Executive Leadership Programmes

The Emerging Leaders Programme (ELP) and the Global Management Academy (GMA) are executive education programmes that provide a unique opportunity for high-potential professionals to develop leadership and management skills tailored to the context of International Organisations (IOs) and International Financial Institutions (IFIs).

Each programme targets professionals at different stages of their careers. The ELP, established in 2012, has successfully supported over 550 participants, while the GMA, launched in 2019, has welcomed more than 210 participants. Many alumni from these programmes have advanced to leadership roles within similar organisations or national governments, demonstrating the impactful career development opportunities these initiatives provide.

The Emerging Leaders Programme (ELP) focuses on advanced leadership concepts and strategic thinking, providing senior professionals with the tools to manage complex global challenges, influence organisational change, and lead in high-stakes environments.

The Global Management Academy (GMA) focuses on building foundational leadership skills, including team management, communication, and operational excellence, equipping junior leaders with the tools needed to grow and manage teams effectively in dynamic environments.

The 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 editions are delivered in partnership with Headspring, a collaboration between the IE Business School and the Financial Times that blends first class journalistic experience with academic innovation. Both programmes are facilitated by renowned Professors from IE Business School, expert journalists from the Financial Times and highly experienced coaches and facilitators.

The Emerging Leaders Programme (ELP) is designed for:

• Mid-level managers with strong potential to assume higher responsibilities;
• Recently appointed senior managers with limited management experience. 

The Global Management Academy (GMA) is designed for: 

• Aspiring junior staff demonstrating strong potential to lead teams in the near future;
• Recently appointed mid-level managers with limited management experience.

These programmes are tailored primarily for individuals working in international organisations and international financial institutions.

Each year, the OECD nominates a selected number of high potential internal officials to take part. The other places are open to applications from our partnering IFIs and IOs which nominate staff internally to participate. External participants are identified by their organisations in collaboration with the OECD. 

We can accept up to 50 participants for each programme, and do try to ensure that the cohorts are as diverse as possible, allowing for an enriching learning experience. 

Both the Emerging Leaders Programme (ELP) and Global Management Academy (GMA) offer a blended approach combining virtual and in-person components to maximise learning impact. These programmes are designed to foster professional growth and meaningful relationships.

Participants engage in six online sessions, including:

• Meeting programme facilitators and peers.
• Gaining foundational knowledge and insights into trending topics with Financial Times journalists.
• Completing programme-specific assessments:
  • ELP: Clifton Strengths evaluation and debrief.
  • GMA: Belbin Team Roles evaluation and debrief.
• Two sessions with Financial Times journalists are shared by both ELP and GMA participants, encouraging cross-programme interaction.

Participants will take part in interactive workshops, expert-led sessions, and practical activities over four days of in-person training held at the OECD Headquarters in Paris:

• ELP: Sessions in the OECD Conference Center.
  • Previous topics include innovation and strategy, emotional intelligence, negotiation, impacts of globalisation and artificial intelligence etc.
• GMA: Sessions in the OECD Conference Centre.
  • Previous topics include relationship building, embracing change, compelling communication, well-being, etc.

• Welcome networking event: at the OECD, following the first day of training.
• Graduation networking event: at an external cultural venue with food, drinks, and a private visit to the museum's exhibitions.

Both networking events bring ELP and GMA participants together.

• Peer coaching: Two peer coaching sessions to help participants apply their learning and stay accountable.
• Group coaching: Two peer group sessions focusing on finalising individual development plans and integrating coaching into management practices.