Head of the Payroll Administration Unit

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 ISRP is administratively attached to the OECD.

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 senior leader to lead the Payroll Administration Unit, with responsibility for the strategic governance, financial integrity, and operational delivery of pension 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, hold institutional responsibility for the financial integrity and regulatory compliance of pension payroll across multiple international organisations, and drive the strategic evolution of payroll operations. The role requires strong leadership, proven experience in managed service delivery, financial oversight, and advanced competence in payroll systems.

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 act as the senior authority advising the Head of ISRP and governing bodies on pension payroll strategy, financial risk, and service delivery models.

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.
• Hold delegated responsibility for the financial integrity, accuracy and risk management of pension payrolls representing significant annual expenditure across multiple international organisations.
• Lead engagement with external auditors, Budget Services and governing bodies to provide assurance on payroll, accounting and compliance.

Process improvement and systems optimization

• Promote long-term strategic planning for the evolution of payroll systems, including the integration of advanced technologies to enhance service delivery
• Provide strategic direction for the design, governance and evolution of payroll and pension administration systems, including automation, data integrity, reporting and cybersecurity risks.

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

• Define, interpret, and maintain the control framework, policies and procedures governing pension payroll, ensuring compliance with OECD, Co-ordinated Organisations and international regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators and operational metrics to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Provide regular risk, compliance and performance reporting to senior management and governing bodies, including emerging risks and mitigation strategies.

Academic Background

• MBA or Advanced university degree in finance, accounting, human resources, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience

Professional Background

• Minimum 10 years of experience in payroll administration, pension management, or financial operations within international or public sector organisations, or in comparable settings
• Minimum 5 years of experience in managing and coaching teams.
• Proven experience in managed service delivery and financial oversight. Experience in change management and leading/guiding organisational or large-scale changes in process and/or technology.
• 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 financial management tools
• Knowledge of HR Access is a 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).

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 a knowledge of, or a willingness to learn, the other. 

• Knowledge of additional languages is an asset, such as German or Spanish

Closing Date

• This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than 01 March 2026 midnight (Paris time)

Contract Duration

• Open-ended appointment, with no foreseen end date.

What the OECD offers

• Monthly salary starts at 10 700.33EUR, 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

For retained candidates, the selection process may include a video-recorded interview, job-based assessment and panel interviews.

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.

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