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.

Job Description

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 DIGITAL, KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION SERVICE (EXD/DKI)

Within the Executive Directorate, working closely with business partners, the Digital, Knowledge and Information Service (EXD/DKI) designs and provides secure digital solutions, IT and information management services and the technologies to deliver efficient corporate services, meet business partners’ needs and to support and enhance the OECD’s global role in building knowledge, communicating with the world and interacting with governments to inform and influence policy-making.

In this role, working in EXD/DKI/DIO, you will provide technical leadership, participate with technical tasks and manage other Database Administrators to deliver, operate, maintain and support sustainable and secure database infrastructure and services, ensuring optimal availability and performance of the technical environment. You will oversee the overall database infrastructure, including Microsoft SQL servers and databases deployed in the on-premises datacentres and in the Cloud. Working in collaboration with your team, the broader division, and cross-functional partners, you will be reporting to the Head of Cloud and Infrastructure Management (CIM).

Please Note: DKI anticipates several similar openings (including similar positions that do not include a management component). Therefore, we welcome applications from relevant candidates with limited managerial experience.

Main Responsibilities

Database Administration Management

• Provide database administration and management expertise for the Organisation, exercising an advice and control function to ensure that database infrastructure and services comply with corporate policies and requirements.

• Be the technical lead of the team; oversee and participate in the design, installation, management, evolution and decommissioning in the areas of a hybrid database infrastructure and services, including database servers, storage and backup/restore, to respond to business needs. This includes managing and maintaining infrastructure security.

• Administer Microsoft SQL Server infrastructure and SQL in Azure to ensure its proper implementation, configuration, maintenance, and performance, as well as manage SQL databases through multiple product lifecycle environments.

• Ensure that optimal software, tools and monitoring systems are in place for database management. Troubleshoot unexpected issues and propose action to mitigate the risk of repeat occurrence.

• Establish, promote and ensure compliance with secure infrastructure standards and procedures.

• Coordinate with the IT Service Desk, security, development, enterprise architects and product managers to deliver robust database services to the Organisation.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with service providers. Apply new techniques and trends, in-line with the overall objectives and risk tolerance of the OECD, to ensure a smooth evolution of services provided.

• Contribute to establishing budgets and associated requirements for database infrastructure and services, including relevant licensing and the Cloud evolutions.

Management

• Work closely with other teams to ensure an integrated cross-practice vision of EXD/DKI products and services; ensure that solutions/services proposed meet client requirements; establish, apply and ensure compliance to security standards and adopted methodologies; support definition and provide inputs for a sourcing strategy to meet the Organisation’s requirements. Participate in post-deployment reviews.

• Lead and manage the SQL team (2 people), staff and contractors to deliver the Programme of Work and ensure service continuity and staff development. Be a mentor, providing guidance and support to foster their professional growth. Ensure delivery of high-quality outputs on time and on budget.

• Facilitate effective communication within the team and with other departments, promoting a collaborative work environment.

• Conduct performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members.

• Identify training needs and opportunities for team members to enhance their skills and knowledge.

• Manage relations with third-party suppliers to ensure the required level of service is provided and value for money is maximised for the Organisation.

• Provide relevant inputs to the Head of Unit and the Head of Division including for budget planning and, reporting on budget, portfolio and service status; define and provide related Key Performance Indicators.

• Stay up-to-date with current and emerging industry trends, related technologies, methodologies and best practices; support an environment that enables continuous learning, innovation and knowledge-sharing across teams.

Qualifications

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• An advanced university degree in information technology or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

• Relevant industry certifications (e.g. on SQL Server, SQL in Azure or Azure in general).

Professional Background

• Five years of experience in managing large, complex database infrastructures, services and projects, their implementation, maintenance and support, and associated budgets.

• Professional experience implementing and managing a secure hybrid database infrastructure and associated services in the Cloud.

• Broad knowledge of current and emerging technologies, industry trends and best practices together with demonstrated experience evaluating their strategic value.

• Knowledge of IT project management methodologies and industry frameworks.

• Experience in guiding and managing staff and contractors in a matrix organisational structure.

• Experience in an international and cross-cultural setting would be preferable.

Tools

• Microsoft SQL Server, PowerShell Scripting, Windows Server, Microsoft Azure.

• Knowledge of database reporting and monitoring tools, e.g. Microsoft System Center Operations Manager, RedGate, SquaredUp, Microsoft Power BI, Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services.

• Familiarity with source control tools, e.g Azure DevOps Server, GitHub.

• Knowledge of database backup tooling (NetBackup) and Cloud database (Microsoft Azure) management is also desirable.

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.

Additional Information

Closing Date

• Applications should reach us no later than 3rd March 2025 23h59 (Paris time).

Contract Duration

• Open-ended contract

What the OECD offers

• Depending on level of experience, monthly salary starts at 7,644.78 EUR, plus allowances based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.

• 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.

Salary Information

• 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.

Selection Process

All applicants will be sent a short assessment, as the first step in the process.

For retained candidates, the Hiring Team reserve the right to conduct further assessments (video-recorded-interviews, etc).

Panel interviews are planned for March/April 2025.

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.