Head of Division for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America

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.

The International Energy Agency

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is an intergovernmental organisation 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. Both the IEA and the OECD seek opportunities to work with an increasing number of non-member countries of growing importance to the world economy. The Agency aims to foster the contribution of the energy sector to economic development and environmental sustainability across the globe.

Job Description

THE POSITION

The Office of Global Energy Relations (GER) was created to develop and strengthen IEA relations with key entities outside of the IEA Member countries, including with Accession, Association, and partner country governments, as well as key stakeholders and international and regional organisations. The Division for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Latin America (EMAL) is responsible for leading and coordinating the Agency’s engagement with countries and entities in these regions, including high-level dialogues, collaborative analytical work, energy policy peer-reviews, technical cooperation, and training and capacity building and development of joint work programmes.

Under the general supervision of the IEA Deputy Executive Director, the Head of Division for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, will have four main areas of responsibility: deepening engagement with partner countries and organisations; managing the programme of work relative to EMAL; supporting the development of bilateral and multilateral frameworks for cooperation between IEA Member countries and key non-Member countries; and overseeing the preparation of the IEA Standing Group on Global Energy Dialogue (SGD) tri-annual meetings.

The selected candidate will possess broad knowledge and understanding of energy-related and regional geopolitical issues beyond the scope of the Head’s direct responsibilities. The Head of Division has line management responsibility for the Division’s budget and supervises a team of enthusiastic professionals working with non-Member countries.

Main Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• Lead the strategic design and implementation of the Division’s programme of work to enhance relations with Partner countries in Europe (including the Caspian and Black Sea region), the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America to meet the needs and priorities of Member countries and advance IEA priorities in those areas.
• Lead the development and implementation of bilateral and multilateral frameworks for cooperation between IEA Member countries and key Partner countries to complement existing bilateral co-operation.
• Manage a highly qualified, enthusiastic, multicultural team of professionals and accept accountability for the quality, timeliness, and relevance of the Division’s outputs. Contribute personally to these outputs through intellectual leadership, coaching and developing staff, as well as by winning and managing resources to support the Division’s work. Build a collegial and productive working atmosphere.
• Manage technical assistance and training programme budgets for selected Partner countries and the division’s budget including seeking funding for new programmes/activities.
• In collaboration with the Head of the Asia-Pacific and Partnerships Division oversee preparations for three annual meetings of the IEA Standing Group on Global Energy Dialogue, including agenda development in close liaison with SGD Chair and IEA Deputy Executive Director, drafting of SGD notes and presentations on policy issues and bilateral and regional engagement and management of administrative and logistical aspects.
• Provide support and input to the IEA Governing Board as well as other standing groups, committees and working parties on issues for which EMAL has responsibility.
• Manage the core outputs of the Division to ensure their timely delivery and coherence with other outputs of the Agency, including briefings and speaking notes for the Executive Office, the production of quality publications and relevant input to IEA products managed by others.

Co-ordination, liaison, representation, and dissemination

• Manage or provide support for the organisation and conduct of conferences, seminars, and workshops at IEA and externally.
• Develop and maintain close relations at senior levels with government, international and regional multilateral organisations, the private sector, and research institutions. Expand and enhance dialogue between the Member and non-Member countries. Identify opportunities for collaborative projects or other co-operative actions in these regions.
• Represent the IEA at meetings and conferences involving senior policymakers and representatives of business, multilateral organizations, labour, academia, NGOs, and the media.
• Contribute to the development of the IEA’s policy messages and communications strategy with key stakeholders, the media, and the general public, in order to maximize the value, visibility and impact of the Division’s work.
• Build collaborative and collegial working relationships with people inside and outside the Agency on cross-cutting projects, publications, policy reviews, conferences, and preparing comprehensive reports on the Agency’s engagement activities.

Analysis, advice and drafting

• Draft policy and other papers to be presented to the IEA’s Standing Committees and/or the IEA Governing Board or other bodies. This includes the analysis of :
  • International energy relations, with emphasis on energy policy, and related economic subjects in the area of responsibility.
  • Energy sector developments in the countries/regions/technologies concerned.
  • Energy policies, especially in regard to clean energy transition ambitions.

Qualifications

Academic and Professional Background

• Advanced university degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline (e.g. economics, public administration, international relations and energy-related fields).
• At least ten to fifteen years’ experience in international economic policymaking, energy, foreign affairs and public administration.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with delegations and government officials of Member and non-Member countries.
• Considerable knowledge and experience of political and economic aspects of national and international energy markets and policy in particular relative to Europe (including the Caspian and Black Sea region), the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, with an emphasis on experience in an international organization or government.
• Demonstrated ability to manage interdisciplinary teams including experience in selecting, coaching, developing and appraising staff; providing regular constructive performance feedback; creating an environment conducive to teamwork, innovation, and open communication.

Communication and Languages

• An excellent written and oral command of English. Ability to draft and proofread in English.
• Knowledge of other OECD and/or other language(s) would be an advantage.

Core Competencies

• OECD staff are expected to demonstrate behaviours aligned to six core competencies which will be assessed as part of this hiring processes: Vision and Strategy (Level 3); Enable People (Level 3); Ethics and Integrity (Level 3); Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 3); Achieve Results (Level 3); Innovate and Embrace Change (Level 3).
• There are three possible levels for each competency. The level for each competency is determined according to the specific needs of each job role and its associated grade.
• To learn more about the definitions for each competency for levels 1-3, please refer to OECD Core Competencies.

Additional Information

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 65.

What the OECD offers

• Monthly base salary starting from €11 734 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 around 29 November 2023, and panel interviews are planned for the first half of January 2024. A leadership assessment will also be requested by candidates in the final selection stage. The selected candidate will ideally be expected to take up duty as from 1 March 2024.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than midnight CEST 19 November 2023.

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.