Company Description

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, 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.

THE SCIENCE, TECHONOLOGY AND INNOVATION DIRECTORATE

The Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Directorate, in line with the strategic objectives of the Secretary-General, helps OECD member countries and other key economies build an environment conducive to translating science, technology and knowledge into innovation in order to create economic and social value added.

The Science and Technology Policy (STP) Division of the STI is responsible for developing evidence-based policies that (i) encourage cooperation among OECD Members Countries and with Partners, (ii) support good policy practices and analysis in areas such as human resource development and mobility; the strengthening of links between research, higher education and innovation; national and regional research and innovation systems; mission oriented research and innovation policies; policies that promote inclusivity, and policies for anticipatory governance of emerging technologies, and (iii) help policymakers reorient STI systems towards addressing global challenges, in particular climate change and the green transition.

A strong measurement agenda builds the evidence base upon which policy recommendations are derived.  STP is responsible for, among other things, maintaining the STIP (Science, Technology and Innovation Policy) Compass database, the STI.Scoreboard Platform and the OECD R&D Tax Incentives Database.

THE POSITION

STI/STP is looking for an Economist/Policy Analyst to support the work conducted by the Working Party on Innovation and Technology Policy (TIP). The selected candidate will work on one or several of the activities currently undertaken by the TIP team, depending on the profile and experience of the candidate, including activities in the following three fields: i) science, technology and innovation (STI) and its policies in support of green transitions, including specifically the preservation of biodiversity; ii) skills and ecosystem conditions for STI to support the green and digital transitions, including sectoral cluster policies in the field of advanced manufacturing and  needs to support ambitious “moonshot” initiatives and iii) the implications of STI on social, territorial and industrial inclusiveness. Methods will include statistical and econometric analysis, qualitative policy analysis, use of semantic tools and organisation of virtual and in-person meetings and country-specific case studies. The selected candidate will support the TIP meetings that take place twice a year and also contribute to the activities conducted by the TIP in support of the CSTP (Committee for Scientific and Technological Policy).

The selected person will work in collaboration with other members of the TIP team, under the direct supervision of a Senior Economist and under the responsibility of the Head of the Science and Technology Policy Division (STP).

Job Description

Main Responsibilities

Research and Policy Analysis

• Carry out policy research and analysis in the area of science, technology and innovation policy, with a focus on the following TIP activities:

  (i) Innovation policy review of the UK. This will involve, among others:

• Collecting and analysing relevant information on the country’s innovation ecosystem and policy landscape, using a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Conducting interviews with a diversity of stakeholders
• Developing a final report containing the key findings and policy recommendations of the analysis.

  (ii) Conditions for the rapid development and diffusion of transition technologies and innovation. This will involve, among others:

‒     Supporting the framing of a new TIP project on this topic

‒     Identifying good practices and policies to support building conditions for the speedy development and diffusion of cutting-edge transition technologies, such as quantum computing, hydrogen, advanced manufacturing and advanced AI applications.

          (iii) Policy experimentation to foster inclusive STI systems. This will involve, among others:

‒     Supporting the framing of a new TIP project on this topic

‒     Exploring agile approaches and tools that can help STI policy-making processes better respond to transition goals and prepare better for changing circumstances

• Develop reports, short policy briefs, presentations, briefings, and other materials for policymakers reflecting research and analysis conducted by the TIP Working Party.
• Keep abreast of relevant policy developments in selected member and non-member countries as well as developments in the relevant academic literature.
• Contribute to other workstreams of the TIP Working Party as required.

Liaison, meetings and communication

• Collaborate with the STP team and other teams across STI.
• Contribute to the organisation of TIP Working Party meetings (organised twice per year), workshops and seminars, as well as other meetings with national government delegates and experts from the private sector, civil society, and academia.
• Represent the OECD in relevant international and national fora and deliver presentations of TIP work.
• Liaise and build networks with TIP country delegates and with officials in national administrations, researchers, other international organisations and member country delegations.
• Contribute to the dissemination of TIP work.
• Establish and maintain professional contacts within the OECD, with Delegations and external experts and organisations in the field of innovation and technology policy.

Qualifications

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background:

• An advanced university degree, preferably a PhD, in economics or other fields related to innovation.

Professional Background:

• Minimum three, preferably five years’ experience in international comparative policy and economic analysis in related fields.

Tools:

• Proficiency with standard Microsoft software.
• Proficiency in the use of Stata, R or Python is an additional asset.
• Interest and experience in conducting semantic analysis of policy documents is an additional asset.

Languages:

• Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and a knowledge of, or a willingness to learn, the other.

Cover letter:

• Candidates are required to enclose a cover letter detailing to their interest in innovation and technology policy, and the work of the OECD Working Party on Innovation and Technology Policy (TIP). Please feel free to also peruse the website of the TIP Working Party.

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).
• There are three possible levels for each competency. The level for each competency is determined according to the specific needs of each job role and its associated grade.
• To learn more about the definitions for each competency for levels 1-3, please refer to OECD Core Competencies.

Additional Information

Contract Duration

•       Thirteen-month fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.

Closing Date

• This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than midnight CEST 28 May 2024.

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

What the OECD offers

• Monthly base salary starting from 7,738 EUR plus allowances, based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.
• Please note that the appointment may be made at a lower grade depending on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.

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.

Browse our People Management Guidebook to learn more about all aspects relating to people at the OECD, our workplace environment and on policies supporting staff in their daily life.