Head of PARIS21 Secretariat

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ( OECD ) is an international organisationcomprisedof 38member countries,whose mission isto build better policies for better lives.Wepromote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. Together with governments, policymakersand citizens, we worktoestablishevidence-based international standards, and finding solutions to abroadrange of social,economicand environmental challenges, from the improvement ofeconomic performanceandcreating jobs to fostering strong education and fighting international tax evasion. Weprovide 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.

PARTNERSHIP IN STATISTICS FOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE 21STCENTURY (PARIS21)

The Partnership in Statistics for Development in the 21st Century ( PARIS21 ), a hosted entity within the Statistics and Data Directorate of OECD, is a global partnership that promotes the better use and production of statistics to support sustainable development. With a Secretariat of about 20 staff, PARIS21 supports low- and lower middle-income countries in strengthening their national statistical systems and enhancing data ecosystems to enable evidence-based decision-making.

THE POSITION

The Executive Head of PARIS21 will provide strategic leadership to the PARIS21 Secretariat and ensure the effective design and implementation of its Programme of Work, under the oversight of the PARIS21 Board and its Executive Committee. The incumbent will report to the Director of the Statistics and Data Directorate (SDD) and contribute to advancing the Organisation’s strategic priorities, including the OECD’s global development agenda.

The role requires strong leadership, excellent diplomatic and representational capacities, and deep expertise in development policy and statistical capacity development. The Executive head will position PARIS21 at the forefront of international thinking and practical implementation on data for development, artificial intelligence and data readiness, data use and financing, and strategic planning for statistics. The incumbent will cultivate and maintain high‑level partnerships across the global data ecosystem including with national statistical systems, international organisations, donors, and civil society. Securing funding from both traditional and emerging international development donors will be an important part of the role. He/she will also ensure the efficient management of the Secretariat, foster a collaborative and high‑performing team culture, and represent PARIS21 in international fora, high level engagements, and strategic dialogues.

The position is based in Paris and entailed frequent international travel.

Job Description

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic direction to the Partnership to enable the achievement of its objectives.
• Ensure the effective delivery of advocacy messages and promote the culture of evidence-based policy-making and decision-making.
• Engage with key stakeholders involved in statistical capacity development at the country level and in international processes.
• Drive innovation in statistical capacity development, including modernisation of national statistical systems and strengthening of country‑led data ecosystems.
• Strengthen strategic planning for statistics,including the design and implementation of National Strategies for the Development of Statistics (NSDS), and support efforts to enhance national statistical capacity development, data use and impact.
• Support and facilitate the development of global, regional and national networks to achieve PARIS21 objectives and engage with emerging statistical development initiatives.

Representation, Partnerships and Advocacy

• Represent PARIS21 within the OECD and externally at high-level international, regional and national fora.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with governments, national statistical offices, international and regional organisations, donors, academia, civil society and the private sector.
• Promote evidence-based policy making and support efforts to strengthen investment in data and statistics.
• Strengthen PARIS21’s visibility, credibility and influence within the international statistical and development communities.

Management, Resource Mobilisation and Oversight

• Lead resource mobilisation efforts for PARIS21, including engagement with existing and prospective donors, and identification of new funding opportunities.
• Oversee the planning, implementation and monitoring of the Programme of Work and Budget, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and delivering high-quality results.