Application Guide

How to Apply for Head of Financing for Sustainable Development, 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 international organization where policy directly shapes global development through evidence-based standards and multilateral cooperation. Working here offers unparalleled access to influence sustainable development financing across 38 member countries and beyond, with a mission-driven focus on improving economic and social well-being worldwide.

About This Role

As Head of Financing for Sustainable Development in the Development Co-operation Directorate, you will lead efforts to accelerate Agenda 2030 implementation by innovating and coordinating international financing mechanisms for the SDGs. This role directly shapes how development assistance is structured, monitored, and delivered through the OECD Development Assistance Committee, making it pivotal to global sustainable development outcomes.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves coordinating with DCD colleagues on financing analysis, preparing briefings for DAC meetings, engaging with member country delegations on financing challenges, and developing policy recommendations to improve SDG financing effectiveness. You might spend mornings analyzing development finance data and afternoons in consultations with stakeholders to align financing approaches with development priorities.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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

  • Senior professional with 10+ years in development finance, multilateral funding mechanisms, or SDG financing, preferably with experience in both public and private sectors
  • Proven track record in designing or implementing innovative financing instruments (e.g., blended finance, impact investing, green bonds) for development goals
  • Deep understanding of OECD/DAC standards and processes, with experience working in or with international organizations
  • Strong diplomatic skills to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes including governments, donors, and developing country partners

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

1

Explicitly connect your experience to OECD's specific work streams - mention specific DAC recommendations, peer reviews, or SDG financing initiatives you've engaged with

2

Quantify your impact on development financing outcomes (e.g., 'mobilized $X million in private capital for SDG projects through blended finance structures')

3

Demonstrate understanding of both the technical aspects of development finance AND the political/diplomatic dimensions of working with member countries

4

Highlight any experience with OECD's evidence-based policy approach - show how you've used data and analysis to influence financing decisions

5

Tailor your application to DCD's dual focus: both setting international standards AND improving practical implementation of financing mechanisms

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your direct experience with OECD/DAC processes or standards in development cooperation', "Specific examples of how you've innovated in development financing beyond traditional ODA", 'Your ability to bridge technical financing expertise with policy influence in multilateral settings', "How your background aligns with DCD's mandate to accelerate Agenda 2030 implementation through better financing"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Recent OECD/DCD publications on SDG financing, blended finance, or development cooperation trends
  • → Current DAC work programs and recent peer review outcomes for major donor countries
  • → OECD's role in specific SDG financing initiatives like the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation
  • → The structure and decision-making processes of the Development Assistance Committee

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you address the current challenges in mobilizing private finance for SDGs in developing countries?
2 Describe your experience with DAC peer review processes or development effectiveness principles
3 How would you balance the needs of OECD member countries with the priorities of developing country partners?
4 What innovative financing mechanisms do you believe hold the most promise for scaling up SDG financing?
5 How would you measure the impact of financing for sustainable development beyond traditional metrics?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Treating this as a generic development finance role without demonstrating specific OECD/DAC knowledge
  • Focusing only on technical financing skills without addressing the policy and diplomatic dimensions
  • Presenting experience that's purely academic or theoretical without practical implementation in development contexts

📅 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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