Economist – Competition and Regulation

Company Description

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organization comprising 38 Member countries, working towards better policies for better lives. Our mission is to foster policies that enhance the economic and social well-being of people globally. Alongside governments, policymakers, and citizens, we strive to develop evidence-based international standards and find solutions to a wide array of social, economic, and environmental challenges. From improving economic performance and job creation to promoting effective education systems and combating international tax evasion, we serve as a unique forum and knowledge hub across many fields. We offer data, analysis, and advice, while facilitating the sharing of experiences and best practices in public policy and international standard-setting.

The Economics Department (ECO) developed, two decades ago, a set of quantitative indicators – the Product Market Regulation (PMR) indicators – measuring the impact of regulatory barriers to competition resulting from state intervention in business activities, administrative barriers to business creation, protection of incumbents in network industries, governance of state-owned enterprises, as well as barriers to international trade and foreign investment. PMR indicators rely on extensive information about regulatory policies and structures, and are regularly calculated for all OECD member countries, as well as major non-member economies. These indicators are a vital part of OECD’s work, enhancing knowledge of regulatory practices in OECD countries and providing valuable data for studying the link between regulatory framework quality and economic outcomes. PMR indicators are used for in-depth country assessments, identifying action priorities in OECD Economic Surveys, economic research, and studies by other OECD directorates. Furthermore, these indicators are widely used by other international organizations, such as the European Commission and the World Bank, and by national authorities to pinpoint specific aspects of product market regulation that might hinder competition. More information on PMR indicators can be found at: http://oe.cd/pmr-en

ECO is seeking an economist highly interested in competition and regulation issues to join the team responsible for the Product Market Regulation (PMR) indicators and related projects. This team is part of the Growth, Competitiveness and Regulation Division within the Policy Studies and Research Branch (ECO/PRB).

The selected individual will work alongside other junior economists and competition experts under the guidance of a senior economist, contributing to analytical research, data management, and the development of recommendations in the field of competition and market regulation.

Job Description

Main Responsibilities

Analysis, Research, and Writing

• Carry out research on economic and institutional matters concerning competition and regulation.
• Contribute to projects focusing on product market operations to identify potential reforms that promote competition in these markets.
• Collaborate and coordinate with public officials to gather and validate economic and regulatory data, ensuring quality, consistency, and international comparability.
• Integrate data collected through documentary research.
• Clean, manage, and analyze economic and regulatory data using statistical and econometric techniques.
• Assist in drafting and revising working papers, reports, and other documents, including presentations on competition and regulation topics, preparing charts, tables, statistical annexes, and analytical sections.

Liaison, Communication, and Representation

• Contribute to the planning and preparation of capacity-building events, workshops, and seminars.
• Present OECD research and findings to internal and external audiences.
• Maintain effective working relationships and regularly liaise with experts from other divisions and directorates and, where appropriate, with external experts.
• Maintain contacts with representatives of national administrations and other international organizations, as well as national delegations.

Qualifications

Ideal Profile

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in economics or a related field.
• Specialization in competition policy and economic regulation is desirable.

Professional Experience

• At least three years of relevant professional experience in the field of competition economics and regulatory economics, gained within a national administration, international organization, ministry, private sector entity, think tank, or similar structure.
• Strong knowledge of microeconomic policy and theory, particularly industrial economics, competition economics, and regulatory economics.
• Experience with sectoral regulation of network industries (gas, electricity, telecommunications, transport sectors, etc.) would be an asset.
• Proven ability to conduct economic and econometric analyses to address competition policy issues.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Experience working in a multicultural professional environment is desirable.

Tools

• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel.
• Strong skills in using econometric software (such as Stata).
• Knowledge of R would be an asset.

Languages

• Fluent command of English, with good writing skills, and practical knowledge of the other official OECD language, French, or willingness to acquire good practical knowledge.
• Knowledge of other languages would be an asset.

Core Competencies

• OECD staff are expected to demonstrate behavior consistent with the six core competencies evaluated during this recruitment process: Vision and Strategy (Level 2); Developing People (Level 1); Ethics and Integrity (Level 2); Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 2); Achieving Results (Level 2); Innovation and Embracing Change (Level 2).
• For more information on the definitions of proficiency levels 1 to 3 associated with each competency, please refer to the OECD Core Competency Framework.

Additional Information

• Closing Date: Applications must be received by midnight (Paris time) on April 27, 2025. The position is to be filled as soon as possible.
• Contract Duration: 12-month fixed-term appointment, with the possibility of renewal up to a maximum of 36 months.
• What the OECD offers: Depending on experience, monthly base salary starting from 6852.20 EUR, plus allowances/benefits based on personal situation, with the total remuneration exempt from French income tax. Consult the Staff Regulations, Rules and Instructions applicable to Officials of the Organisation. Note that individuals appointed as officials from July 1, 2025, will be engaged under the new OECD contractual modalities. Learn more about OECD offerings and its exceptional work environment. Consult our Personnel Management Guide online for details on HR aspects, work environment, and support measures for staff. Note: The selected candidate may be hired at a lower grade within the indicated job family based on qualifications and experience. This vacancy may be used to create a pool of candidates deemed suitable for comparable roles, under an indefinite or fixed-term contract.
• Selection Process: For shortlisted candidates, the process may include a video interview, a written test, and a panel interview. Expected timeline: Written test in May 2025, panel interviews in June 2025.

The OECD encourages applications from all qualified individuals who are nationals of its member countries, regardless of ethnic or racial origin, opinions or beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, health status, or disability, as part of its equal opportunity policy. The OECD strives for optimal resource use to improve efficiency and effectiveness, and staff members are encouraged to actively contribute to this goal.

Tagged as: 3 to 5 years