Database Administration Lead

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.

Job Description

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.

Within the Executive Directorate, working closely with business partners, the Digital, Knowledge and Information Service (EXD/DKI) designs and provides secure digital solutions, IT and information management services and the technologies to deliver efficient corporate services, meet business partners’ needs and to support and enhance the OECD’s global role in building knowledge, communicating with the world and interacting with governments to inform and influence policy-making.

In this role, working in EXD/DKI/DIO, you will provide technical leadership, participate with technical tasks and manage other Database Administrators to deliver, operate, maintain and support sustainable and secure database infrastructure and services, ensuring optimal availability and performance of the technical environment. You will oversee the overall database infrastructure, including Microsoft SQL servers and databases deployed in the on-premises datacentres and in the Cloud.

Main Responsibilities

Database Administration Management

1. Provide database administration and management expertise for the Organisation, exercising an advice and control function to ensure that database infrastructure and services comply with corporate policies and requirements.
2. Be the technical lead of the team; oversee and participate in the design, installation, management, evolution and decommissioning in the areas of a hybrid database infrastructure and services, including database servers, storage and backup/restore, to respond to business needs.
3. Administer Microsoft SQL Server infrastructure and SQL in Azure to ensure its proper implementation, configuration, maintenance, and performance.
4. Ensure that optimal software, tools and monitoring systems are in place for database management. Troubleshoot unexpected issues and propose action to mitigate the risk of repeat occurrence.
5. Establish, promote and ensure compliance with secure infrastructure standards and procedures.
6. Coordinate with the IT Service Desk, security, development, enterprise architects and product managers to deliver robust database services to the Organisation.
7. Develop and maintain strong relationships with service providers.
8. Contribute to establishing budgets and associated requirements for database infrastructure and services, including relevant licensing and the Cloud evolutions.

Management

1. Work closely with other teams to ensure an integrated cross-practice vision of EXD/DKI products and services.
2. Lead and manage the SQL team (2 people), staff and contractors to deliver the Programme of Work and ensure service continuity and staff development.
3. Facilitate effective communication within the team and with other departments, promoting a collaborative work environment.
4. Conduct performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members.
5. Identify training needs and opportunities for team members to enhance their skills and knowledge.
6. Manage relations with third-party suppliers to ensure the required level of service is provided.
7. Provide relevant inputs to the Head of Unit and the Head of Division including for budget planning and reporting on budget, portfolio and service status.
8. Stay up-to-date with current and emerging industry trends, related technologies, methodologies and best practices.

Qualifications

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

1. An advanced university degree in information technology or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
2. Relevant industry certifications (e.g. on SQL Server, SQL in Azure or Azure in general).

Professional Background

1. Five years of experience in managing large, complex database infrastructures, services and projects.
2. Professional experience implementing and managing a secure hybrid database infrastructure and associated services in the Cloud.
3. Broad knowledge of current and emerging technologies, industry trends and best practices.
4. Knowledge of IT project management methodologies and industry frameworks.
5. Experience in guiding and managing staff and contractors in a matrix organisational structure.

Tools

1. Knowledge of database reporting and monitoring tools, e.g. Microsoft System Center Operations Manager, RedGate, SquaredUp, Microsoft Power BI, Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services.
2. Familiarity with source control tools, e.g Azure DevOps Server, GitHub.
3. Knowledge of database backup tooling (NetBackup) and Cloud database (Microsoft Azure) management is also desirable.

Languages

1. Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and a knowledge of, or a willingness to learn, the other.
2. Knowledge of other languages would be an asset.

Additional Information

Closing Date

• Applications should reach us no later than 27th February 2025 23h59 (Paris time).

Depending on level of experience, monthly salary starts at 7,644.78EUR, plus allowances based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.

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