Back Head of Unit – Global Deal

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 ILO, the only tripartite UN agency, sets labour standards and develops policies to benefit its 187 member States worldwide. Its mission is to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection and strengthen social dialogue on work-related issues. Through its offices and representatives based in some 100 countries, the ILO implements programmes to promote decent work for all women and men worldwide.

The Global Deal for decent work and inclusive growth is a multi-stakeholder partnership with the objective of jointly addressing the challenges in the global labour market and enabling all people to benefit from globalisation. It was launched by Sweden in September 2016 with the OECD and ILO as founding partners. At the present date, the partnership comprises 100 partners including governments, enterprises, trade unions, business associations and civil society organisations.

A joint (ILO/OECD) Support Unit for the Global Deal is based in and hosted by the OECD, within the Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs. It is in charge of developing and implementing a work plan to advance the strategy of the Global Deal partnership, taking into account its main work-streams: i) Accelerating action; ii) Increasing knowledge and strengthening capacity building on social dialogue; iii) Sharing best practices on social dialogue.

We are looking for a Head of Unit to head the Global Deal Support Unit. The Head of Unit will report to the Director of Employment, Labour and Social Affair (ELS) and be responsible for developing and implementing the programme of work of the unit.  As a key member of the senior management team, s/he will support the implementation of the Organisation’s Programme of Work and Budget and advance the Strategic Orientations of the Secretary-General as they relate to social dialogue. S/he will work closely with the Director and Deputy Director of ELS, while also working closely with the ILO and in particular the Director of its Governance and Tripartism Department, and provide strategic direction to the Directorate’s work and to co-ordinate with the Office of the Secretary-General (OSG), the OECD Sherpa team, and the wider Organisation in the development and implementation of horizontal initiatives related to social dialogue, and on strategies to advance the goals of the Global Deal.

The selected candidate should exhibit innovative strategic thinking and political sensitivity, and thrive in a multidisciplinary work environment. S/he will have significant experience, a wide professional network, and a strong international standing.

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Vision and Leadership

• Support the implementation of the Organisation’s Programme of Work and Budget and the advancement of the Strategic Orientations of the Secretary-General, in particular as they relate to Global Deal work plan of activites.
• Contribute to ensuring the global impact of the joint OECD/ILO Global Deal work, including through increased engagement with key partners, and in line with the global relations strategy of the OECD.
• Oversee the strategic co-ordination of the Global Deal partners and contact points to ensure engagement and delivery on commitments.
• Oversee and support the preparation of all official functions of the Secretary-General for events, liaising with key stakeholders, visitors, media briefings, in relation to the Global Deal.
• Update and implement the funding strategy to ensure continuity of Global Deal.
• Ensure effective support for the Global Deal Steering Committee, liaise and co-ordinate the preparation of meetings and events as well as the strategic communication on the Global Deal.

  Technical Leadership and Advice

  • Under the supervision of the Director, and following the rules and procedures of the Organisation, propose an annual programme of work and budget to the Global Deal Bureau and Steering Committee as to how the resources of the Global Deal partnership should be allocated across its different activities, including those related to the Global Deal Support Unit.
  • Ensure that technical interventions and decisions are well founded and take into account the specific nature of the Global Deal Support Unit’s strategic objectives.
  • Remain abreast of national and international developments on social dialogue, decent work and inclusive growth to inform the work on the Global Deal initiative.
  • Ensure high quality analytical and policy content of Global Deal reports and briefs, as well as any other strategic documents required and highlight any issues related to the Global Deal

    Liaison and Representation

    • Represent the Global Deal Support Unit at internal and external meetings, seminars and evaluations and build and enhance strategic partnerships and networks of government policymakers, workers’ and employers’ organisations and civil society organisations.
    • Establish and maintain a network of relationships with other international organisations, especially the ILO national authorities, academia and research institutes.
    • Develop and maintain excellent relations and work closely with the focal points of the Global Deal initiative to ensure the mainstreaming of the concept and foster cross-fertilisation between different streams of work on the Global Deal both within the OECD and ILO as well as with governments, enterprises, trade unions, business associations and civil society organisations.

      Management and Co-ordination

      • Ensure effective co-ordination, collaboration and co-operation with the ILO and across the Organisation including with the Office of the Secretary-General and policy directorates.
      • Build and lead a cohesive, multicultural and multidisciplinary team, promoting excellence, inclusion and diversity in the areas of recruitment, performance management and the professional development of staff.
      • Ensure a caring environment where managers promote, respect and support staff in developing their full potential.
      • 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.