Working at the intersection of science, technology, innovation, and international public policy is a unique opportunity to contribute to solutions that shape economies and societies worldwide. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a globally respected international organisation headquartered in Paris, France, is currently seeking motivated and skilled professionals for the position of Assistant – Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) within its Directorate for Science, Technology and Innovation. This full-time role, at Grade GA3, offers an exceptional chance to be part of a diverse, multicultural environment that values evidence-based policymaking, collaboration, and innovation.
About the OECD: Better Policies for Better Lives
The OECD is made up of 38 member countries and works closely with governments, policymakers, and citizens to design and promote policies that improve economic and social well-being across the globe. Its work spans a wide range of policy areas, including economic growth, employment, education, digital transformation, environmental sustainability, and international taxation. Acting as a global forum and knowledge hub, the OECD is known for its rigorous data analysis, comparative research, and the development of international standards that guide publiķc policy worldwide.
Within this broad mission, the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Directorate plays a critical role. STI supports countries in creating environments where scientific research, technological development, and knowledge can be transformed into innovation that delivers tangible economic and social value. From digitalisation and artificial intelligence to research policy and innovation systems, the Directorate’s work is central to addressing today’s most pressing global challenges.
The Role: Supporting Global Policy Work from the Front Office
The Assistant – Science, Technology and Innovation position is designed for proactive, organised, and adaptable professionals who thrive in a dynamic international setting. Successful candidates will join one of the STI Directorate’s Divisions and work within its front office team, providing essential administrative, organisational, and logistical support to policy staff and working parties.
Under the direct supervision of the Head of Division, the Assistant will contribute to the smooth functioning of daily operations, ensuring that meetings, missions, publications, and workflows are managed efficiently and professionally. This role is ideal for individuals who are strong team players but also capable of working autonomously and taking initiative.
Key Responsibilities: A Varied and Impactful Portfolio
One of the most attractive aspects of this role is the diversity of responsibilities it offers. The position combines organisational support, document management, event coordination, and continuous process improvement.
Organisational support, meetings, and missions form a central part of the role. Assistants are responsible for organising workshops, conferences, and official meetings, whether held in person, online, or in hybrid formats. This includes reserving meeting rooms, managing participant lists, organising receptions, and providing secretarial support during events. In addition, the role involves arranging official missions for staff, including travel logistics, processing expense claims through SAP, compiling briefing files, and assisting with mission reports.
In the area of publications and documents, Assistants support the preparation of reports, working papers, and other materials in both of the OECD’s official languages, English and French. Tasks include proofreading, formatting according to the OECD Style Guide, drafting short correspondence or notes, and ensuring effective document and record management. Assistants also upload documents to internal platforms such as O.N.E. and community sites, and help keep the Directorate’s web content accurate and up to date.
The role also covers general administrative duties, such as preparing contracts, recruitment requests, and payment orders for external experts and consultants. Flexibility is key, as Assistants may act as back-up for colleagues within the Division and carry out additional tasks as required.
Finally, the OECD places strong emphasis on continuous learning and process improvement. Assistants are expected to stay informed about the Directorate’s programme of work, funding sources, and milestones, while proactively suggesting improvements to administrative processes and workflows. Keeping up to date with evolving corporate systems, IT tools, and financial or human resource rules is an integral part of the role.
Who Should Apply: Qualifications and Skills
The ideal candidate has a post-secondary level of education, with office management or secretarial studies considered a strong advantage. Professionally, candidates should have relevant experience as an assistant, preferably within an international organisation or similar environment, and demonstrable experience in organising meetings and preparing documents or publications.
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Strong administrative skills, attention to detail, and the ability to quickly learn and apply organisational rules and procedures are essential. Excellent proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite is required, along with the ability to use or rapidly adapt to OECD corporate tools and software.
Language skills are particularly important in this bilingual environment. Candidates must be fluent in either English or French and have a working knowledge of, or willingness to learn, the other language. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset.
Beyond technical skills, the OECD values behaviours aligned with its Core Competencies, including collaboration, integrity, innovation, and results orientation. These competencies are assessed during the recruitment process and reflect the organisation’s commitment to excellence and ethical public service.
Contract, Benefits, and Career Prospects
The position is offered as a 13-month fixed-term contract, with the possibility of renewal for up to a maximum of 36 months. The monthly salary starts at 3,809 EUR, supplemented by allowances depending on eligibility, and is exempt from French income tax.
The OECD offers a highly attractive working environment, with comprehensive staff regulations, modern contractual modalities, and strong people management policies. Employees benefit from a multicultural workplace, professional development opportunities, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to global policy discussions. In addition, this vacancy may be used to establish a pool of candidates for similar positions in the future, including both fixed-term and open-ended roles.
Selection Process and Equal Opportunity Commitment
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to participate in a video-recorded interview, job-based assessments, and panel interviews. The OECD is firmly committed to being an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified nationals of OECD member countries, regardless of background, gender, beliefs, health status, or disabilities.
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Conclusion: A Unique Opportunity in Paris
For professionals seeking to build or advance a career in international public service, the Assistant – Science, Technology and Innovation role at the OECD represents a valuable opportunity. Based in Paris, at the heart of global policy dialogue, this position allows you to support cutting-edge work in science and innovation while developing a broad skill set in an internationally respected institution.
