Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme - JAPAN Round 2016/2017 OVERVIEW The OECD s mission Better Policies for Better Lives promotes policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. It provides a unique forum in which governments work together to share experiences on what drives economic, social and environmental change, seeking solutions to common problems. The OECD works with governments to understand what drives economic, social and environmental change. The OECD activities cover a wide range of public policy topics that governments operate in we measure productivity and global flows of trade and investment. We analyse and compare data to predict future trends. We set international standards in an array of fields, from agriculture and tax to the safety of chemicals. We also look at issues that directly affect everyone s daily life, like how much people pay in taxes and social security, and how much leisure time they can take. We compare how different countries school systems are readying their young people for modern life, and how different countries pension systems will look after their citizens in old age. The OECD uses its wealth of information on a broad range of topics to help governments foster prosperity and fight poverty through economic growth and financial stability. We help ensure the environmental implications of economic and social development are taken into account. The OECD's work is based on continued monitoring of events in member countries as well as outside the OECD area, and includes regular projections of short and medium-term economic developments. The OECD Secretariat collects and analyses data, after which committees discuss policy regarding this information. The Council makes decisions, based on the findings in the committees, and then governments implement recommendations. JPO PROGRAMME The OECD is recruiting Junior Professional Officers (JPOs) sponsored by the Japanese government. This will be an ideal entry level recruitment programme for Japanese nationals interested in pursuing a career at the OECD or other international organisations, by leveraging their expertise in drafting, analytical and presentation skills. Candidates must have strong academic records and solid professional experience of at least two years relevant to the area of assignment. JPOs will be
recruited as Junior Economist or Junior Policy Analyst, support the team in undertaking the Programme of Work and contribute to the achievement of the Organisation s core mission. Once the JPO candidates are nominated to the OECD, they can be proposed for an assignment at any of the following Departments and Special Bodies, according to their skills and competencies: Development Co-operation Directorate Economics Department Directorate for Education and Skills Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs and Local Development Environment Directorate Directorate for Financial and Enterprise Affairs Public Governance and Territorial Development Directorate Directorate for Science, Technology and Innovation Statistics Directorate Centre for Tax Policy and Administration Trade and Agriculture Directorate Development Centre Financial Action Task Force International Energy Agency International Transport Forum Nuclear Energy Agency Sahel and West Africa Club It is encouraged that interested candidates visit our website to obtain further information on the Departments and Special Bodies activities before submitting their application, and indicate the area of their interest. If your application is retained for further consideration, we will match your profile with the Organisation s needs, and contact you for the final assessment (typically phone/skype interviews). A tailored Terms of Reference will be drafted and presented to you once the selection procedure is finalised. IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE Academic Background An advanced university degree in a subject of relevance to the areas of work at the OECD, including economics, social affairs, trade, agriculture, development, education, employment, environment, finance, fiscal affairs, statistics and public policy. Strong quantitative and analytical skills demonstrated by academic achievement. In certain assignments, a PhD would be an advantage.
Professional Background Minimum of two years of experience related to the field of work at the OECD. Experience in working for an international or national administration, a private company or a research institute would be an advantage. Experience with project organisation in research and/or policy contexts would be an advantage. Experience with the organisation of meetings, workshops and conferences is desirable. Expertise in policy analysis and data collection would be an advantage, as would be the experience of formulating and implementing policies in an OECD country. Tools Proficiency in the use of standard (Microsoft Office) software applications. Familiarity with statistical programs such as SAS, SPSS, Spark, Python, Matlab and R would be an advantage. 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. Furthermore, all JPOs are expected to demonstrate the level 3 indicators of OECD Core Competencies. The following competencies would be particularly important for the JPO assignments: Achievement focus, Analytical thinking, Drafting skills, Flexible thinking, Teamwork and Team leadership, and Diplomatic sensitivity. You will find our Competency Framework here. The assigned Grade and Step of the JPOs will be determined according to the OECD Staff Regulations, Rules and Instructions. JPOs will be entitled to all other benefits as officials of the Organisation, including the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges. The initial duration of appointment as JPO is for 13 months, followed by an extension of 11 months and another possible extension of 12 months under certain conditions. The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes the applications of all qualified candidates, irrespective of their racial or ethnic origin, opinions or beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, health or disabilities. PROPOSED ASSIGNMENTS Proposed assignments in selected Departments and Special Bodies are annexed to this document. These are for reference purposes only assignments of the JPOs are not limited to the attached proposals, but will be determined according to their profile.
