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, 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 NUCLEAR ENERGY AGENCY

The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) is an intergovernmental agency which operates under the framework of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It facilitates co-operation among countries with advanced nuclear technology infrastructures to seek excellence in nuclear safety, technology, science, related environmental and economic matters and law. The mission of the NEA is to assist its 34 member countries in maintaining and further developing, through international co-operation, the scientific, technological and legal bases required for a safe, environmentally sound and economical use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. It strives to provide authoritative assessments and to forge common understandings on key issues as input to government decisions on nuclear technology policies. The work of the Division of Nuclear Technology Development and Economics (NTE) focuses on cross-cutting strategic issues in the nexus between technology, innovation, economics and policy.

The Generation IV International Forum (GIF) is a co-operative international endeavour seeking to develop the research and development necessary to test the feasibility and performance of fourth generation nuclear systems, and to make them available for industrial deployment by 2030. The GIF brings together thirteen member countries plus the European Union to co-ordinate research and development on a range of generation IV reactor technologies and methods. The NEA serves as the technical secretariat to GIF.

THE POSITION

The NEA is looking for several dynamic and highly qualified team leads including to serve as the GIF Technical Secretariat Chief of Staff, reporting directly to the Head of the GIF Technical Secretariat and overseeing the work of the GIF Technical Secretaries. This position also works closely with the GIF executive team, which is composed of delegates from GIF member countries. S/he will work under the supervision of the Head of NTE who also serves as the Head of GIF Technical Secretariat. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and good technical knowledge of GIF, experience in supporting international initiatives and proven success in a management role, with a special focus on executive-level advising and international co-operation. Duties will include overseeing strategic GIF initiatives, from development through successful execution, managing resources and budget, reviewing contracts, providing expert input and advice. Duties include oversight and management functions, as well as communications and drafting, and require direct engagement and familiarity with the workings of GIF Technical Secretaries and the groups they support. Other specific assignments may be determined by the Head of the GIF Technical Secretariat and the GIF executive team. The candidate may also be assigned to support other NEA activities by the Head of NTE.

Job Description

Main Responsibilities

Team and Project Management

• Lead and manage a cohesive, multicultural and multidisciplinary team, promoting high performance standards, teamwork, and effective internal communications.
• Oversee daily operations of the Technical Secretaries and strategic initiatives.
• Actively co-ordinate Technical Secretariat resources and budget, ensuring they are effective and coherent, providing support and advice to the Head of NTE.
• Provide expert input and advice, adapt plans and priorities as needed, to ensure the effective conduct of the activities of the Technical Secretariat.
• Plan and co-ordinate bi-annual meetings and provide support in scheduling facilities.
• Review contracts, proposals, and other important documentation such as treaties, agreements, and memoranda of understanding and contracts.
• Develop and build on relationships with members for increased efficiency and responsiveness of existing operations, and help define new operational strategies by working with the senior leadership team and the Secretariat on special projects.
• Review, design, and execute improvements to organizational structure; find knowledge and skills gaps and help address them.

Budget management

• Prepare detailed budget forecasts and reports for NEA senior management and member countreis to inform decision-making processes.
• Co-ordinate with NEA’s office of Budget and Finance to ensure accurate invoicing and timely processing of payments from member countries and maintain detailed records of all financial transactions related to invoicing, and payments.
• Monitor and track budget expenditures to ensure alignment with financial plans, organizational priorities and the allocation of Technical Secretariat resources.

Analysis and drafting

• Analyse data and draft working documents including policy, guidance, and best practice documents.
• Prepare papers and presentations and materials for publications.
• Oversee meeting logistics, including preparation of meeting agendas, meeting materials, meeting notes, programme updates, website updates, policy and technical briefings as needed, liaising with GIF member countries and organisations.

Communication

• Represent the NEA in meetings and conferences and deliver high-level presentations to executive teams and government officials.
• Build and maintain networks and relationships with member countries and partners.

Action management

• Carry out other tasks as assigned by the Head of NTE

Qualifications

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• An advanced university degree in a scientific discipline such as engineering or applied physics, and an advanced university degree in business administration, communication or international relations. Alternatively, equivalent professional experience.

Professional Background

• At least five to eight years of leadership experience in planning and co-ordinating projects in a multi-task environment, of which at least three years in a nuclear environment.
• Proven experience in interacting with national and international organisations.

Additional Information

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 3); Enable People (Level 2); Ethics and Integrity (Level 2); Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 3); Achieve Results (Level 3); Innovate and Embrace Change (Level 3).
• 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.
• Knowledge of other languages would be an asset.

Closing Date

• This vacancy should be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than midnight 29 May 2025 (23:59 Paris time).

Contract Duration

• 36 month fixed-term appointment.

What the OECD offers

• Depending on level of experience, monthly salary starts at 9 610.74 EUR, 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 NEA or 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.