Economist-Policy Analyst – Artificial Intelligence

THE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION DIRECTORATE

The Science, Technology and Innovation Directorate (STI) helps OECD member countries and other key economies build an environment conducive to translating science, technology and knowledge into innovation in order to create economic and social value added.

The Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Digital Technologies Division (AIEDT) Division of STI is responsible for undertaking empirical and policy work on AI and emerging technologies including the implementation of the OECD Recommendation on Artificial Intelligence (OECD AI Principles). It includes the OECD.AI Policy Observatory that provides digital products and resources, and builds international dialogue to examine AI policy issues and trends to support countries.

The Division is also responsible for the Global Forum on Technology (GFTech). The GFTech provides a venue for regular in-depth dialogue to foresee and get ahead of long-term opportunities and risks presented by technology and facilitates inclusive, in-depth, multi-stakeholder and values-based discussions on specific technology policy topics among OECD Members and partners, responding to gaps in existing fora.

The Observatory supports the work of the Digital Policy Committee (DPC), the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) and the Working Party on AI Governance (AIGO), including through convening and coordinating a global Network of Experts on AI (ONE AI) and several topic-specific expert groups on AI risk and accountability, AI incidents, AI compute and climate, AI futures, AI index, AI, data and privacy.

THE POSITION

STI/AIEDT is looking for an Economist/Policy Analyst to support its work on AI policy, notably regarding the OECD.AI Policy Observatory, GPAI, AIGO and ONE AI. The selected person will work under the supervision of the Head of Unit in charge of the AI policy work, under the direction of the Head of the AIEDT Division in STI.

Job Description

Main Responsibilities

Analysis and drafting

• Carry out policy, economic, legal and/or technical analysis on topics covered by the GPAI, the AIGO and the OECD.AI Network of Experts on AI related to AI policy and regulation, e.g. AI national policy and regulatory developments, AI risk approaches and accountability mechanisms, AI incidents reporting and analysis, AI foresight work, trends analysis, and emerging technological developments.
• Conduct comparative policy analyses using OECD.AI data and resources, contributing to flagship publications on AI policy, governance, including comprehensive country and regional reviews.
• Draft reports in these areas with the contribution of team members and of AI experts, and manage the publication process.
• Produce diverse documents including working papers, policy documents, blog posts, case studies, speeches, briefings, and meeting summaries to communicate AI policy insights.
• Help maintain and improve OECD.AI Policy Observatory resources and tools, such as the database of national AI policies and regulation, information on AI legislative developments, AI incidents, and the catalogue of tools for trustworthy AI.

Meetings, liaison and communication

• Contribute to the strategic planning and the organisation of, and participate in, meetings of national government delegates and experts from the private sector, civil society, trade unions, the technical community and academia in connection with the Organisation’s work programme.
• Participate, as required, in horizontal and multi-disciplinary projects and activities of STI and the OECD. Liaise and plan internal OECD coordination on issues related to AI.
• Liaise as needed with national government delegates and experts from the private sector, civil society, the Internet technical community and academia.
• Participate in AIGO and GPAI-related meetings and workshops, including expert groups as relevant. Prepare presentation materials and documents as required.
• Contribute to the external visibility of AIEDT and STI, e.g. by drafting blog posts and articles, participating in, and presenting initiatives at workshops, conferences, etc., and liaising with media as appropriate.
• Provide professional oversight and management of external contractor work, ensuring high-quality deliverables and alignment with organizational objectives.

Qualifications

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background:

• An advanced university degree in economics, law, computer science, or a related subject.

Professional Background:

• Minimum of five years' experience in policy analysis, with demonstrated expertise in digital policy, technology governance, and AI regulatory frameworks.
• Proven track record in comprehensive research methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative research design, survey methodology and statistical analysis, stakeholder engagement through interviews, workshops, and focus group facilitation.
• Experience with composite indicators and metrics development; designing methodology and structure, developing assessment criteria, and carrying out assessments, as well as scoring and reporting, would be an asset.
• Experience in project management and contributing to multidisciplinary projects.

Tools:

• Experience in the use of IT tools for data management and analysis as well as a strong desire to learn and understand the technical environment in which the OECD and OECD.AI Policy Observatory operates.
• Knowledge of survey and data management good practices would be an asset.

Languages:

• Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and a knowledge of, or a willingness to learn, the other.

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 2); Enable People (Level 1); Ethics and Integrity (Level 2); Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 2); Achieve Results (Level 2); Innovate and Embrace Change (Level 2).
• There are three possible levels for each competency. The level for each competency is determined according to the specific needs of each job role and its associated grade.
• To learn more about the definitions for each competency for levels 1-3, please refer to OECD Core Competencies

Additional Information

Contract Duration

• 13-month fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.

Closing Date

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than 23h59 (Paris time) on 5 January 2025.

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

What the OECD offers

• Monthly base salary starting from 7,738 EUR plus allowances, based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.
• Please note that the appointment may be made at a lower grade based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.

The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from 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. Our selection processes are merit-based; we strive to enhance diversity both from national and gender perspectives while running fair, transparent and competitive selection processes.

The OECD promotes an optimal use of resources to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Staff members are encouraged to actively contribute to this goal.

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