Policy Analyst - Global Science Forum

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 Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Directorate, in line with the strategic objectives of the Secretary-General, helps OECD member countries and other key economies build an environment conducive to translating science, technology and knowledge into innovation in order to create economic and social value added.

The Science and Technology Policy Division (STP) within the STI is responsible for developing evidence-based policies that (i) encourage cooperation among OECD Members Countries and with Partners, (ii) support good policy practices and analysis in areas such as human resource development and mobility; the strengthening of links between research, higher education and innovation; national and regional research and innovation systems; mission oriented research and innovation policies; policies that promote inclusivity, and policies for anticipatory governance of emerging technologies, and (iii) help policymakers reorient STI systems towards addressing economic growth, competitiveness and societal challenges.

The Global Science Forum (GSF) Secretariat is a part 2 funded activity and a Working Party of the Committee for Scientific and Technological Policy (CSTP).  The focus of the Forum is science policy. This includes a long- term interest in research infrastructures and a variety of other priorities, including research funding and the research workforce, as defined by the member countries of the Forum. More recently the Forum has been working on research integrity and security.

STI/STP/GSF is looking for an experienced Policy Analyst to join a team of 3 persons and work with countries to develop and implement its agenda. The selected person will lead new project activities in one of the following areas: research infrastructure, research funding, research workforce.  She/he will also contribute to other cross-cutting areas of interest to CSTP, including research and technology security and science diplomacy. The selected person will work under the supervision of the Lead Coordinator of the GSF Secretariat, under the responsibility of the Head of the Science and Technology Policy Division.

Main responsibilities

Analysis, research and management

• Scope work areas to develop terms of reference for projects. This will involve consulting with donors and national experts, and desktop analysis of data and information from OECD and other relevant sources.
• Lead the implementation of projects. This will involve establishing and working with an International Expert Group, conducting survey work and interviews and organising and moderating on-line and in-person seminars and workshops.
• Design policy frameworks or toolkits and drafting policy reports and briefs in line with countries’ interest. 
• Present work to GSF, CSTP and other OECD bodies, as appropriate, and work with Members to build consensus and ensure their approval for project outputs.       

Liaison and co-ordination

• Liaise with other parts of STP to ensure that the work is aligned with the CSTP Programme of Work and other ongoing projects and contributes to the overall STI priorities.
• Liaise with other STI divisions and OECD Directorates and leverage mutual interests.
• Work closely with experts, delegates and government officials from GSF member countries and liaise with other relevant international bodies.
• Actively participate in activities to maximize the awareness and uptake of the GSF work through close co-operation with CSTP, other Divisions of the STI directorate, other OECD directorates, and appropriate entities outside the OECD. Act as the STP/STI expert in this subject area.
• Promote and proactively disseminate the work of GSF and CSTP, including the judicious use of social media tools and active participation in relevant meetings and seminars.

Ideal Candidate profile

Academic Background

• A university degree in natural or social sciences or humanities and a postgraduate qualification (MSc or equivalent) in a relevant area for science and innovation policy.  A PhD would be an advantage.

Professional Background

• Minimum of five years’ experience of policy analysis in the field of science and/or higher education policy acquired in a national or local administration and/or an international organisation.
• Substantive knowledge and experience of working in GSF priority areas.
• Proven capacity for analytical and policy-oriented work, ability to conduct research assignments and synthesise policy-oriented issues for intergovernmental audiences.

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.

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 2); Enable People (Level 1); Ethics and Integrity (Level 2); Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 2); Achieve Results (Level 2); Innovate and Embrace Change (Level 2).
• To learn more about the definitions for each competency for levels 1-3, please refer to OECD Core Competencies.

Contract duration

• 24-month fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal to a maximum of 36 months.

Closing Date

• This vacancy should be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than 23h59 on 16 September 2026 (Paris time).

Please note that our Rules and Regulations stipulate that the mandatory retirement age is 67.

What the OECD offers

• Monthly salary starts at 8,098 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 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.