Company Description

THE OECD

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.

DIRECTORATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS

The Directorate for Communications (COM) leads co-ordinated, innovative, international action with respect to the OECD’s work on communications, both international and domestic. 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 business. It operates through three divisions covering: strategic communications and outreach; digital communications, web and publications; and communications Impact, standards and capacity building.

As the OECD’s corporate communications directorate, COM works across a broad range of policy areas to maximise the reach and impact of the Organisation. The Directorate carries out its functions in accordance with the OECD Communications Strategy and Annual Communication Plans, steering organisational efforts on strategic priorities and supporting policy directorates in reaching specialised audiences in a highly decentralised communications environment. COM drives a coherent strategic communications function, setting standards for excellence and measuring communications impact. It leads on corporate-level media, social media, stakeholder and parliamentary engagement; the management of OECD’s online presence, including multimedia digital content; and the dissemination of OECD publications. The Directorate holds as a core value an agile, collaborative, and supportive culture marked by positive interaction and accountability among professionals.

COM is looking for a dynamic and visionary Head of the Digital Communications, Web and Publications (DCWP) Division to provide leadership and strategic direction. As a key member of the management team of the Organisation, s/he will provide intellectual leadership and ensure that the OECD is at the forefront of global communications policy thinking. Key activities across these areas of focus include overseeing the design and delivery of cutting-edge digital communications and outreach products and services through the OECD website and external channels, including data visualisation, videos and other digital media products. The Head of Division will operate under the supervision of the Director and collaborate to foster a clear vision and ensure alignment with the Directorate’s strategic priorities.

The breath and complexity of the communications issues for which COM is responsible require an experienced senior executive with an excellent understanding of digital communications, web strategy, publications management, political processes and effective institutional settings. S/he thrives in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary work environment, is an innovative strategic thinker with political sensitivity, and has a proven track record of managing and delivering a complex Programme of Work and Budget, as well as managing large and diverse international teams, while maintaining a wide and effective professional network.

Job Description

Main Responsibilities

Leadership

• Lead the Digital Communications, Web and Publications Division ensuring compliance with corporate standards in finance and HR fostering staff well-being.
• Support the implementation of the Organisation’s Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) and the advancement of the strategic outcomes, in particular as they relate to communications.
• Contribute to the global impact of OECD communications work, by shaping online presence, consistent brand expression, and providing strategic direction for platforms, notably oecd.org, ensuring content aligns with organisational priorities and engages target audiences in Member Countries and globally.
• Develop and enhance digital communications products and dissemination strategies to support organisational priorities and Directorate needs.
• Provide strategic direction in production and dissemination of OECD publications in high quality formats through OECD.org and external channels leveraging data and analytics.
• Collaborate within COM to establish high-quality standards and guidelines on relevant areas (publications, platform, website etc.).
• Monitor digital market trends, including AI, to improve communication content and user experiences for diverse audiences.
• Manage and refine the internal-billing mechanisms for publications ensuring the mechanism is understood and fully endorsed by all relevant stakeholders across the Organisation in co-ordination with the Resources management team.
• Closely monitor the evolution of the publications production and propose effective charge-back mechanisms.

Representation and Liaison

• Represent the Directorate and the Organisation at internal and external meetings, establishing close contacts and active collaboration with a wide range of colleagues, stakeholders and partners to achieve maximum effectiveness and efficiency.
• Establish and maintain a network of relationships with other international organisations, national authorities, academia and research institutes.
• Actively contribute to the effective dissemination of the work of the Division through the media, professional networks, academia and other communities.

Management and Co-ordination

• Ensure effective co-ordination, collaboration and co-operation, including with the Office of the Secretary-General and policy directorates to support and contribute to flagship corporate initiatives and horizontal projects.
• Build and lead a cohesive, multicultural and multidisciplinary team, promoting excellence, inclusion and diversity and a culture of innovation and agility.
• Develop and maintain good teamwork and ensure effective work methods and project management; implement and maintain arrangements to ensure effective internal communications within the Division.
• As a member of the Directorate’s senior management team, ensure the quality, impact and strategic relevance of the Division's outputs are in line with the Organisation’s priorities.

Qualifications

Ideal candidate background

Academic Background

• An advanced university degree in communications, political science, international relations or a related subject.

Professional Background

• At least 10 years’ experience at a progressively senior management level and preferably in an international context.
• Excellent knowledge of the OECD's substantive work, its role and impact in the overall framework of international co-operation and domestic policy formulation would be an asset.
• Proven record of conducting relations at senior level and within a political decision-making environment.
• Excellent knowledge of current complex geoeconomic and geopolitical issues.
• Proven record of leading digital innovation projects for a large organisation.
• Experience in managing resources and operational team management.

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.

Languages

• Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and a knowledge of, or a willingness to learn, the other.

Additional Information

Closing Date

• This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than midnight 12 January 2026 (Paris time).

Contract Duration

• 36 months fixed term appointment.

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

What the OECD offers

• Monthly base salary starting from 12 448 EUR plus allowances, based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.
• Click here to consult the Staff Regulations applicable to officials of the OECD. Please note that from 1 July 2025, all Official appointments will be made under the OECD’s new contractual modalities
• Click here to learn more about what we offer and why the OECD is a great place to work.
• Click here to browse our People Management Guidebook and learn more about all aspects relating to people at the OECD, our workplace environment and many other policies supporting staff in their daily life.
• Please note that the appointment may be made at one grade lower in the specified job family, based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.
• This vacancy may be used to create a pool of candidates for comparable positions, both for open-ended and fixed-term functions.

Selection Process

All applications are screened based on the criteria for the position. For candidates who are screened-in, written tests and/or video-recorded interviews are foreseen in February, and panel interviews are planned for March/April. A leadership assessment will also be requested by candidates in the final selection stage.

The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes the applications of 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.

The OECD promotes an optimal use of resources in order to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Staff members are encouraged to actively contribute to this goal.