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

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.

The Trade and Agriculture Directorate (TAD) leads co-ordinated, innovative, international action with respect to the OECD’s work on trade, agriculture, food and fishery policies. The Directorate implements the priorities of the Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) set by Member Countries and the Secretary-General in its area of business.

TAD is working across a broad range of policy areas, and its mission is delivered by five divisions focusing on providing timely information and advice to support the efforts of governments to improve the domestic and international performance of their trade, agriculture, food and fishery policies, both internal and domestic and to maintain the orderly use of export credits.

The Agro-Food Trade and Markets (ATM) Division undertakes quantitative and qualitative policy analysis and recommendations targeting the agro-food sector, agricultural trade and global food system performance, including health, nutrition, competition and concentration in the food chain. The Division engages in stakeholder dialogue on these issues, e.g. with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO). Key outputs include the annual Agricultural Outlook publication done jointly with the FAO. The Division also has primary responsibility for the OECD input into the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS). The Head of the ATM Division is also responsible for the OECD Agricultural Codes and Schemes Unit (Seeds Schemes, Forest Seed and Plant Scheme, Tractor Codes, Fruit and Vegetable Scheme) which facilitates international trade through the simplification and harmonisation of documentary, inspection and testing procedures.

TAD is looking for a dynamic and visionary Head of Division to provide leadership and strategic direction to the Directorate of Trade and Agriculture. As a key member of the Senior Management team of the Organisation, s/he will provide intellectual leadership and ensure that the OECD is at the forefront of global economic policy thinking. Key activities across these areas of focus include identifying emerging policy issues and develop a timely programme of work, lead and manage a highly qualified team, develop evidence-based policy analysis and advice, and disseminate the results at high profile international fora. The Head of Division will be required to work in close consultation with national delegates, other international organisations, the private sector and civil society representatives. The selected candidate will report to the Director of TAD.

The breath and the complexity of the policy issues for which TAD is responsible requires an experienced senior executive with an excellent understanding of agricultural and related policy issues, political processes and effective institutional settings. S/he thrives in a fast paced, multidisciplinary work environment, is an innovative strategic thinker with political sensitivity. Finally, s/he has a proven track record of managing and delivering a complex Programme of Work and Budget, as well as managing large and diverse international teams, while maintaining a wide and effective professional network

Job Description

Main Responsibilities

Leadership

• Support the implementation of the Organisation’s 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 Organisation’s 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 part