Head of Division, Agro-Food Trade and Markets, EL1

Main Responsibilities

Leadership

• Support the implementation of the Organisations Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) and the advancement of the strategic outcomes in particular as they relate to agricultural markets the global food system and agricultural trade ensuring a policy relevant programme of work in response to evolving needs of governments.
• Support the Office of the Secretary-General the OECD Sherpa and their respective teams on targeted policy advice and on the Organisations contributions in the area of agricultural and related policy issues including to the G20 and G7.
• Contribute to ensuring the global impact of the OECD agricultural policy work including through increased engagement with key partners and in line with the global relations strategy of the OECD.
• Provide broad direction and advice to the Head of the OECD Codes and Schemes Unit on the development of strategic plans for the programmes and the management of sensitive emerging political issues as they arise.

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.
• Ensure effective support for the Committee on Agriculture its subsidiary bodies and related groups that oversee the work carried out by the Division including in particular the Food Chain Analysis Network and Division responsibility for the Joint Working Party on Agriculture and Trade.

Management and Co-ordination

• Ensure effective co-ordination collaboration and co-operation across the Organisation including with the Office of the Secretary-General and policy directorates to support and contribute to flagship corporate initiatives and horizontal projects.
• Lead and manage the staff of the Division. Set objectives and provide guidance on the goals direction and timing of their work; provide regular and constructive feedback on performance to motivate staff and contribute to their professional development. 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.
• Build and lead a cohesive multicultural and multidisciplinary team promoting excellence inclusion and diversity.
• Adhere to and promote the highest professional standards and the ethical principles of the OECDs Code of Conduct in all internal and external matters. Ensure a caring environment where managers promote respect and support staff in developing their full potential.
• Ensure effective collaboration with other OECD Directorates including but not limited to the Directorate for Employment Labour and Social Affairs the Environment Directorate the Public Governance Directorate and the Directorate for Financial and Enterprise Affairs in areas of common interest.

Qualifications :

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic and Professional Background

• An advanced university degree in economics agricultural science or a related subject.
• At least 10 years experience at senior/managerial levels including experience in government or international organsations.
• Excellent knowledge of current agricultural and related policies and institutions and in the treatment of these policies at intergovernmental level acquired in national administration or international organisation.
• Proven record of conducting relations at senior level and within a political decision-making environment. Well-established contacts with key players and stakeholders in the relevant international communities.
• Excellent knowledge of trade and agricultural policies including strong understanding of international political and economic developments in key agricultural economies.
• Demonstrated capacity to deliver high quality policy-orientated work useful to policy makers.
• Excellent drafting and editorial skills.
• Excellent diplomatic skills.
• Excellent communications skills and the ability to represent the Organisations key messages on policies to different fora.

Communication and Languages

• Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and a knowledge of or a willingness to learn the other.
• Knowledge of other languages would be an asset. 

Additional Information :

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.   

Closing Date

• This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible and applications should reach us no later than midnight Monday 8 September 2025 (CEST).

Contract Duration

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

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.
• Please note that the appointment may be made at a lower grade based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.

Process

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

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.

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