Security Officer

Company Description

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, 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 EXECUTIVE DIRECTORATE (EXD)

The Executive Directorate (EXD) is the steward of OECD resources, on behalf of the Secretary-General. Our focus is on people and their wellbeing; the effective and efficient management of the budget; the safety and security of staff, Delegations, visitors, and of the OECD’s data; maintaining and sustaining physical and digital infrastructure; and enabling the convening power of the OECD through conferences, meetings and events, whether virtual, physical or hybrid. As well as providing corporate services, functions and management support to our staff and Members, we provide integrated, strategic and expert advice on corporate policies and management issues to the Secretary-General, to Council and to Standing Committees, to which we regularly report on corporate matters. We also provide risk management functions (for management areas under our purview). Ours is a fast-paced environment focused on delivering management excellence across all our functions.

THE CONFERENCE, SECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICE (EXD/CSI)

Within the OECD’s Executive Directorate (EXD), the Conference, Security and Infrastructure Service (EXD/CSI) is responsible for facilitating conferences that bring together delegates from our 38 Member countries, key partners and other stakeholders, for language services (interpretation and translation), for safety and fire security of OECD staff, delegates and visitors, and for the management and operation of OECD buildings in Paris and OECD Centres abroad.

Within EXD/CSI, the Security Service (EXD/CSI/SEC) and specifically the Security Unit is responsible for the operational protection of people, property and OECD information on a 24/7 basis, and supervises the control of all access to the headquarters and annex buildings. The Unit is the first line of response in the field of security. It designs and supervises dedicated security arrangements for specific and sensitive events.

Job Description

THE POSITION

EXD/CSI/SEC is looking for Security Officers, who will be responsible for ensuring the general security of the Organisation’s people and property, taking part in the protection of VIPs and participating in the dedicated arrangements put in place for specific events.

The successful candidate(s) will report to the Heads of the Security Unit.

Availability is an important criterion for this position, as the work is scheduled around 8- or 12-hour shifts covering days, nights, weekends and public holidays.

It is an essential requirement for the position that the successful candidate be fit and suitable to carry a firearm in a professional environment. It should be noted that any permanent reversal of this fitness or suitability may result in the termination of the contract.

Main responsibilities

Site Command Centre Operation

• Oversee and co-ordinate the operational security staff, including internal officials and external service providers for all sites.
• Manage all technical systems at the Site Command Centre (access control, video surveillance, etc.).
• Handle security alarms, fire alarms and technical alarms, and perform any remedial actions required.
• Analyse all requests submitted by internal officials and services, which could potentially affect operational security, and provide an appropriate response in order to maintain security levels.
• In the absence of the Heads of Fire Safety, ensure the supervision of subcontracted fire safety officers. Review the fire safety system, and report to management in the event of a risk to or loss of business continuity.
• Trigger crisis procedures in the event of a serious incident. Take immediate measures to limit the impact of any incident, and oversee the totality of emergency operations deployed on the ground.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by Security supervisors, in particular various administrative tasks such as monitoring statistics, drafting reports, managing material resources, etc.

Security Response

• Carry out professional activities while armed with a service weapon, with full understanding and application of the Organisation’s rules in this area.
• Ensure the security of sites by carrying out patrols, managing the screening area, detecting any security issues, providing back-up at access control points, and supervising the screening system.
• Intervene in the event of problems (security alarm, fire, break-in, major crisis, assisting someone in distress, etc.) and provide the most suitable response, including use of force and/or any other means of defence available.
• Independently manage or contribute to specific security provisions for major events.
• Ensure the safety of the Secretary-General and his high-level visitors during sensitive events.
• Independently manage or take part in all emergency procedures (bomb threat, fire evacuation, break-in, etc.) be it a real situation or an exercise.

Qualifications

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• Post-secondary qualification (university degree, advanced vocational diploma, or equivalent).
• Category “B” driving licence.

Professional Background

• Eight years’ experience in the field of security in the private or public sector (national or local police, etc.).
• Experience in carrying a service weapon in a professional environment.
• Experience in and ability to manage high-stress and conflictual situations.
• Training in tactical marksmanship and security response techniques.
• Proven experience demonstrating the ability to manage emergencies, working autonomously and making prudent decisions.

Tools

• Fulfil all the conditions required for authorisation to carry a service weapon inside the Organisation (medical fitness and psychological suitability, successful completion of physical tests, validation of technical achievements).
• Good proficiency in IT tools (Word, Excel, Outlook).

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 1); Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 2); Achieve Results (Level 1); Innovate and Embrace Change (Level 1).
• 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.

Languages

• As a major player in security in a French-speaking environment (host country police services, security company), an operational command of the French language is an essential requirement, even though French and English are the two official languages of the OECD. However, knowledge of English will be assessed, with the successful candidate undertaking to acquire a good working knowledge of English.

Additional Information

Closing Date

• This vacancy should be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than midnight Sunday 30 March (Paris time).

Contract duration

• This vacancy will be used to fill multiple positions. The appointment type will be determined based on the needs of the Directorate and will be confirmed when an offer of employment is made to the selected candidate.

NB: As part of the OECD’s training programme, the successful candidate(s) will have to:

• Complete the SSIAP 1 course (in fire safety and assistance to persons) and obtain the corresponding certificate within six months of being recruited.
• Successfully complete the initial internal “situational shooting” training within one year of employment and obtain a permit to carry a weapon from the French authorities.

What the OECD offers

• Depending on level of experience, monthly salary starts at 4 422 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.
• 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, the selection process may include a video-recorded interview, job-based assessment in April-May and panel interviews in June.

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.