Director of Employment, Labour and Social Affairs

About the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

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.

Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs

The OECD Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs (ELS) in line with the strategic objectives of the Secretary-General, helps OECD member countries and other key economies achieve productive and fair societies by enabling efficient and inclusive labour markets, social policies that protect those in need and promote participation in society, international migration systems that support national priorities, and health systems that are efficient, effective, accessible, and resilient. ELS contributes actively to global governance discussions in fora such as the G20, G7, APEC and the European Commission. Its data, policy analysis and standards inform international debates, facilitate mutual learning and promote the uptake of OECD standards beyond its membership.

Job Overview

The ELS is looking for a dynamic and visionary Director to provide leadership and strategic direction. As a key member of the Senior Management team, you will provide intellectual leadership and ensure the OECD is at the forefront of global economic policy thinking. Key activities include advancing strategic objectives and directorate management, reporting to the Secretary-General. This role requires an experienced senior executive with an exceptional understanding of employment, skills, health, migration, and social policies, political processes, and effective institutional settings. You should thrive in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary work environment, be an innovative strategic thinker with political sensitivity, and have a proven track record in applied economic research, managing complex programs, and leading diverse international teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Directorate’s team in shaping and delivering the work programme in line with the Secretary-General's priorities and the OECD’s strategy for employment, skills, migration, social, and health policies.
• Support the advancement and delivery of strategic outcomes through enhanced engagement and horizontal work.
• Ensure the Directorate remains at the forefront of international thinking and research in its policy areas.
• Provide targeted policy advice and contribute to the Organisation’s efforts within the G20 and G7.
• Represent the Directorate and the Organisation at high-level internal and external meetings, fostering collaboration with stakeholders and partners.
• Establish and maintain a robust network of relationships with international organisations, national authorities, academia, and research institutes.
• Lead and oversee policy missions to OECD Member Countries and non-member economies, engaging with Ministers and high-level policymakers.
• Actively manage the Directorate’s human capital, including recruitment, professional development, and performance management.
• Promote excellence, inclusion, and diversity within a cohesive, multicultural, and multidisciplinary team.
• Ensure effective coordination and collaboration across the Organisation to support corporate initiatives and horizontal projects.
• Uphold and promote the highest professional standards and ethical principles of the OECD.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree (Master or PhD) in economics, social policy, or a related discipline.
• More than 10 years of experience in employment, skills, migration, social, and health policies.
• Excellent knowledge of the current national and international policy environment in relevant areas.
• Proven record of senior-level engagement within a political decision-making environment.
• Well-established professional network with key actors in relevant international communities.
• Strong diplomatic skills and ability to interact confidently with diverse audiences, including the media.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a proven record of fostering diversity and inclusion.
• Fluency in English or French, with knowledge of or willingness to learn the other official language.

Core Competencies

Candidates will be assessed on Vision and Strategy, Enable People, Ethics and Integrity, Collaboration and Horizontality, Achieve Results, and Innovate and Embrace Change.

Additional Information

• Closing Date: 26 April 2026
• Contract Duration: Three-year fixed-term appointment, with possibility of renewal.
• Salary: Monthly base salary starting from 16,091 EUR plus allowances, exempt of French income tax.
• Process: Applications screened; written tests/video interviews in May 2026; panel interviews in May/June 2026; leadership assessment at the final stage.

Key skills/competency

• Director of Employment, Labour and Social Affairs
• Employment Policy
• Labour Market Analysis
• Social Policy
• Health Policy
• Migration Policy
• International Relations
• Public Policy
• Strategic Leadership
• Team Management