Procurement Advisor

THE OECD – Who we are, what we do

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 EXECUTIVE DIRECTORATE (EXD)

The Executive Directorate (EXD) is the steward of OECD resources, on behalf of the Secretary-General.  Our focus is on people and their wellbeing; the effective and efficient management of the budget; the safety and security of staff, Delegations, visitors, and of the OECD's data; maintaining and sustaining physical and digital infrastructure; and enabling the convening power of the OECD through conferences, meetings and events, whether virtual, physical or hybrid.  As well as providing corporate services, functions and management support to our staff and Members, we provide integrated, strategic and expert advice on corporate policies and management issues to the Secretary-General, to Council and to Standing Committees, to which we regularly report on corporate matters. We also provide compliance and risk management functions (for management areas under our purview). Ours is a fast-paced environment focused on delivering management excellence across all of our functions.

THE PROGRAMME, BUDGET AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICE (EXD/PBF)

Within the Executive Directorate (EXD), the Programme, Budget and Financial Management Service (EXD/PBF), employs a workforce of approximately 115 staff who provide stewardship of the Organisation's financial resources on behalf of the Secretary-General. The service is composed of six main business units: Accounting & Financial Support Division; Corporate Procurement Group; Engagement and Strategic Transformation Division; Programme of Work Management Division; Resource Management Systems Division; and Voluntary Contribution Management Group.

THE POSITION

The Corporate Procurement Group (CPG) seeks a Procurement Advisor with a multifaceted and versatile profile, combining expertise in procurement, project management, digital technologies, and strong communication skills. The selected candidate will act as a strategic partner, driving innovation and continuous improvement in procurement practices across the Organisation.

Main Responsibilities

Expert Advice

• Serve as procurement and contracting expert providing strategic advice on highly complex technical and legal contracts and procurement activities, in accordance with the OECD Procurement Rules and Procedures, best public procurement principles and policies, and best market practices.
• Provide expert advice on digital procurement strategies, process automation, and technology adoption to enhance efficiency and reduce risk.
• Ensure transparency, accountability and efficiency in all procurement processes through an effective internal control system; Develop standard operating procedures for procurement to reflect best business practice; Report on lessons learned from experience with special procurement processes.
• Advise managers on the strategic planning of their procurement and on drawing up purchasing roadmap; and carry out an efficient and optimized performance tracking.
• Lead or contribute to cross-functional projects aimed at optimising procurement processes, leveraging project management methodologies and digital tools.
• Resolve delivery problems and complaints, vendor disputes concerning contract obligations, and verbal or written protests from unsuccessful bidders.

Communication and Process Improvement

• Communicate complex technical and strategic information clearly to diverse audiences, supporting change management initiatives.
• Champion knowledge sharing, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative problem-solving across the Organisation, promoting procurement best practices.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and innovation, championing the adoption of new technologies and agile methodologies, actively contributing to projects and initiatives.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• Master's degree in business, engineering, law, or related field, with specialization in procurement, project management, or digital transformation.
• An adequate professional certification by an internationally recognised procurement certification authority (CIPS or equivalent) is desirable.

Professional Background

• Six years of practical experience in procurement and/or contract preparation and negotiations using tools and new technologies to increase efficiency and reduce risk.
• Sound knowledge of public procurement code and procedures would be an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, digital procurement, and stakeholder engagement.
• Good knowledge of the Organisation's structure, processes, regulations and administrative systems or experience in a similar international structure would be an advantage.
• Advisory skills and proven experience in analysing complex issues related to procurement and contract management, providing solutions compliant with both internal clients' constraints and the interests of the Organisation.
• Awareness/strong interest for innovation and new technologies.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues and propose innovative solutions.
• Experience in analysing sensitive situations, identifying problems and risks, assessing their relative importance and proposing innovative/satisfactory solutions, demonstrated ability to think flexibly.
• Flexible, resilient, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Tools

• Sound knowledge of integrated management tools (Suite MS Office, SAP or other ERP). Advanced Excel skills would be an asset.
• Knowledge of SAP/SRM, Power BI and/or of any e-procurement and e-sourcing solutions would be an asset.

Languages

• Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and knowledge of the other, with 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 1); Enable People (Level 1); Ethics and Integrity (Level 2); Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 2); 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, refer to OECD Core Competencies.

Closing Date

• This vacancy should be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than midnight 14 December 2025 (Paris time). 

Contract Duration

• This vacancy will be used to fill multiple positions. The appointment type/level will be determined based on the needs of the Directorate and will be confirmed when an offer of employment is made to the selected candidate.

What the OECD offers

The monthly salary starts at 6 717 EUR, plus allowances based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.

The appointment may be made at a lower grade based on the qualifications and professional experience of selected applicant.

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

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 to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Staff members are encouraged to actively contribute to this goal.