamwork across complex organisational structures. S/he has a proven track record of managing and delivering a complex Programme of Work and Budget (PWB), as well as managing large and diverse teams, while maintaining an effective professional network.

Job Description

Main Responsibilities

Leadership

• Lead the Directorate in delivering the work programme in line with the priorities set by Members and the Secretary-General and with the OECD’s strategy for corporate services, operations and management in the PWB;
• Shape strategic thinking, including the formulation of operations and management strategies, policies, business processes and solutions in line with best practices, ensuring full support for the Organisation to deliver on its mandate through high-quality integrated “One DCO” services;
• Ensure the Directorate is at the forefront of continuous improvement in processes and delivery across corporate services, operations and management, maintaining systems at leading-edge standards and shaping the OECD’s global contribution;
• Build trust-based relationships with leadership across the Organisation to support collaboration and teamwork across corporate and policy functions;
• Support the Office of the Secretary-General, ensuring timely, effective information flows with management and operational insights to support organisational objectives, advising on key priorities and risks;
• Identify emerging challenges and priorities, implement innovative solutions to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, and build strategic partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders to support delivery of the OECD’s mission and results.

Representation and Liaison

• Represent DCO and the OECD internally and externally, building strategic relationships and partnerships with stakeholders, international organisations and national authorities to advance organisational objectives.

Management and Co-ordination

• Lead the Directorates staff through merit-based talent management and performance development;
• Ensure optimal use of resources, skills and knowledge in support of the Directorate’s business needs, overseeing cost recovery initiatives and financial sustainability, while promoting effective working methods, communication and a positive working environment;
• 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, PBF and policy directorates, to deliver corporate operations and services in the OECD’s decentralised operating model and advance strategic initiatives;
• Promote the highest professional and ethical standards in line with the OECD’s Code of Conduct in all internal and external matters. Foster an environment where staff can develop and thrive.

Qualifications

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic and Professional Background

• An advanced university degree in Economics, Business Administration, Law or a related subject. An MBA would be an advantage;
• More than 10 years’ experience in corporate management;
• Excellent knowledge of current corporate services, operational management and organisational governance issues;
• Proven record of conducting relations at senior level and within a political decision-making environment;
• Well-established contacts with key players and stakeholders in relevant international communities;
• Excellent knowledge of DCO’s core areas, including human resources, information technology, digital transformation and AI, and the management of organisational resources;
• A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across organisational boundaries and to build effective partnerships with finance, policy and other corporate functions.

Additional Information

Communication and Languages

• Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and knowledge of, or a willingness to learn, the other;
• Knowledge of other languages would be an asset.