Qualifications: The OECD has defined a set of benchmarks for identifying and evaluating candidates. Qualifications include broad international experience and proven leadership ability in order to provide strategic direction to the OECD and enhance the competence and global influence of the Organization, substantive experience in the organization’s core economic areas, proven management skills, ability to represent the OECD at the highest level, strong communication skills, fluency in one of the two official languages.

Procedures: The OECD holds an advanced nomination period of approximately three months with a set deadline. Countries then submit candidates for consideration. Following the close of the nomination period, the Dean to the Council and two appointed facilitators (at the ambassadorial level) lead a process of consultation to narrow the field of candidates and arrive at a consensus on a final candidate. After looking at qualifications the facilitators take into account the levels of support for each candidate. During this period, the facilitators submit progress reports after each set of consultations outlining their methods and results.

http://www.oecd.org/document/17/0,2340,en_2649_201185_35062801_1_1_1_1,00.html#selection