Head of Unit, Social Economy and Innovation

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 Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities (CFE) helps local and national governments unleash the potential of entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), promote inclusive and sustainable regions and cities, boost local job creation, and implement sound tourism policies. It includes the Secretariat serving the Regional Policy Development Committee (RDPC) and its three Working Parties on Urban Policy, Rural Policy and Territorial Indicators and the Expert Group on Multi-level Governance, the Committee on SMEs and Entrepreneurship (CSMEE), the Tourism Committee and its Working Party on Tourism Statistics, and the Local Employment and Economic Development (LEED) Directing Committee.

The Local Employment, Skills and Social Innovation Division (CFE/LESI) is recruiting a Head of Unit for Social Economy and Innovation to lead and drive the OECD’s agenda on social economy, social innovation and related social inclusion issues. This role will focus on advancing policy, governance and data initiatives. The successful candidate will play a key role in positioning the Organisation as a global leader in social economy and innovation, building networks and driving fundraising to support the work programme. In addition to strong programme and management skills, the candidate should bring in-depth expertise in social economy and social innovation policies, particularly their integration with broader local employment and economic development policies. The Head of Unit will lead the Social Economy and Innovation Unit under the supervision of the Head of the LESI Division to support LEED’s overall strategic development. Close collaboration with other OECD Directorates will be essential to strengthen horizontal work in these areas.

Job Description

Main Responsibilities

Leadership and management

• Lead the design and implementation of the LEED Committee’s Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) in areas related to the social economy and social innovation. Identify emerging issues in designing projects that respond to them.
• Ensure the financial sustainability of the social economy component of LEED’s PWB and manage the financial resources with high standards of budget management and reporting in accordance with the OECD’s financial rules and practices. This includes identifying,  seeking and securing new funding sources.
• Manage the Unit’s team, providing opportunities for development through regular constructive performance feedback and coaching to an environment conducive to teamwork, innovation and open communication.
• Ensure the timely delivery of high-quality outputs, maintaining  relevance and development of the Unit’s outputs.
• Build and maintain strong networks with national and subnational policy makers and practitioners in the providing policy guidance and programme implementation expertise.
• Manage the Informal Expert Group on the Social and Solidarity Economy and Social Innovation under the LEED Directing Committee.

Analysis, drafting and communication

• Keep updated on relevant developments in social economy and social innovation policy,  research and academic literature.
• Draft in-depth analytical reports on cutting-edge issues related the social economy, social innovation and broader local employment and economic development policies.
• Draft policy briefs, press releases, briefings, speeches and presentations ensuring clarity and consistency in messaging.
• Review and edit documents and analysis prepared by team members or external consultants to maintain high-quality standards.

Coordination and Liaison

• Develop strong working relationships with OECD colleagues, policymakers, international organisations, private sector representatives, civil society and other stakeholders.
• Develop policy dialogue and foster collaboration with non-member economies, including through increased engagement with key partners, and in line with the Global Relations approach of the LEED Committee.
• Represent the OECD in international meetings, presenting substantive matters to senior officials and participate in relevant OECD-wide meetings
• Coordinate the Division’s inputs for social economy and related issues to contribute to relevant international networks, institutions and fora.
• Contribute to horizontal work in CFE and OECD, and collaborate with colleagues across CFE and the OECD on joint projects related to the Unit’s areas of work.
• Carry out other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• An advanced university degree in economics, public policy, political science or another related field.

Professional Background

• A minimum of eight years’ experience of policy-oriented research or analytical work with the social economy or broader local employment and economic development policies.
• Extensive knowledge of the social economy landscape in OECD and partner countries.
• Proven expertise in international comparative analysis, including economic analysis.
• Demonstrated Experience in team management and fundraising.

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.
• Knowledge of other languages would be an asset.

Source: https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/OECD/744000028097117-head-of-unit-social-economy-and-innovation?trid=3b3fd07c-0791-4ac8-9ea8-cc2477730cb5