Agricultural Economist(s)

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 OECD Trade and Agriculture Directorate (TAD), in line with the strategic objectives of the Secretary-General, provides relevant and timely information, analysis and advice in support of  governments’ efforts to improve the domestic and international performance of their trade, agriculture, food and fishery policies and to maintain the orderly use of export credits.

The Agriculture and Resource Policy Division (TAD/ARP) works across four main areas of food and agriculture policy, mainstreaming sustainability concerns throughout\: monitoring and evaluating policy developments, undertaking in-depth country reviews, with a particular focus on innovation, productivity and sustainability of agriculture; analysing policy alternatives related to climate change, water and resilience in agriculture; and exploring innovation and digitalisation policies, and their potential impacts on food and agriculture. TAD/ARP’s work involves a mix of analytical and policy-oriented research conducted in a dynamic, multicultural environment by a team of highly-qualified and experienced staff. 

The Agriculture and Resource Policy Division is looking for one or possibly more agricultural economists to analyse a wide range of policies affecting the performance of agriculture and food sectors. The selected candidate(s) will make a strategic contribution to the analytical priorities of the Division as well as to contribute to corporate priorities and the Directorate’s other responsibilities.  S/He will report to the Head of Division. 

Main Responsibilities

Research, analysis and drafting

• Contribute to the identification of priority areas of work and appropriate research methodologies for undertaking policy relevant analyses on emerging issues affecting the performance of agriculture and food sectors, including for countries outside the OECD area.
• Carry out research, draft analytical reports, and develop evidence-based recommendations to improve the performance of food and agricultural policies, including approaches to enhancing productivity and innovation, improving environmental performance and strengthening resilience.
• Analyse the role of international food and agricultural trade policies in achieving policy objectives, for example including the impact of standards and regulations on agri-food supply chains.
• Design and implement strategies for the use of models, indicators and associated analysis to assess agriculture’s performance with respect to productivity, environmental sustainability and resilience.
• Contribute to country-specific policy reviews and to the annual publication OECD Monitoring and Evaluation of Agricultural Policies.
• Draft briefing material for senior OECD officials, review analytical and policy documents and contribute to corporate priorities as required.

Representation and liaison

• Participate in and provide support to the OECD Committee for Agriculture and its subsidiary bodies.  Present analysis at meetings, take an active part in the discussions and carry out subsequent revisions which often require follow-up bilateral discussions with OECD delegates.
• Establish and maintain regular contacts with national and international experts, other international organisations (e.g. FAO, UNCTAD, WTO) and non-governmental organisations (e.g. farm and industry organisations, civil society associations). Represent the OECD at international, regional and national meetings as required.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• An advanced university degree in economics or agricultural economics.

Professional Background

• At least three, preferably five years’ experience in applied research and policy analysis in the area of agriculture and/or the environment and natural resource use, acquired in a national administration, an international organisation or research institute.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting policy relevant reports in the areas of agriculture and trade policy and making public presentations.

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

Core Competencies

• For this role, the following competencies would be particularly important\: Achievement focus, Analytical thinking, Flexible thinking, Drafting skills, Diplomatic sensitivity, and Teamwork.
• Please refer to the level 3 indicators of the OECD Core Competencies.

Contract Duration

• Two-year fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.

What the OECD offers

• Depending on level of experience, monthly salary starts at either 6,197 EUR or 7,647 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.

• Please note that the appointment may be made at a lower grade based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant. 

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.