The call for applications closes on 16 February 2024

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The OECD Working Group on Bribery in International Business Transactions (WGB) is seeking a dynamic individual to become its new Chair and lead the body for the next four years.

The WGB is a multilateral body that monitors the implementation of the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions (Convention) and related anti-bribery instruments, including the 2021 OECD Anti-Bribery Recommendation. The Convention is the only legally binding instrument globally to focus on the supply of bribes to foreign public officials. A recognised global leader in the fight against foreign bribery, the WGB comprises 46 Parties and serves as the Conference of Parties to the Convention. Through an open-ended, peer-driven monitoring mechanism, the WGB ensures that member countries thoroughly fulfil their international obligations to combat foreign bribery. The WGB review process culminates in country evaluation reports containing recommendations, which are publicly available on the OECD website, at: Country evaluation reports on the implementation of the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention.

The WGB also develops good practices for preventing and detecting foreign bribery and enforcing foreign bribery laws, and engages with non-members, other OECD bodies, international organisations, and business and civil society as appropriate. Finally, the WGB provides a forum for law enforcement officials to discuss good practices and horizontal issues relating to the investigation and prosecution of foreign bribery (for more information, see the WGB Annual Report).

 

Main responsibilities

The main responsibilities of the Chair – working closely with the OECD Anti-Corruption Division, which serves as the Secretariat to the WGB – include:

 

• Chairing or otherwise leading discussions of the WGB during and between its plenary meetings (March, June, October and December), and other events as necessary.
• Leading the WGB in conducting its work, including the peer-review monitoring mechanism related activities (e.g. support the discussion and adoption of the country evaluation reports, participating in high level missions and send correspondence on behalf of the WGB), and proactively proposing solutions when necessary.
• Playing a leading role in the development and monitoring of policy, good practices and standards for the WGB.
• Representing the WGB within the OECD and in relevant international fora, when appropriate, and engage with relevant stakeholders. 
• Steering the work of the WGB Management Group, which acts as a sounding board to assist the Chair in the conduct of ongoing work and in preparing the agenda and documents of the plenary meetings.

 

Candidate profile 

Candidates should be citizens of a Party to the Convention and endorsed by a Party to the Convention[1], whether or not of their nationality[2]. Parties can endorse as many candidates as they wish.

The ideal candidate should:

• Be able to demonstrate technical legal expertise, extensive public or private professional experience or academic credentials related to corruption and foreign bribery issues. Extensive knowledge of the international legal framework and national laws to combat foreign bribery and related economic and financial crimes would be a strong asset, as would relevant law enforcement experience.
• Be able to take a rigorous and analytical approach and develop a deep understanding of all the matters that arise.
• Be able to carry out this function in a neutral, independent and impartial manner and be willing and able to disclose conflict of interest information required in the statement of activities form (see Terms and conditions below).
• Have international experience and standing with leadership, representation, negotiation, problem solving, and consensus building skills, if possible, in multilateral fora.
• Be fluent in at least one of the two official languages of the OECD (English and French). An ability to engage in the other and knowledge of other languages would be an asset.
• Demonstrate willingness, availability and ability to carry out this function and to steer the monitoring process and other policy-related projects on foreign bribery undertaken by the WGB.

 

Terms and conditions

The WGB is searching for a candidate to serve for an initial term of four years, subject to yearly re-designation by the WGB. In order to ensure a smooth transition from the current Chair, it is envisioned that the successful candidate would attend one or two WGB meetings at the OECD headquarters in Paris prior to starting their term in the second half of 2024. Expenses in connection with the Chair’s duties will be covered, subject to the decision by the WGB; no other compensation will be paid. The WGB Chair should avoid any activities that would not be aligned with the aims of the WGB and/or would present a potential conflict of interest with the role of WGB Chair, or the appearance thereof. In case the WGB Chair does undertake an activity that may present a potential conflict of interest, they should disclose such activity to the WGB as soon as possible and will be expected to take measures satisfactory to the WGB to mitigate such potential conflicts. The Chair will be asked to complete a statement of activities, including disclosing affiliations and activities to the WGB twice a year.

 

Procedure for application

Candidates to the position should submit to the Secretariat of the WGB by close of business 16 February 2024:

• Their C.V.;
• A one-page letter of motivation; 
• A completed statement of activities; and
• A letter of endorsement from a Party to the Convention.

 

Applications and questions should be sent to:

Mr Nicolas Pinaud
Acting Head, Anti-Corruption Division Directorate for Financial and Enterprise Affairs, OECD 
Nicolas.Pinaud@oecd.org

 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with the WGB in a plenary confidential session in June 2024.

This is an equal opportunity vacancy, and applications of all qualified candidates who are citizens of a Party to the Convention, irrespective of their racial or ethnic origin, opinions or beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, health or disabilities are welcome.