Head of Division, Governance Indicators and Performance

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 finding solutions to a broad range of social, economic and environmental challenges, from the improvement of 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 PUBLIC GOVERNANCE

The Directorate for Public Governance (GOV) leads the OECD’s work on public governance, supporting co-ordinated, innovative, international action across both domestic and global policy agendas. 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 responsibility.

GOV works across a broad range of policy areas to support governments in promoting good governance that enhances trust in institutions, improves the functioning of national government and supports growth. Its work is organised across eight divisions and focuses on helping governments at all levels design and implement strategic, evidence-based and innovative policies.

Within GOV, the new reorganised Governance Indicators and Performance (GIP) Division provides data and analysis on public governance through three complementary units, addressing cutting edge issues in OECD countries. The Governance Statistics Unit develops internationally comparable public governance statistics and leads flagship publications such as Government at a Glance. The Measuring Trust in Public Institutions Unit produces evidence on the drivers of trust through the OECD Trust Survey and manages the OECD Global Trust Project. The Digital Government, Innovation and Public Administrative Services Unit advances digital transformation and the modernisation of public administrations by leveraging data, artificial intelligence, innovation, and strategic foresight, to support the advancement of human-centered public administrative services.

THE POSITION

GOV is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to head the GIP division. As a key member of the Senior Management team, s/he will will report to the Director and provide leadership and ensure the OECD is at the forefront of governance policy thinking. The breadth and the complexity of the policy issues for which GOV is responsible require an experienced senior executive with an excellent understanding of public governance 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 leading large and diverse international teams, while maintaining a wide and effective professional network.

Job Description

Main Responsibilities

Leadership

• Support the implementation of the Organisation’s Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) and the advancement of the strategic outcomes, in the areas of measuring public governance outputs and outcomes, government effectiveness and efficiency, performance of public administrative services, public sector innovation, digital government and artificial intelligence and the drivers of trust in public institutions.
• Ensure the division maintains cutting edge thinking while strengthening the evidence base and robustness of its outputs.
• Ensure cross-directorate support for high-quality data, indicators and analysis on public governance.
• Exercise critical oversight of analytical and policy content of flagship publications.
• Ensure the provision of timely and technically-sound analysis, data, indicators and policy recommendations.
• Work with the directorate’s senior management and Director’s office to support the Office of the Secretary-General with targeted policy advice.
• Strengthen the global impact of the division’s work through increased engagement partner countries including key partners, in line with the OECD’s global relations strategy as well as with G20 and G7 and regional organisations.

Representation and Liaison

• Represent GOV and the OECD at internal and external meetings.
• Maintain close contacts with national delegates, ministries, experts and research bodies and establish and maintain strong relationships with other international organisations.
• Actively contribute to the effective dissemination of the Division’s work through the media, professional networks, academia and other communities.
• Ensure efficient and effective management of OECD working parties and informal networks.

Management and Co-ordination

• Direct and supervise the activities of the Division ensuring high quality deliverables and in line with corporate standards, ensuring effective budget and HR management and adequate funding of the division.
• Lead and manage staff within the Division, setting objectives and providing regular feedback to support performance and development, while fostering a cohesive, multicultural and multidisciplinary team, and promoting a culture of excellence, inclusion, diversity, and staff wellbeing.
• 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 senior management is well briefed on the Division’s activities. Assist the Director in the smooth running of the Directorate and its contribution to OECD-wide objectives.
• Work across Divisions within GOV and with other Directorates to promote coherence between public governance policies and other relevant policy areas and ensure effective coordination with the Office of the Secretary-General.

Qualifications

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic and Professional Background

• Advanced university degree in economics, public administration, social science research and/or statistics, preferably with some specialisation in advanced econometric analysis and other quantitative analysis.
• At least 10 years’ experience in government, international organisation or a research institute conducting comparative analysis in public governance issues and related policy fields.
• Excellent knowledge of public governance issues and ability to quickly assimilate policy issues in unfamiliar areas, and work collaboratively with subject-matter experts.
• Proven record of engaging at senior levels within a political decision-making environment.
• Proven ability to interpret and apply statistics.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with proven ability to build high‑performing teams, oversee delivery, and support staff development and career progression.
• Ability to plan and deliver the Division’s Programme of Work, including budget management and raising external funding to support its implementation.
• Strong achievement orientation and initiative, with the ability to work under pressure, often to tight deadlines.

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.
• Excellent drafting and editorial skills.
• Excellent communications skills and the ability to represent the OECD’s key messages to different fora.

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 23h59 13 July 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 12 672 EUR plus allowances, based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.
• 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 on policies supporting staff in their daily life.
• Please note that the appointment may be made at a lower grade based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.

Process

For candidates who are screened-in, video-recorded interviews are foreseen in August, and panel interviews are planned for early September. 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.