Junior Economist, Economics Department The Economics Department (ECO) aims at enhancing economic performance in member and nonmember countries through sound and innovative policy advice with a view to seeking an inclusive and durable increase in living standards. It deals with a wide array of policy areas combining macroeconomic management, with a strong emphasis on structural policy issues to address policy objectives covering material well-being, social concerns and green aspirations. Its policy advice is derived from a variety of sources such as country surveillance, cross-country benchmarking and evidence derived from empirical research. Much of the Department s policy analysis and advice is provided as input to committee-based peer review and multilateral surveillance processes and contributes to the overall OECD mission. The assignment of the selected JPO in ECO will take place in either the Policy Studies Branch which focuses on projects of a cross-country nature, or a member country desk or non-member economy desk of the Country Studies Branch. Assignments in the Policy Studies Branch would be under one of three broad headings. The overall objective of these responsibilities is to identify the current priorities in structural reform to boost growth, and assessing recent progress: Cross-country analysis of structural reform Stocktaking of structural reform General assessment of the current economic situation and related (macro) policy considerations The main responsibility of the Country Studies Branch is the preparation of Economic Surveys for OECD member countries, the Euro Area, or major non-oecd economies including some South East Asian economies. Concretely, this involves: Analyses of key challenges that the economy in question is facing, and identification of appropriate policy responses taking into account both comparative international experience and the institutional specificities of the country concerned Monitoring of the economic and policy developments and taking part in the preparation of twice-yearly economic projections Survey topics are varied, but generally focus on medium and long term questions, such as sustainable growth, including green growth, demographic change, equity, fiscal sustainability, education, labour markets, financial market reform, and market competitiveness.
Junior Policy Analyst, Directorate for Education and Skills The Directorate for Education and Skills (EDU) leads the Organisation s work to help member and non-member countries achieve high-quality learning for all, design better skills policies, and turn them into jobs and growth. The directorate carries this out by providing statistics, analysis and policy advice to countries on a wide range of educational topics. EDU is looking for a JPO to contribute to the OECD s work programme. S/he will work under the supervision of a Senior Analyst and under the direction of the Head of the division. Upon joining the Directorate, the JPO will undertake the main responsibilities below: Data collection, analysis and drafting Analyse issues of current policy relevance for the programme of work of the Committee. This will include identifying relevant policy issues, conducting in-depth quantitative and qualitative analysis on specific topics or countries, extracting policy lessons, and developing relevant, constructive policy advice. Conduct analysis of documentary and statistical material, identifying relevant policy issues and facilitating peer learning. Gather information and data for the purpose of comparative analysis. Check the data to ensure validity. Analyse information to prepare diagrams, tables and graphs. In collaboration with colleagues from across the OECD and with external experts, draft and edit substantive papers including reports, seminar proceedings, country case studies and analytical papers. Contribute to developing tools to assist countries with the design and implementation of national and regional skills strategies and related policies. Where needed, design and conduct data collection (e.g. questionnaires, country case studies) and carry out appropriate statistical analysis. Organisation Contribute to the design and delivery of country studies, including the organisation of workshops, seminars, conferences and other events, in collaboration with member countries. Represent the OECD in relevant international and national fora and deliver presentations and papers and promote peer-learning. Establish and maintain professional contacts with key external organisations and individuals. Contribute, as required, to horizontal and multidisciplinary projects and other outputs of the Directorate for Education and Skills and the OECD.
Junior Policy Analyst, Development Co-operation Directorate The Development Co-operation Directorate (DCD) supports the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) to carry out its mandate to help increase financing for development and to improve the quality and effectiveness of development co-operation. Through inclusive partnerships for development, the DAC helps ensure better lives for people in the developing world by improving development policy, strengthening development finance, improving the delivery of development co-operation and building stronger partnerships for development. In the context of the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) endorsed in September 2015, we are looking for a dynamic JPO for upcoming work in the area of Data for Development and Development Finance. With the SDG indicator framework adoption in March 2016, OECD and in particular developing countries will face a large demand for data production, indicator generation and general measurement issues. On the other hand, there are great opportunities that could help in dealing with this challenge for instance the data revolution including big data and PPP s in the data eco-system that could be harnessed. The Development Finance work will involve supporting the donor community in their transition from exclusive ODA reliance to more innovative approaches through new approaches based on blended finance and new formats of engaging with the private sector through partnerships such as the Sustainable Development Partnership (SDIP). The JPO will contribute to an emerging work stream Data for Development and Development Finance relevant to SDG implementation. Main Responsibilities Contribute to the development and production of the 2017 Development Cooperation Report (conduct background research, manage and correspond with contributors within and outside of the OECD, and coordinate related processes). Contribute to and engage in discussions of the Global Partnership on Sustainable Development Data. Support the work of the Development Cooperation Directorate and its hosted Secretariat of the Partnership in Statistics for Development in the 21st century (PARIS21) in the area of data for development, development finance statistics, and results/impact measurement. Contribute to the ongoing policy work with regard to Blended Finance, including but not limited to, policy research and preparation of workshops. Support the delivery of the Sustainable Development Investment Partnership, including but not limited to, delivering relevant policy papers and events. Contribute to the organisation of a broad range of outreach events. Lead organisation of the Data for Development Talks and carry out related research to support these events.
