Company Description

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.

About the OECD Centre for Responsible Business Conduct

The OECD has earned a leading role in financial and enterprise issues. In line with the Strategic Orientations of the Secretary-General, the core mission of the OECD’s Directorate for Financial and Enterprise Affairs (DAF) is to assist markets to fund inclusive economic growth, and in turn Better Lives, through setting and implementing standards, providing capacity building and technical assistance, acting as a forum for co-operation and collaboration across the OECD Directorates, external stakeholders and International Organisations. DAF’s work is structured under two work areas – Conduct and Markets – and its mission is pursued through several substantive divisions whose teams provide Member countries and partners with policy guidance, analysis and support in the areas of competition, anti-corruption, corporate affairs, financial affairs, international investment and responsible business conduct.

The OECD Centre for Responsible Business Conduct, which is part of DAF, is in charge of supporting the implementation of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (OECD Guidelines) and related due diligence guidance in the minerals, extractives, agriculture, garment and footwear and financial sectors. In the garment sector, the OECD supports the uptake of due diligence recommendations through an implementation programme which includes convening, awareness raising, sharing good practices, capacity building, research and country engagement.

Job Description

The Centre is looking for an experienced professional to lead our work programme on responsible supply chains in the garment and footwear sector. The manager will lead a small team of policy analysts and report to the Head of Due Diligence.

The work is carried out in a multinational and multicultural environment, including emerging markets and developing countries as well as OECD member countries. The selected candidate will interact with senior policy-makers, regulatory authorities, business sector representatives, industry initiatives, trade unions, experts and stakeholders worldwide.

Main Responsibilities

Team and thought leadership

Set strategic direction for the work on responsible garment supply chains through thought and team leadership, agenda setting, stakeholder engagement and global outreach including through:

• Set direction and priorities for the work programme on responsible garment supply chains
• Lead and quality control all key outputs of the garment team, including publications and oversee the organisation of the annual OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector
• Performance manage the small team and contribute to their professional development; liaise actively with colleagues in the due diligence unit and the Centre
• Contribute to the Centre’s engagement with stakeholders from business, government, civil society and worker representatives to drive responsible business conduct practices in garment and footwear supply chains globally, including with partner countries
• Strengthen relationships with donors and fundraise for garment sector work and across the Centre

Research, analysis and drafting

• Track policy developments and carry out research on due diligence practices, tools, instruments and issues related to responsible sourcing in the garment and footwear sector
• Draft policy advice in position papers, policy briefs, workshop summaries, and recommendations on specific issues related to RBC and due diligence. Formulate policy assessments and recommendations, taking into account good practices, past OECD recommendations, comparative data, benchmarks and indicators in OECD countries and selected emerging economies.
• Contribute to efforts to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of RBC due diligence and of OECD Alignment Assessments of sustainability initiatives in the garment and footwear sector
• Develop and carry out targeted capacity building, outreach and technical workshops with companies and sustainability initiatives in the garment and footwear sector in OECD and non-OECD countries on supply chain due diligence
• Contribute to internal briefing requests, team wide publications and inputs for strategic initiatives (G20, G7, Ministerial Council Meetings etc.).

Liaison and representation

• Engage with policy makers in OECD and non-OECD countries on creating an enabling environment for responsible supply chains in the garment and footwear sector.
• Liaise with relevant OECD directorates and maximise potential collaboration to further strategic OECD and RBC Centre objectives.
• Contribute to the development of innovative communication tools and strategies

Maintain professional contacts with relevant stakeholders; build strong country networks of relevant stakeholders involved in promoting RBC in the sector; represent the OECD at key international fora and expert meetings.

Qualifications

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• An advanced university degree in a relevant subject matter (business administration, political sciences, law, economics, international relations, development, etc).
• Studies with a focus on policy related to sustainability in international business, investment and trade and would be an advantage.

Professional Background

• Minimum seven years experience in the field of sustainable business, ideally in the garment and footwear industry. Experience from other industries, or from a government institution, international organisation, trade union, civil society organisation, research institutes or consultancy is also relevant.
• Experience particularly within a business function implementing supply chain sustainability would be a significant advantage.
• Strong understanding of OECD standards on due diligence in particular the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on RBC and/or the Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct would be a significant advantage.

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.

Additional Information

Closing Date

• This vacancy should be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than midnight 7 March 2025 (Paris time).

Contract Duration

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

What the OECD offers

• Depending on level of experience, monthly salary starts at 7,955.19 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

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.