Nick Thijs

OECD/SIGMA Programme

Nick Thijs is a Senior Policy Adviser at OECD/SIGMA Programme, recognised widely for his deep expertise in public administration reform with a focus on human-centric service delivery, digital government and organisational development including the Common Assessment Framework (CAF).

With more than 20 years of experience spanning academia, consultancy, and civil service, Nick is known for his extensive knowledge, exceptional networking skills, and unwavering passion for driving meaningful reforms in public sector governance.

In his current role at OECD/SIGMA Programme, Nick is leading the efforts to improve public administration, service delivery and digital government in the European Eastern Partnership countries, the Western Balkans and Türkiye, and European Southern Neighbourhood. He works closely with governments to strengthen their institutional capacities, fostering transparent, efficient, and accountable governance systems. His work not only supports national-level reforms but also plays a critical role in aligning public administrations with broader European integration efforts.

Nick began his professional journey at the Public Governance Institute (K.U.Leuven – Belgium), where he was instrumental in advancing research and training in quality management and organisational development. He later coordinated the Public Management Programme for high-potential civil servants in Belgium. For a decade he served as a Senior Lecturer at the European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA). From this position he developed a vast portfolio in supporting the European Commission in its efforts to build knowledge and capacity in the area of public administration (reform).

Nick holds a master’s degree in political science and public administration from K.U.Leuven.