Senior Policy Advisor - Public Administration Reform Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organization founded to promote policies that improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. Established in 1961, the OECD comprises 38 member countries and serves as a platform for governments, policymakers, and citizens to collaborate on evidence-based international standards and solutions to various social, economic, and environmental challenges. The organization focuses on enhancing economic performance, job creation, education, and combating international tax evasion, providing a unique forum for data analysis, experience exchange, best practices, and public policy advice. SIGMA (Support for Improvement in Governance and Management), a joint initiative of the OECD and the European Union, works with EU candidate countries and potential candidates to improve their public administration systems. The OECD operates in multiple countries, fostering international cooperation and governance improvements.

Job Overview:
The Senior Policy Advisor position at SIGMA involves working closely with partner countries to enhance their public administration systems, particularly in public service and human resource management, organizational accountability, oversight, and digital government service delivery. The successful candidate will leverage their expertise to assist countries in reforming their public administration, engaging in a stimulating international environment. This role encompasses a variety of responsibilities, including project management, advising on legal and policy improvements, and presenting reform plans to high-level officials. The position requires extensive travel to SIGMA partner countries and may involve country management responsibilities, ensuring that the advisor's work aligns with the strategic priorities of the countries involved. The advisor will also be responsible for developing collaborative approaches and maintaining strong relationships with senior officials and stakeholders, representing SIGMA in various international forums.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Advisory and Liaison Role: Provide high-quality advice to partner countries on designing and supporting reforms, assessing reform progress, and assisting in managing technical assistance for public governance and public administration reforms. Develop joint approaches with partner countries and facilitate knowledge sharing. Maintain good working relationships with senior officials, the European Commission, and colleagues in other international organizations. Represent SIGMA in meetings with donors and coordinate development initiatives.
• Country Management Role: Coordinate SIGMA's activities in relevant countries, ensuring alignment with agreed priorities. Monitor and implement tailored approaches to public governance reform, identifying and resolving issues as they arise. Lead assessments of progress against established roadmaps and contribute to thematic and country-specific policy papers.
• Project Management Role: Participate in the design and organization of work programs and budget management. Manage SIGMA technical assistance projects, overseeing operational activities, budget management, and quality control processes. Contribute to the development of public administration principles and maintain professional expertise through continuous development activities.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess an advanced university degree in law, political science, public administration, public management, human resource management, business administration, or related fields. They should have extensive knowledge and professional experience, with a minimum of eight years in public administration within EU member countries. The candidate should demonstrate experience in initiating and implementing public sector reform programs, particularly in civil/public service, HRM, and digital government service delivery. Skills in managing people, projects, and budgets are essential, along with a good comparative understanding of public governance systems in EU member states. A strong professional network within EU member states and experience advising high-level officials are also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree in relevant disciplines such as law, political science, public administration, public management, human resource management, or business administration. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of public governance and administration reform.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of eight years of professional experience in public administration, particularly within EU member countries. This experience should include initiating, developing, and implementing reform programs in the public sector, with a focus on civil/public service, human resource management, and digital government. Experience managing projects and budgets, as well as working with senior officials and stakeholders, is highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) is mandatory, with a commitment to achieving a good working level in the other language. Knowledge of languages spoken in SIGMA partner countries would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a 24-month fixed-term appointment with the possibility of renewal for a maximum of 36 months. The monthly salary starts at 10,937.92 EUR, plus allowances based on eligibility, and is exempt from French income tax. The selection process may include a video-recorded interview, job-based assessment, and panel interviews, with an indicative schedule for recruitment activities outlined. The OECD is committed to equal opportunity employment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their background.