Senior Economist/Analyst

OECD
Paris - France
S: Competitive

Description
We are looking for an experienced professional to lead the work on biotechnology and nanotechnology carried out in the Directorate for Science, Technology and Industry (STI), and to provide oversight for the activities of the Working Party on Biotechnology (WPB) and its task force, and of the Working Party on Nanotechnology (WPN) in the context of the Work Programme for the Committee for Scientific and Technological Policy (CSTP). The selected person will work under the general direction of the Head of the Science and Technology Policy Division of the STI.

Main Responsibilities
Management and Analysis
• Lead OECD work on biotechnology, nanotechnology and innovation through biotechnology, nanotechnology and their convergence, as well as their interaction and convergence with other technologies (e.g. information and communication technologies). Carry out strategic planning, orientation and oversight of the OECD programme of work related to biotechnology and nanotechnology.
• Identify priorities for the WPB and WPN work programmes and develop projects in liaison with member and non-member economies, other international organisations and other stakeholders as appropriate, focusing on the range of key scientific, technological, economic and regulatory issues relevant to biotechnology and nanotechnology.
• Oversee and contribute to the implementation of the work programmes of the WPB and WPN by, inter alia, organising and managing meetings, conferences and workshops; drafting economic and scientific and technological policy reports.
• Contribute to horizontal and multidisciplinary initiatives of the Directorate and the Organisation as they relate to biotechnology and nanotechnology, such as the ongoing and forthcoming work on new sources of growth, on green growth, on economic and social impacts of public funding in science, and on new industrial policy.
• Lead projects, manage budgets and raise funds.

Liaison and Communication
• Develop and ensure effective co-ordination with other parts of the OECD involved in relevant work, with other international organisations and other relevant outside bodies. Represent STI and OECD as required in internal and external fora.
• Liaise with the accession candidate country (the Russian Federation), enhanced engagement countries (Brazil, China, India, Indonesia and South Africa), and other non-member economies to encourage their participation in efforts relating to emerging issues in biotechnology and nanotechnology.
• Work with the media to promote a better understanding of the OECD's work in biotechnology and nanotechnology, and maintain relationships with journalists and others who can give a wider audience to that work.
• Create deep and effective links with officials and other actors in countries that are major players in the policy debates around innovation through biotechnology and nanotechnology.

Leadership and Staff Management
• Provide leadership to the team working on biotechnology and nanotechnology, and manage a multidisciplinary team, including policy analysts, statisticians and consultants. Participate in the recruitment process for these positions as well as oversee the day-to-day management of staff in the team (including consultants).

Candidate's profile

Academic Background
• An advanced university degree in economics, law, political science, biotechnology or nanotechnology, with preference being given to candidates with a multidisciplinary perspective.

Professional Background
• Eight to ten years' experience working on issues related to policies influencing innovation in biotechnology and nanotechnology, preferably acquired in a public or private sector, national or international, policy analysis environment.
• Proven and extensive understanding of the trends and key policy issues pertaining to the development of markets for knowledge and for intangible assets in the biotechnology and nanotechnology sectors.

Communication and Languages
• Excellent written communication skills, including clear and concise drafting ability; ability to make effective presentations.
• Good interpersonal and oral communication skills, and demonstrated ability to maintain harmonious working relations at all levels in a multicultural environment and across organisational boundaries.
• An excellent command of one of the two official languages of the OECD (English and French) and working knowledge of, or willingness to learn, the other. Knowledge of other languages would be an asset.

Key Competencies
• Ability to work in an inter-disciplinary manner on diverse issues related to biotechnology and nanotechnology and innovation policy.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate team members.
• Proven ability to draft complex analytical documents, to manage projects and to work under pressure, often to tight deadlines and budgets.
• Proven ability to raise funding.
• Very good organisational skills and ability to work with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain a broad international network of contacts in the related fields, and to interact with national delegations, officials, other international organisations and stakeholders.
• Ability to organise meetings, lead discussions and foster consensus.

Contract Duration
Two years' fixed term appointment, renewable.

Job summary