Back Chief Economist

Company Description

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.

As a world leading institution, the OECD provides analysis of macroeconomics and structural issues with comparison of policies across countries. The Economics Department (ECO) is at the core of the Organisation’s work and counts on the expertise of a team of highly qualified economists. Its policy advice is derived from a variety of sources, including country economic surveillance, cross ­country benchmarking and evidence derived from empirical research. Much of the Department’s policy analysis and advice is provided as input to committee­-based peer review and multilateral surveillance processes. The Economic Department works closely with other OECD directorates and participates in horizontal work, leveraging the intellectual capital from across the Organisation. It also houses the cross-Organisation initiative on New Approaches to Economic Challenges and supports OECD contributions to other multilateral fora, including the finance track of the G20.

The OECD is looking for a dynamic and visionary Chief Economist to provide leadership and strategic direction to the Economics Department. The OECD Chief Economist plays a critical and visible role, providing intellectual leadership and strategic direction to the work of the Economics Department, and ensuring the high relevance and impact of the Department’s work. S/he leads a team of dedicated world-class professionals, ensuring that their work is in alignment with the priorities of Member countries and the Secretary-General.

As a key member of the Senior Management team of the Organisation, s/he will provide intellectual leadership and will ensure that the OECD is at the forefront of global economic policy thinking. S/he is the Organisation’s main spokesperson on economic issues. Reporting directly to the OECD Secretary-General and working in close co­operation with Directors throughout the Organisation, the Chief Economist will also guide and support the co­ordination and management of the Department’s programme of work and budget, and its Committees, Working Parties and Expert Groups. S/he will promote horizontal work, foster co­ordination and facilitate joint work with other areas of the Organisation, whilst collaborating closely with the Office of the Secretary-General.

Job Description

Leadership

• At the forefront of international economic thinking and research, s/he understands the current economic developments and helps to shape the Organisation’s contribution to the world economy in the challenging context of lower growth and rising inflation.
• Provides direction on shaping the global economic assessments presented in the OECD’s Economic Outlook. Brings innovative insights to help re­think economic policy debate together with a vision of new economic dimensions and analytical tools. Anticipates upcoming policy challenges and how policy makers can meet such challenges.
• Leads the Economics Department to adapt to an ever changing, uncertain and volatile environment, developing innovative approaches to economic challenges for OECD Members countries. Ensures flexibility in analysis and contributes with timely and tailored policy advice for Member and partner countries.
• Ensures that the Department is at the forefront of economic thinking, coordinates the work of the Country and Policy Studies branches to create new opportunities, and enhances synergies and co-operation with the whole of the OECD, including through contributions to horizontal projects.

  Representation and Liaison

  • Acts as the Secretary­-General’s spokesperson on economic issues. Participates with the Secretary­-General in the International Monetary and Financial Committee and in the G7 and G20 meetings dealing with the subject under his responsibility.
  • Represents the OECD and the Economics Department at other high­ level meetings internationally; Interacts with Ministers, Central Bank Governors, Chief Economists of international organisations, other senior policy makers, private sector players and representatives of academia and civil society to further the objectives of the Economics Department and the Organisation.
  • Ensures effective communication and close collaboration with Ambassadors and Economic Counsellors based in Paris. Ensure smooth management of the Committees meetings.
  • Ensures a high degree of co­operation with Directors of the OECD and with the senior management of national administrations and of other international organisations.

    Management and Co-ordination

    • Is a dynamic people leader with strong management skills, able to provide strategic direction and vision to the work of the Department, and to engage at a high policy­making level on complex policy matters across the full range of issues affecting economic performance.
    • Carries out the strategic planning, orientation and oversight of the Department’s activities, providing advice on substantive issues. Exercises critical oversight of analytical and policy content to ensure world-class reports, policy recommendations and work proposals, designed to inform the policy process in national governments and international bodies.
    • Actively participates in the development and execution of the Programme of Work and Budget, ensuring coherence with the rest of the work of the Organisation. Mobilises and secures voluntary funding from a variety of sources to support all the main policy areas of the Department’s work.
    • Builds and leads a cohesive, multicultural and multidisciplinary team, promoting excellence, inclusion and diversity in the areas of recruitment, performance management and the professional development of staff. Demonstrates capacity to manage a large number of specialists and drive them towards common goals in a collaborative manner.
    • Fosters and maintains a culture that delivers high-quality work, effective working methods, active collaboration, good communication and a constructive working atmosphere. Collaborates with and actively supports corporate management reforms and initiatives.
    • Adheres to and promotes the highest professional standards and the ethical principles of the OECD's Code of Conduct in all internal and external matters.

      Qualifications

      Academic and Professional Background

      • Advanced academic training in economics from a leading institution. A Ph.D. is strongly desired.
      • Recognised in the international economic community as a frontrunner of up-­to-­date and innovative economic thinking. Broad knowledge and proven track record of research of global economic issues both in developed and developing economies.
      • An ability to bridge the latest theoretical approaches to different disciplines and best practices and policies.
      • A proven ability to link macro with structural analysis and policy. Able to turn learned analysis into tailored policy advice for Members and Partner countries.
      • Well established professional network and contacts with key actors and stakeholders in relevant communities.
      • Excellent communication skills, strong culture of collaboration, and a proven record of fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

        Communication and Languages

        • Capacity to communicate and interact confidently with media. Understands the unique value of the OECD and its output and has the capacity to promote this to various audiences and ensuring broad media coverage.
        • Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and a knowledge of, or a willingness to learn, the other.

          Core Competencies

          • OECD staff are expected to demonstrate behaviours aligned to six core competencies which will be assessed as part of this hiring processes: Vision and Strategy (Level 3); Enable People (Level 3); Ethics and Integrity (Level 3); Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 3); Achieve Results (Level 3); Innovate and Embrace Change (Level 3).
          • To learn more about the definitions for each competency for levels 1-3, please refer to OECD Core Competencies.

            Additional Information

            Closing Date

            This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than 23h59 on 31 August 2025 (Paris time).

            📚 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯! 🌍🤝 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗡𝗛𝗖𝗥, 𝗪𝗙𝗣, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙, 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗦, 𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗣𝗔, 𝗜𝗢𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🌐

            ⚠️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰: 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

            Contract Duration

            Three-year fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.

            Salary Information

            Monthly base salary starting from 15 806 EUR plus allowances, based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.

            Process

            All applications are screened based on the criteria for the position. Candidates who pass the initial screening may be invited to complete written tests and/or video-recorded interviews as part of the selection process. Panel interviews will follow for shortlisted candidates. A leadership assessment will also be required for those reaching the final stage of the selection process.

            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 on policies supporting staff in their daily life.

            Please note that our Rules and Regulations stipulate that the mandatory retirement age is 67.