Chief Operating Officer

Company Description

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, whose mission is to build better policies for better lives. We 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 to establish evidence-based international standards and find solutions to a broad 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 DIRECTORATE FOR CORPORATE OPERATIONS (DCO)

The Directorate for Corporate Operations (DCO) is the steward of OECD central operations, on behalf of the Secretary-General. Our focus is on people and their wellbeing; the safety and security of staff, Delegations, visitors, and the OECD’s data; maintaining and sustaining physical and digital infrastructure; and enabling the convening power of the OECD through conferences, meetings and events, whether virtual, physical or hybrid. We provide integrated, strategic and expert advice on corporate operations, policies and management issues to the Secretary-General, Council and Standing Committees, to which we regularly report on corporate matters, also providing compliance and risk management functions.

DCO operates in an increasingly complex environment, with mounting fiscal constraints, technological change, including AI, and rising expectations for efficiency, security, and workforce adaptability. DCO plays a leading role in preparing the Organisation for the future of work, ensuring that people, processes, technology and ways of working evolve in an integrated manner to support the OECD’s strategic objectives. DCO is central to safeguarding the OECD’s operational resilience and digital infrastructure, and driving operational efficiency of core corporate systems, while strengthening the Organisation’s capacity to adapt to technological and workforce transformation. DCO is instrumental in strengthening the OECD’s long-term financial sustainability through implementation of the Secretary-General’s corporate reform agenda, the promotion of management excellence, and the delivery of efficiency measures, in close collaboration with the Programme, Budget and Financial Management Service (PBF) and across the OECD.

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.

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 process 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 31July 2026 (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 16 091 EUR plus allowances, based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.

Process

All applications are screened based on the criteria for the position. For candidates who are screened in, video-recorded interviews are foreseen in August 2026, and panel interviews are planned for September 2026. A leadership assessment will also be requested of 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.

Learn more about what we offer and why the OECD is a great place to work.

Browse our People Management Guidebook to learn more about all aspects relating to people at the OECD, our workplace environment and policies supporting staff in their daily life.