Application Guide

How to Apply for Deputy Director - Development Co-operation Directorate

at Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

🏢 About Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

The OECD is a unique intergovernmental organization that shapes policies for better lives through evidence-based analysis and international cooperation. Working here offers the opportunity to influence global development policies at the highest level, with access to cutting-edge research and a network of 38 member countries. The Development Co-operation Directorate specifically drives the OECD's work on development finance and sustainable development goals.

About This Role

As Deputy Director, you'll be the right hand to the Director in shaping strategic direction, managing a significant budget through the Programme of Work and Budget (PWB), and leading resource mobilization for development initiatives. This role directly impacts how OECD supports sustainable development in emerging economies through policy guidance and partnership building at the highest international levels.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might begin with reviewing draft policy briefs on development finance trends, followed by a virtual meeting with member country delegates to discuss PWB allocations. Afternoon could involve mentoring team leads on performance objectives, then preparing talking points for the Director's meeting with potential donor governments about partnership opportunities. You'd likely end the day analyzing voluntary contribution proposals against strategic priorities.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Is Looking For

  • A seasoned professional with 10+ years in development cooperation who has managed multi-million euro budgets and strategic planning in international organizations like UN agencies, World Bank, or EU institutions
  • Someone with deep expertise in development finance mechanisms and current debates around SDG financing gaps, blended finance, and climate finance
  • A diplomatic leader with proven experience representing organizations at ministerial-level meetings and building consensus among diverse stakeholders
  • A strategic thinker who has successfully designed and implemented resource mobilization strategies securing voluntary contributions from governments, foundations, or private sector

📝 Tips for Applying to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

1

Quantify your experience with Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) processes - specify budget sizes you've managed and strategic planning cycles you've led

2

Demonstrate specific knowledge of OECD's Development Assistance Committee (DAC) work and how you've engaged with DAC standards or peer reviews

3

Highlight experience with OECD's consensus-based decision-making culture and how you've navigated multilateral diplomacy

4

Provide concrete examples of securing voluntary contributions - name partners, amounts, and development outcomes achieved

5

Show familiarity with OECD's recent flagship reports like 'Development Co-operation Report' or 'States of Fragility' and how your work aligns

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your direct experience with Programme of Work and Budget processes in international organizations', 'Specific examples of building strategic partnerships and mobilizing resources for development cooperation', "How you've represented organizations at high-level international forums and managed stakeholder relationships", 'Your approach to managing teams in multicultural environments and driving performance in policy-focused organizations']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → OECD's Development Co-operation Directorate current workstreams and recent publications on developmentfinance.org
  • → The specific voluntary contribution partners currently funding DCD initiatives and their strategic priorities
  • → OECD's recent Council decisions related to development cooperation and the 2023-24 Programme of Work
  • → Current debates within the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) on ODA modernization and private finance mobilization

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach revising the Directorate's Programme of Work and Budget to address emerging development challenges?
2 Describe your experience with OECD's peer review mechanisms and how you would strengthen development cooperation effectiveness
3 What strategies would you implement to increase voluntary contributions for the Directorate's work?
4 How would you handle disagreements among member countries on development policy priorities?
5 What specific changes would you propose to the Directorate's approach to supporting sustainable development in fragile states?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying generic development experience without demonstrating specific knowledge of OECD processes and DAC standards
  • Focusing only on field-level implementation experience without showing policy influence and high-level representation skills
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of how international organizations like OECD operate differently from NGOs or government agencies

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)!

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