Project Lead, Data Scientist

THE OECD – Who we are, what we do

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ( OECD ) is an international organisation comprised of 38 member countries, whose mission is to build better policies for better lives. We 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 to establish evidence-based international standards, and finding solutions to a broad range of social, economic and environmental challenges, from the improvement of 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 ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT

The Economics Department (ECO) leads co-ordinated, innovative, international action with respect to the OECD’s work on economic policy, both international and domestic. The Department implements the priorities of the Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) set by Member Countries and the Secretary-General in its area of business.

The Economics Department aims at enhancing economic performance in Member and non-Member countries through sound and innovative policy advice with a view to seeking an inclusive and durable increase in living standards. It deals with a wide array of policy areas combining macro-economic analysis and a strong emphasis on structural policy issues. Its policy advice is derived from a variety of sources such as country surveillance, cross-country benchmarking and evidence derived from empirical research. Much of the Economics Department’s policy analysis and advice is provided as input to committee-based peer review and multilateral surveillance processes and contributes to the overall OECD mission. The Economics Department interacts with several other OECD directorates working in specific policy fields.

THE POSITION

The Economics Department is looking for an experienced and creative Project Lead, Data Scientist . The ideal candidate will bring a strong track record in project management and possess broad, in-depth knowledge of the full spectrum of data science solutions including generative AI, machine learning, big data, text mining and natural language processing (NLP). Familiarity with nowcasting, econometric modeling, use of firm-level data, geo-spatial analysis and other applications of data science to economic issues would be considered a further advantage.

This role offers a unique opportunity to play a leading role in the newly created IT and data-focused unit within the Policy and Research Branch (PRB) of the Economics Department. The position reports to a Senior Economist.

We are looking for someone with a strategic mindset, strong technical expertise, and the leadership skills to drive innovation at the intersection of policy and technology.

Tools

- Advanced programming skills related to data science including machine learning prediction methods (including regularized regression and tree-based methods) and Natural Language Processing methods (including topic modelling, semantic and sentiment analysis and named entity recognition).
- Proficiency in programming languages such as R, Python, SQL, Spark ML and Hadoop environment; strong experience with open-source version control tools such as Git.
- Knowledge of data engineering principles, including ETL processes, data pipelines, and quality control mechanisms.
- Knowledge of time series econometric methods (including cointegration, panel estimation and difference-in-difference methods)
- Familiarity with international data standards and formats (e.g., SDMX).
- Understanding of cybersecurity principles and secure software development practices.
- Familiarity with nowcasting and econometric models.
- Knowledge of other tools such as geospatial software will be an asset

Responsibilities

Provide expert guidance on the most innovative and suitable data science solutions to support ECO’s policy research and economic analysis.; Proactively contribute ideas to enhance existing projects by integrating cutting-edge data science tools and methodologies.; Respond to data science requests and inquiries from across the Economics Department.; Deliver training sessions and build internal capacity on data science; Represent the Economics Department (ECO) in meetings and working groups related to data science.; Draft briefing notes and deliver presentations showcasing ECO’s work and experience in the field of data science.; Act as a key liaison with other OECD departments and external organisations on collaborative data science initiatives, particularly in areas such as economic analysis and nowcasting.; Lead data-science projects from inception to delivery; Drafting project blueprints, developing proofs of concept and progress reports; Human resource coordination (e.g. managing consultants, overseeing training); Technical scoping (e.g. server infrastructure, programming languages); Budget planning and oversight (e.g. licensing, consultancy costs); Timeline and milestone management, ensuring on-time delivery.

Requirements

Advanced university degree (Master or PhD) in Data Science, Information Systems, Statistics, Economics, or a related field.; Proven experience in managing complex data science projects, including supervision of multidisciplinary teams.; Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.; Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into strategic insights to diverse audiences; Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to motivate and manage diverse technical teams.; Strong interpersonal skills, including diplomacy and cultural sensitivity, essential for working in a multicultural, international environment.; Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multiple projects and time zones.; Strong communication skills, with experience conveying technical or complex information in an engaging and understandable manner.; Experience working with economic data and concepts is a strong advantage.