Communications Manager

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 Development Co-operation Directorate (DCD) encourages co-ordinated, innovative, international action to accelerate the implementation of Agenda 2030 in developing countries, and improve the financing of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Directorate helps set international standards for development co-operation, supporting the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC), and monitors how donors deliver on their commitments. Drawing upon OECD-wide, DCD supports members and partners with data, analysis and guidance.

DCD is looking for a Communications Manager to lead the design and implementation of its communications strategy and to provide senior advisory support to the Directorate’s management on communications, in alignment with the priorities of the Secretary-General and the Organisation’s annual corporate communications plan (ACP). The selected candidate will work under the supervision of the Deputy Director, and in close collaboration with the Directorate for Communications (COM) and the Division of Communications of the Development cluster.

Main Responsibilities

Strategic advice and management

• Lead the design and implementation of a communications strategy aligned with OECD-wide development messaging, priorities and goals, establishing the OECD as a major facilitator of global conversations on development co-operation.
• Advise on the strategic and efficient use of available resources, and on maximising the dissemination and uptake of the DAC’s work in close partnership with DAC delegates.
• Contribute to the steering of DCD’s Publications and Communications Board of senior managers, in close collaboration with the Director’s Office, so as to increase the relevance, visibility and impact of OECD work on development, following the priorities of the Secretary-General and the Organisation’s Annual Communications Plan (ACP).
• Help managers and their teams across DCD to (i) communicate more strategically and collaboratively across teams, from the design phase of their projects to implementation and evaluation; (ii) better understand their priority audiences and how to reach them; and (iii) develop more strategic conversations with partners.
• Lead the development of products in accessible, user‑centred and operational formats (e.g. dashboards, executive summaries, two‑pagers, briefs and other visual or digital tools), ensuring complex analysis is translated into clear, actionable messages tailored to policymakers, practitioners and other target audiences.
• Monitor the evolution of development discourses and debates at global, regional and – when relevant - national levels, as well as the conversation on the role of communications in development co-operation.
• Manage a team of five communication officers handling social media, online and paper publications. Uphold high standards of professional comportment, performance management and professional excellence, fostering a culture of respect, teamwork, learning, and innovation.

 

Communication and editorial work

• Support the drafting, review, and refinement of content for all communication channels, tailored to target audiences and various platforms.
• Ensure that DCD messages are coherent and consistent across OECD policy areas, well aligned with the Organisation’s strategic priorities and corporate messaging, and are supported by effective planning and co-ordination.
• Take an active role in strengthening and implementing OECD and DCD communications best practices, notably in plain‑language drafting, publishing, digital communications and social media engagement, following the Organisation’s rules on editorial practices, publication content types, branding and visual identity.
• Collaborate closely with COM to enhance DCD and the DAC’s impact in the press.

 

Representation and liaison

• Establish effective operational links with COM. Participate in the ONE COM Communications Managers community, contribute to the implementation of the ACP and participate actively in relevant OECD communities of practice.
• Keep abreast of current OECD-wide substantive priorities related to sustainable development and development co-operation.
• Explore and seize opportunities to engage with members and partners as communicators, so as to enhance the OECD influence in development co-operation conversations.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• An advanced university degree in communications, media, journalism, economics, political science, international relations, development or another relevant discipline.

Professional Background

• A minimum of five years’ relevant professional experience in the field of communications and public relations, including significant experience at senior advisory level, gained within government, business, international organisations, civil society organisations, or media environments.
• Proven experience communicating on issues related to international sustainable development, with an outstanding track record of producing high-quality original content and revising the drafts of others.
• Significant experience of providing strategic leadership and advice at senior management level.
• Proven experience in the conception and implementation of strategic plans to communicate key messages to a range of audiences involved in multi-stakeholder partnerships, intergovernmental dialogue and political processes. 
• Strong experience in change and project management.
• Demonstrated experience in people management and in fostering inclusive and respectful working enviornments.
• Experience in drafting proposals for fundraising purposes would be an advantage.

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 3); Enable People (Level 2); Ethics and Integrity (Level 2); Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 3); Achieve Results (Level 3); Innovate and Embrace Change (Level 2).
• To learn more about the definitions for each competency for levels 1-3, please refer to OECD Core Competencies.

Languages

• Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and knowledge of the other, with a commitment to reach a good working level.

Closing Date

• This vacancy should be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than midnight 28 of May 2026 (Paris time).

Contract Duration

• Open-ended appointment, with no foreseen end date.
• Please note that our Rules and Regulations stipulate that the mandatory retirement age is 67.

 

What the OECD offers

• Monthly salary starts at 9 402 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.
• 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.
• This vacancy may be used to create a pool of candidates for comparable positions, both for open-ended and fixed-term functions. 

 

Selection Process

The recruitment process may entail an aptitude test, including activities designed to evaluate cognitive abilities such as problem-solving and logical reasoning, as well as analytical thinking and transferable skills aligned with our Core Competencies Framework. Please refer to the aptitude test guidelines to help you prepare.   

For further retained candidates, the selection process may include a video-recorded interview, written assessment and a panel interview. 

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.