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, 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.

THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORATE (EXD)

The Executive Directorate (EXD) is the steward of OECD resources, on behalf of the Secretary-General.  Our focus is on people and their wellbeing; the effective and efficient management of the budget; the safety and security of staff, Delegations, visitors, and of the OECD’s data; maintaining and sustaining physical and digital infrastructure; and enabling the convening power of the OECD through conferences, meetings and events, whether virtual, physical or hybrid.  As well as providing corporate services, functions and management support to our staff and Members, we provide integrated, strategic and expert advice on corporate policies and management issues to the Secretary-General, to Council and to Standing Committees, to which we regularly report on corporate matters. We also provide compliance and risk management functions (for management areas under our purview). Ours is a fast-paced environment focused on delivering management excellence across all of our functions.

THE PROGRAMME, BUDGET AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICE (EXD/PBF)

Within the Executive Directorate (EXD), the Programme, Budget and Financial Management Service (EXD/PBF), employs a workforce of approximately 115 staff who provide stewardship of the Organisation’s financial resources on behalf of the Secretary-General. The service is composed of six main business units: Accounting & Financial Support Division; Corporate Procurement Group; Engagement and Strategic Transformation Division; Programme of Work Management Division; Resource Management Systems Division; and Voluntary Contribution Management Group.

Within EXD/PBF, the Corporate Procurement Group (CPG) is responsible for procuring goods and services for internal clients, from providers and/or suppliers providing the best overall value for the Organisation while ensuring quality, feasibility and respect for our environmental standards.

THE POSITION

The Corporate Procurement Group (CPG) is looking for a Corporate Procurement Officer who will be responsible for the management of a procurement portfolio and competitive processes exceeding certain thresholds in her/his area of responsibility. The selected candidate will work under the supervision of the Corporate Procurement Manager within CPG and will guide, advise and support fellow procurement colleagues and internal clients.

Main Responsibilities

Expert Advice

• Develop procurement strategies and tools in close collaboration with internal clients (Directorates and Programmes) in her/his area of expertise and responsibility.
• Align with procurement high standards (transparency, equality of treatment, free access, etc.) and with the CPG strategy; be an advocate to strengthen CPG’s advisory and stewardship role within the Organisation.
• Manage calls for tenders and market consultations: identify companies to be consulted; organise, plan and guide related procurement procedures; organise bid opening procedures. Collaborate closely with manager(s) in the Directorates and Programmes in this regard.
• Prepare bid analyses: prepare framework, develop financial analysis, analyse the administrative admissibility of bids and verify the suppliers’ financial stability and solvency.
• In coordination with internal clients, develop and update the OECD Procurement Plan throughout the year.

Contract Monitoring

• Assist Directorates and Programmes with the preparation of contracts in compliance with the Financial Regulations of the Organisation, taking into account all of the necessary technical, economic and legal requirements.
• Develop indicators with internal clients to monitor suppliers’ performance and follow up on all contracts in close collaboration with Directorates and Programmes.
• Cooperate closely with the Secretariat of the Procurement Board (internal committee that gives opinions and recommendations on internal procurement processes) on all issues raised by the Board related to procurement.
• Manage any issues related to contractual disputes when necessary.

Sourcing and market surveillance

• Search for potential suppliers (market research on individuals and companies) and screen them in order to find the supplier(s) most suited to OECD needs and requirements and which are able to provide maximum benefit (best value for money).
• Broaden the range of suppliers corresponding to a specific market and increase the competition in the panel of existing suppliers.
• Ensure an economic surveillance on the evolutions of the market in terms of procurement strategy.

Other tasks

• Manage special projects in close consultation with the Corporate Procurement Manager, with other members of CPG and with technical managers in Directorates and Programmes.
• Provide support and assistance to other members of CPG and internal clients when necessary.
• Carry out any other related duties required to ensure the smooth functioning of CPG, in accordance with instructions received.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• At least a Master’s degree in business/law or related technical field (engineering, data science, IT) preferably with a specialization in procurement or in project management or equivalent.

Professional Background

• Four to six years of practical experience in procurement and/or contract managment with progressing responsibilities.
• Sound knowledge of public procurement code and procedures would be an advantage.
• Good knowledge of the Organisation’s structure, processes, regulations and administrative systems or experience in a similar international structure would be an advantage.
• Relevant experience in working in an international environment would be an advantage.
• Awareness/strong interest for innovation and new technologies.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Proven track record of seeking out innovative solutions to problems for example in negotiation settings.
• Ability to structure and trade-off conflicting requests and to deliver to deadlines.
• Expert category knowledge in one of the dominant OECD procurement categories like IT or General Services. 

Tools

• Excellent knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Use or knowledge of tools and new technologies in procurement or legal review to increase efficiency and reduce risk would be an advantage.

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.

Core Competencies

• For this role, the following competencies would be particularly important: Achievement focus, Teamwork, Client focus, Negotiating, Strategic thinking, Organisational knowledge, and Drafting Skills.
• Please refer to the level 2 indicators of the OECD Core Competencies.

Contract Duration

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

What the OECD offers

• Monthly base salary starting from 5 136 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.
• 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.

Selection Process

For retained candidates, written tests/video-recorded interviews are foreseen in July and panel interviews are planned for August or September.

Please note that our Rules and Regulations stipulate that the mandatory retirement age is 65.

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.