Who does what?
The Ambassador, Permanent Representative
represents the President of the Republic, the Government and each of the ministers;
implements France’s foreign policy under the authority of the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs;
exercises his authority over the staff and work of the Permanent Representation as Head of the diplomatic mission;
sits on the Council of the OECD, where he debates political and strategic affairs, takes part in the multilateral decision-making process by negotiating with his counterparts to reach a consensus by mutual agreement, and formally adopts the Organisation’s acts, programme of work and biennial budget;
participates in high-level meetings within the framework of the Organisation;
monitors the effective presence of French administrations in the Organisation’s committees and may take part in all those on which France is represented.
The Deputy Permanent Representative
assists the Ambassador as First Counsellor and replaces him as Chargé d’affaires a.i. if he leaves the territory ;
manages the diplomatic chancery by overseeing day-to-day administration and coordinating with the economic service;
ensures the protection of staff and documents as Security Officer;
sits on the Executive Committee (ComEx) of the OECD, where, together with his counterparts, he draws up opinions to assist decision-making within the Council;
participates in high-level meetings within the framework of the Organisation.
The Minister Counsellor for Economic Affairs/Head of the Economic Department
works in liaison with the Treasury Department and, more broadly, the Ministries of the Economy and Finance ;
manages the economic department by overseeing day-to-day administration and coordinating with the diplomatic chancellery;
sits on the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the OECD, where it participates in the elaboration of sustainable development policies and programmes in cooperation with representatives of other member states;
monitors issues related to the OECD’s Development Centre;
participates in high-level meetings within the framework of the Organisation.
Diplomatic and Economic Counsellors
prepare meetings of OECD committees and working groups in liaison with the French administration, the representations of other member states and the OECD Secretariat;
ensure that France’s positions are taken into account at these meetings;
prepare and circulate minutes of discussions to government departments;
inform government departments of the Organisation’s events and publications, and of any consequences thereof;
strengthen communication between government departments and the OECD by organising appropriate meetings.