Chief Operating Officer

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.