Junior Policy Analyst, Trade and Agriculture Directorate 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 Environment Division is looking for a JPO who will contribute to analysing national policies supporting sustainable agricultural productivity growth and the resilience of famers in the face of climate change. The selected person will work under the supervision of the Head of Division in the Trade and Agriculture Directorate (TAD). The main responsibilities of the selected JPO include: Research and Analysis Participate in the design of tools and applied methods to systematically assess countries ability to improve agriculture s resiliency to climate change and to increase productivity sustainably. These methods may rely, in particular, on collecting a set of indicators, variables and information to support qualitative and/or quantitative analyses. Contribute to assessments of national policies ability to support agriculture adaptation to climate change in OECD and non-oecd countries, via an assessment of key expected climatic constraints for agriculture and food security, a review of policies in place and an analysis of potential policy reforms and investment requirements, in collaboration with a team of policy experts. Contribute to country reviews analysing policy incentives to sustainable agricultural productivity growth in OECD and non-oecd countries. This includes using the proposed applied methods to collect and analyse structured information, data and publications on key agricultural and environmental policy issues in collaboration with a team of policy experts. Liaison and Outreach Contribute to team country studies, involving OECD staff, external consultants and in-country specialists with different fields of expertise. Participate in and provide Secretariat support to meetings of the Organisation on agricultural and agri-environmental issues, particularly for the Committee for Agriculture and its related bodies. Establish and maintain contacts with appropriate policy experts and specialists at the national and international level.
Junior Policy Analyst, Environment Directorate The OECD Environment Directorate (ENV) provides relevant and timely information, analysis and advice to support governments in identifying and implementing the environmental policies needed to support a cleaner, more resource-efficient and low-carbon green growth path. The Directorate is working across a broad range of issues such as: green growth, climate change, biodiversity, water, eco-innovation, resource productivity and waste, environmental policy tools and evaluation, safety of chemicals, biotechnology and nanomaterials, and linkages between environment and tax, agriculture, energy, transport, development assistance, trade and investment policies. We are looking for a JPO with expertise in international trade policy and environmental economics. S/he will be supporting the OECD Environment and Economy Integration Division, particularly in its work for the OECD Joint Working Party on Trade and Environment together with staff from Trade and Agriculture Directorate. The work of the group covers a range of topics related to interactions of trade and environment policy, including trade and climate change, environmental provisions in Regional Trade Agreements and trade in environmental goods and services. The Environment and Economy Integration Division also supports other Working Parties with empirical modelling work related to the environment and analytical work that includes environmental taxes and subsidies, eco-innovation, sustainable materials management and environmental policy evaluation. Main Responsibilities Contribute to analytical projects studying the linkages between environmental and economic policies, with particular focus on interactions of international trade and environment policy. Assist in developing the necessary analytical, empirical and data foundation to address the environmental and economic policy interactions, with a particular focus on trade. Contribute to drafting reports on selected environmental policy issues, including but not limited to trade and environment issues. Assist in organisational matters related to the Joint Working Party on Trade and Environment, including collaboration with colleagues in the Trade and Agriculture Directorate, notably on the preparation of meeting materials and agendas and organisation of meetings as required. Contribute to the dissemination of findings, including through maintaining contacts with relevant government officials and other experts.
Junior Policy Analyst, International Energy Agency The International Energy Agency (IEA) is one of the Special Bodies of the OECD committed to advancing security of energy supply, economic growth and environmental sustainability through energy policy co-operation. The IEA seeks a JPO to support the Agency s work on oil market analysis. The IEA prepares current oil market assessments from information submitted by IEA Member governments, international oil companies and others. Issues covered include: oil exploration and production developments; supply, demand, price and refining trends; and international trade in crude and products. This analysis underpins its work on oil market security. The selected candidate will report to the Head of the Oil Industry and Markets Division, working with a team of enthusiastic professionals in a collegial, dynamic and busy environment. The selected candidate s responsibilities include: Oil Market Analysis Support the Division s analysts in data collection, database management, literature review, analysis, modelling work, reports, presentations and other publications. Contribute to discussion, research and presentations on oil market issues within the Division. Prepare descriptive notes and papers on the basis of the data and models. Form part of the IEA emergency response team in case of an oil market emergency. Model development Participate in the construction and design of models to expand the range of tools available to the IEA for oil market analysis. Analyse, modify and adapt existing analytical models and spreadsheets into more robust and easily updatable formats. Exploit hardware and software developments to improve the efficiency of working methods. Write, maintain and develop appropriate documentation on data series. Draft methodological and technical notes. Statistical support Identify, collect and package data for the analysts in the Division from a wide range of internal and external sources. Carry out ad hoc extractions and manipulation of data. Design and implement procedures, including quality assurance systems, and programs for the preparation of data for oil market reports and publications. Assist users of the Divisions data with technical and methodological advice, both within and outside the Agency as appropriate.