Company Description

THE OECD – Who we are, what we do

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation comprised of 38 member countries, whose mission is to build better policies for better lives. We promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. Together with governments, policy makers and citizens, we work to establish evidence-based international standards, and finding solutions to a broad range of social, economic and environmental challenges, from the improvement of economic performance and creating jobs to fostering strong education and fighting international tax evasion. We provide a unique forum and knowledge hub for data and analysis, exchange of experiences, best-practice sharing, and advice on public policies and international standard-setting.

INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is an intergovernmental organisation with 32 member countries committed to advancing security of energy supply, economic growth and environmental sustainability through energy policy co-operation. The IEA operates as an autonomous body within the framework of the OECD. The IEA seeks opportunities to work with an increasing number of non-member countries of growing importance to global energy markets. The Agency aims to foster the contribution of the energy sector to economic development and environmental sustainability.

The IEA seeks to recruit a Director to lead the Directorate of Energy Markets and Security (EMS), which plans and co-ordinates IEA work on short to medium term energy market analysis and on energy security y, including recommending releases from the strategic oil stocks of IEA’s 32 member countries in response to disruptions of supply. The Directorate also monitors and reports on energy market developments, and energy security policies of member and non-member countries. In addition, the Director of EMS is a member of the Agency’s senior management team, working under the guidance of the Executive Director. In this capacity, the Director shares responsibility for the effectiveness and smooth running of the Agency overall.

Job Description

Leadership

• Lead the Directorate in delivering the programme of work in line with Member priorities, the Executive Director’s guidance and the IEA Programme of Work and Budget. Provide strategic direction for the Agency’s short- and medium-term analysis of global energy markets (oil, gas, electricity and critical minerals), emergency preparedness and energy market regulation, and policies supporting the deployment of renewable energy. Identify and respond to emerging energy security challenges, including disruptions to oil supply, and develop and implement actions and strategies through which the Directorate can assist member and non-member countries to respond to these challenges.
• Ensure the Directorate is at the forefront of international analysis on energy markets, in line with current developments and emerging trends, and shaping the IEA’s global contribution. Oversee Directorate reports and programme proposals ensuring that they make an effective contribution to the policy process (national and international) and that they are consistent with the Agency’s overall strategy and messages. Assess member countries’needs and consider their political sensitivities in delivering the Directorate’s programme of work.
• Ensure the Directorate’s work continues to meet the highest standards of quality and objectivity so that its policy recommendations, messages and analysis provide the timely basis for global energy discussions and dialogue in member and non-member countries, other international organisations, and policy making communities in government and civil society.

Representation and Liaison

• Represent the Directorate and the Agency (Secretariat) at senior level with member governments of the Agency, bilaterally and multilaterally, as well as with other international institutions in the energy field, with the private sector and with representatives of civil society.
• Promote global dialogue and co-operation on energy markets, energy security and emergency policy issues and measures with member governments, major consuming and producing countries and international organisations such as OPEC, IEF, IRENA, and the G20.
• Ensure effective co-operation with energy industry stakeholders including the international oil and gas industry through the IEA’s Industry Advisory Board (IAB), the coal industry through the Coal Industry Advisory Board (CIAB) and the renewable industry through the Renewable Industry Advisory Board (RIAB).
• Lead high-level missions to member and partner countries, engaging Ministers and senior policy makers.Ensure co-operation and communication within EMS and with other Directorates and Offices of the Agency on energy market and security issues, including global supply/demand prospects, geo-political risks, production capacity, refinery utilisation and emergency response policies. Co-ordinate EMS work to extend IEA emergency preparedness activities to encompass the broader energy sector, including gas and electricity.

Management and Co-ordination

• Lead and develop a Directorate, of over 110 staff (analysts, statisticians, support and consultants) through merit-based recruitment, professional development, and performance management.
• Ensure effective use of financial and human resources and secure voluntary funding to complement the EMS budget.Build and lead a cohesive, multicultural and multidisciplinary team, fostering excellence, inclusion and diversity.
• As a member of the Agency’s senior management team, maintain and extend the position of the IEA as the leading player in data collection, analysis and policy dialogue and identification of evidence-based policy actions to meet global energy challenges.
• Ensure the Directorate’s delivery of relevant, rigorous and timely data and analysis.

Qualifications

Ideal Candidate Profile

Professional and Academic Background

• An advanced university degree in engineering, economics, energy economics or equivalent in a relevant field.
• At least 15 years’ experience shaping and implementing international energy policy, including experience in government and in international or intergovernmental contexts.
• Excellent knowledge of the energy sector , oil gas and electricity markets, industries, technologies and government energy policy-making and regulation, based on relevant academic qualifications and work experience. This experience would have been acquired in a national administration (ministry, regulatory body or other institution), international organisation, academia or the private sector or the not-for-profit sector (think tank or other institution). Direct commercial experience in the energy sector may be an acceptable substitute, provided this has included broad policy-making responsibilities and extensive interaction with governments, and involving close understanding of government policy-making processes
• Excellent knowledge of oil and gas markets is essential to support the Agency’s oil market and emergency preparedness work.
• Well-established professional network across relevant stakeholders.
• Proven ability to interact confidently with various audiences, including the media would be an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills and a proven commitment to collaboration, diversity and inclusion.

Communication and Languages

• Fluency in English, one of the two OECD official languages, and a knowledge of, or willingness to learn, French.

Additional Information

Core Competencies

Staff in Executive Leadership are expected to demonstrate behaviours aligned to six core competencies which will be assessed as part of this hiring processes at level 3: Vision and Strategy; Enable People; Ethics and Integrity; Collaboration and Horizontality; Achieve Results; Innovate and Embrace Change.

To learn more about the definitions for each competency, please refer to the OECD Core Competency Framework

Closing Date:

• This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than 10th March 2026 at 23h59 (CET).

Contract Duration

• Three-year fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.

Please note that our Rules and Regulations stipulate that the mandatory retirement age is 67.

What the OECD offers

• Monthly base salary starting from 16 090 EUR plus allowances, based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.

Process

All applications are screened based on the criteria for the position. For candidates who are screened-in, written tests and/or video-recorded interviews are foreseen for end-March and panel interviews are planned for April.

The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates who are nationals of OECD Member Countries, irrespective of their racial or ethnic origin, opinions or beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, health or disabilities. Our selection processes are merit-based; we strive to enhance diversity both from national and gender perspectives while running fair, transparent and competitive selection processes.

The OECD promotes an optimal use of resources to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Staff members are encouraged to actively contribute to this goal.

Learn more about what we offer and why the OECD is a great place to work.

Browse our People Management Guidebook to learn more about all aspects relating to people at the OECD, our workplace environment and on policies supporting staff in their daily life.