Payroll System Manager

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation comprised of 38 member countries, that works to build better policies for better lives. Our mission is to 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 on establishing evidence-based international standards, and finding solutions to a range of social, economic and environmental challenges. From improving 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 International Service for Remunerations and Pensions (www.sirp-isrp.org)  is a Service committed to provide studies on remuneration and pension policies of International Civil Servants and to operate the administration of pensions for the Co-ordinated Organisations (OECD, NATO, the European Space Agency, the Council of Europe, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites) and other International Organisations, in a context of increased complexity resulting from several waves of reform in various areas. The ISRP also administers pension reserve funds for several International Organisations.

The ISRP is administratively attached to the OECD.

The ISRP is looking for a Payroll System Manager to operate with a high level of autonomy, provide technical leadership and lead a small team to provide and ensure the timely evolution of robust IT solutions to meet ISRP-specific business needs and associated user support.  S/he will report directly to the ISRP, Digital Infrastructure and Operations Manager. Hybrid work arrangements are available for this position.

Main Responsibilities

Technical and Operational Support

• Deliver, monitor, and ensure the technological evolution of secure, optimised and reliable IT solutions to meet ISRP-specific business requirements and manage optimal maintenance of existing applications. with a particular focus on ISRP payroll systems.
• Be the technical lead of the team; oversee and participate in the design, installation, management, evolution and decommissioning in the areas of the ISRP payroll and accounting applications, database infrastructure and services, storage and backup/restore, to respond to business needs. This includes managing and maintaining infrastructure security.
• Monitor and ensure optimal functioning of accounting solutions used for general accounting, monthly pay auditing by an outside firm, national/international electronic bank transfers and ISRP-specific IT applications.
• Administer HR Access infrastructure to ensure its proper implementation, configuration, maintenance, and performance, as well as manage applications through multiple product lifecycle environments.
• Ensure that optimal software, tools and monitoring systems are in place. Troubleshoot unexpected issues and propose action to mitigate the risk of repeat occurrence.  
• Establish, promote and ensure compliance with secure infrastructure standards and procedures.
• Coordinate with the IT Service Desk, security, development, enterprise architects and product managers to deliver robust database services to the Organisation.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with service providers. Apply new techniques and trends, in-line with the overall objectives and risk tolerance of the OECD, to ensure a smooth evolution of services provided.

Procedures and documentation

• Develop, implement, and document computer procedures and programs for automatic data input, ensuring optimal functioning, integrity, and security.
• Establish and periodically review procedures to ensure the availability, optimal functioning, integrity and security of application and related system software.
• Draft and maintain associated systems’ artefacts including operating procedures, data and workflows, user processes and system controls.
• Draft and maintain end-user documentation. Train users and assist them in the appropriate use of the applications. Follow up on problems encountered to ensure successful resolution, in liaison with the OECD IT Service staff and software suppliers as necessary.

Management, Reporting and Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate cross-functionally to identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement in ISRP systems and processes.
• Lead and manage the IT Support Unit payroll and accounting staff (1 person) and occasional contractors to deliver the work programme and ensure service continuity and staff development. Be a mentor, providing guidance and support to foster their professional growth. Ensure delivery of high-quality outputs on time and on budget.
• Develop and implement contingency plans to mitigate risks and ensure business continuity in ISRP payroll operations.
• Facilitate effective communication within the team and with other departments, promoting a collaborative work environment.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members.
• Identify training needs and opportunities for team members to enhance their skills and knowledge.
• Manage relations with third-party suppliers to ensure the required level of service is provided and value for money is maximised for the Organisation. 
• Provide relevant inputs to the ISRP, Digital Infrastructure and Operations Manager including for budget planning and, reporting on budget, portfolio and service status; define and provide related Key Performance Indicators.
• Stay up to date with current and emerging industry trends, related technologies, methodologies and best practices; support an environment that enables continuous learning, innovation and knowledge-sharing across teams.
• Participate in preparing Calls for Tender, assessing the technical components of bids, negotiating and drafting contracts as necessary and manage the level of service provided by external partners.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• Advanced university degree in information technology or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.

Professional Background

• A minimum of eight years’ of relevant professional experience including delivery, monitoring, technological evolution, automation, and support of secure, optimised, and reliable administrative and financial IT solutions.
• Proven experience analysing complex information, identifying, and prioritising problems and risks, and proposing risk-mitigation solutions to reduce operational risk, increase efficiency and customer service.
• Broad knowledge of current and emerging technologies, industry trends and best practices together with demonstrated experience evaluating their strategic value.
• Knowledge of IT project management methodologies and industry frameworks.
• Experience in guiding and managing staff and contractors in a matrixed organisational structure. 
• Experience in an international and cross-cultural setting would be preferable.

Tools

• In-depth knowledge of HR ACCESS V9
• Proficiency in COBOL
• Good knowledge of modern programming languages, application development tools and project development methods (system programming: C, C++, Java, Python; framework Web: Symphony, Bootstrap)
• Familiarity with source control tools, e.g Azure DevOps Server, GitHub.
• Knowledge of Microsoft M365 and MS PowerBI

Languages

• Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and knowledge of the other, with a commitment to reach a good working level.

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 1); 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.

Contract Duration

• Open-ended contract.

Closing date

• This vacancy should be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than midnight Sunday 20 April (Paris time). 

What the OECD offers

• Depending on level of experience, monthly salary starts at 7,644.78 EUR, plus allowances based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.
• Click here to consult the Staff Regulations applicable to officials of the OECD. Please note that from 1 July 2025, all Official appointments will be made under the OECD’s new contractual modalities. 
• Click here to learn more about what we offer and why the OECD is a great place to work.
• Click here to browse our People Management Guidebook and learn more about all aspects relating to people at the OECD, our workplace environment and many other policies supporting staff in their daily life.

Salary Information

• Please note that the appointment may be made at one grade lower in the specified job family, based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.

Selection Process

For retained candidates, written tests are foreseen as soon as possible and panel interviews are planned for as soon as possible.

The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes the applications of 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.

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