Head of the Payroll Administration Unit

Company Description
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 International Service for Remunerations and Pensions
The International Service for Remunerations and Pensions (ISRP) delivers a broad spectrum of specialized services to the Co-ordinated Organisations—including NATO, ESA, EUMETSAT, ECMWF, Council of Europe, and OECD—as well as to various Associated Organisations. Its expertise spans salary studies, statistical analysis, surveys, remuneration and pension management, legal advisory and fund management across international organisations and international financial institutions. The ISRP is administratively attached to the OECD

The
Payroll Administration Unit
The Payroll Administration Unit is responsible for the accurate and timely administration of pension payments across a network of international organisations.

The ISRP is looking for a Head of the Payroll Administration Unit payroll services for Co-ordinated and non-Co-ordinated Organisations. Reporting to the Head of the ISRP, the incumbent will lead a diverse team of more than 20 staff members and oversee the administration of over 11,000 pension payments globally, ensure compliance with diverse regulatory frameworks, and drive process improvements in payroll operations. The role requires strong leadership, technical expertise in payroll and benefits administration, and proficiency in HR systems.

Job Description
Leadership and strategic oversight

• Lead the Payroll Administration Unit, ensuring the delivery of high-quality pension payroll services to Co-ordinated and non-Co-ordinated Organisations.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, team spirit, and service excellence within the team
• Represent the Unit in internal and external forums, including coordination with senior stakeholders and participation in strategic planning discussions

Operational management of pension payroll

• Oversee the accurate and timely processing of monthly pension payments for over 11,000 beneficiaries across multiple currencies and jurisdictions.
• Coordinate with external auditors and Budget Services to certify and transmit accounting data.

Process improvement and systems optimization

• Promote long-term strategic planning for the evolution of payroll systems, including the exploration and integration of AI-driven solutions to enhance pensioner management and service delivery.
• Oversee the use and optimisation of HR Access and other payroll-related systems, ensuring effective data management and reporting capabilities.

Stakeholder engagement and communication

• Act as the primary point of contact for pensioners and administrative services of Co-ordinated Organisations regarding payroll matters.
• Organise and lead regular team meetings to share updates, resolve issues, and foster collaboration.
• Participate in seminars and briefings for future pensioners, providing clear and accessible information on entitlements and procedures, periodic visits to the serviced organisations are expected.

Compliance and control

• Ensure robust internal controls are in place to manage risks and uphold compliance with OECD rules and procedures.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators and operational metrics to support decision-making and continuous improvement.

Qualifications
Academic Background

• MBA or Advanced university degree in finance, accounting, human resources, or a related field.

Professional Background

• Minimum 10 years of experience in payroll administration, pension management, or financial operations within international or public sector organisations.
• Minimum 5 years of experience managing teams.
• Strong understanding of international tax legislation and pension schemes.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to maintain effective working relationships across diverse stakeholders.

Tools

• Advanced proficiency in payroll systems and (knowledge of HR Access is distinct advantage).
• Excellent knowledge of SAP BO
• Good knowledge of SAGE or equivalent interbank transfer systems.
• Advanced Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Additional Information
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 3); Ethics and Integrity (Level 2); Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 3); Achieve Results (Level 2); Innovate and Embrace Change (Level 2).
• There are three possible levels for each competency. The level for each competency is determined according to the specific needs of each job role and its associated grade.
• To learn more about the definitions for each competency for levels 1-3, please refer to OECD Core Competencies.

Contract
Duration

• Open-ended contract.

Closing date

• This vacancy should be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than midnight 11 January 2026.

What the OECD offers

• Depending on level of experience, monthly salary starts at 9,328.08 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.

Salary Information

• 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.

Selection Process
For retained candidates, written tests are foreseen as soon as possible and panel interviews are planned for as soon as possible.

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.