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 ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT

The Economics Department (ECO) leads co-ordinated, innovative, international action with respect to the OECD’s work on economic policy, both international and domestic. The Department implements the priorities of the Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) set by Member Countries and the Secretary-General in its area of business.

The Economics Department aims at enhancing economic performance in Member and non-Member countries through sound and innovative policy advice with a view to seeking an inclusive and durable increase in living standards. It deals with a wide array of policy areas combining macro-economic analysis and a strong emphasis on structural policy issues. Its policy advice is derived from a variety of sources such as country surveillance, cross-country benchmarking and evidence derived from empirical research. Much of the Economics Department’s policy analysis and advice is provided as input to committee-based peer review and multilateral surveillance processes and contributes to the overall OECD mission. The Economics Department interacts with several other OECD directorates working in specific policy fields.

Job Description

THE POSITION

The Economics Department is looking for an experienced and creative Project Lead, Data Scientist . The ideal candidate will bring a strong track record in project management and possess broad, in-depth knowledge of the full spectrum of data science solutions including generative AI, machine learning, big data, text mining and natural language processing (NLP). Familiarity with nowcasting, econometric modeling, use of firm-level data, geo-spatial analysis and other applications of data science to economic issues would be considered a further advantage.

This role offers a unique opportunity to play a leading role in the newly created IT and data-focused unit within the Policy and Research Branch (PRB) of the Economics Department. The position reports to a Senior Economist.

We are looking for someone with a strategic mindset, strong technical expertise, and the leadership skills to drive innovation at the intersection of policy and technology.

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Data Science Advice and Support

• Provide expert guidance on the most innovative and suitable data science solutions to support ECO’s policy research and economic analysis.
• Proactively contribute ideas to enhance existing projects by integrating cutting-edge data science tools and methodologies.
• Respond to data science requests and inquiries from across the Economics Department.
• Deliver training sessions and build internal capacity on data science
• Represent the Economics Department (ECO) in meetings and working groups related to data science.
• Draft briefing notes and deliver presentations showcasing ECO’s work and experience in the field of data science.
• Act as a key liaison with other OECD departments and external organisations on collaborative data science initiatives, particularly in areas such as economic analysis and nowcasting.

Project management

• Lead data-science projects from inception to delivery
• Drafting project blueprints, developing proofs of concept and progress reports
• Human resource coordination (e.g. managing consultants, overseeing training)
• Technical scoping (e.g. server infrastructure, programming languages)
• Budget planning and oversight (e.g. licensing, consultancy costs)
• Timeline and milestone management, ensuring on-time delivery.

Qualifications

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• Advanced university degree (Master or PhD) in Data Science, Information Systems, Statistics, Economics, or a related field.

Professional Background

• Proven experience in managing complex data science projects, including supervision of multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into strategic insights to diverse audiences
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to motivate and manage diverse technical teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including diplomacy and cultural sensitivity, essential for working in a multicultural, international environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multiple projects and time zones.
• Strong communication skills, with experience conveying technical or complex information in an engaging and understandable manner.
• Experience working with economic data and concepts is a strong advantage.

Tools

• Advanced programming skills related to data science including machine learning prediction methods (including regularized regression and tree-based methods) and Natural Language Processing methods (including topic modelling, semantic and sentiment analysis and named entity recognition).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as R, Python, SQL, Spark ML and Hadoop environment; strong experience with open-source version control tools such as Git.
• Knowledge of data engineering principles, including ETL processes, data pipelines, and quality control mechanisms.
• Knowledge of time series econometric methods (including cointegration, panel estimation and difference-in-difference methods)
• Familiarity with international data standards and formats (e.g., SDMX).
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles and secure software development practices.
• Familiarity with nowcasting and econometric models.
• Knowledge of other tools such as geospatial software will be an asset

Additional Information

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 2); Enable People (Level 1); Ethics and Integrity (Level 2); Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 2); Achieve Results (Level 2); Innovate and Embrace Change (Level 2).
• To learn more about the definitions for each competency for levels 1-3, please refer to OECD Core Competencies.

Languages

• Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and knowledge of the other, with a commitment to reach a good working level.

Closing Date

• This vacancy should be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than midnight on 13 April 2026 (Paris time).

Contract Duration

• 24 months fixed-term appointment, with the possibility of renewal to a maximum of 36 months.

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

What the OECD offers

• Monthly salary starts at 8 098.38 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

The recruitment process may entail an aptitude test, including activities designed to evaluate cognitive abilities such as problem-solving and logical reasoning, as well as analytical thinking and transferable skills aligned with our Core Competencies Framework.

For retained candidates, the selection process may include a video-recorded interview, job-based assessment and panel interviews.

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.