The Federal Government is expected to announce the appointment of a top West Australian bureaucrat to a prime European posting.

WA Premier Colin Barnett's chief of staff Brian Pontifex is reportedly poised to become ambassador to the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Mr Pontifex has served as Mr Barnett's chief of staff since February 2010.

Before that, he was general manager for corporate affairs with Woodside on its massive Browse LNG development.

Reports earlier this year said Foreign Minister Julie Bishop personally recommended to Mr Pontifex to Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

The position is currently held by the chief of staff to the former treasurer Wayne Swan, Chris Barrett.

According to the ABC, other names have been floated.

ExxonMobil executive Richard Ellis is understood to be under consideration.

Mr Ellis was Mr Barnett's chief of staff when he was opposition leader.