Company Description

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 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Both the OECD and the IEA seek opportunities to work with an increasing number of non-members of growing importance to the world economy. The Agency aims to foster the contribution of the energy sector economic development and environmental sustainability.

The extractives industries are vitally important to the energy industry. Historically, this has largely been centered around the contribution of fossil fuels, which has been under increasing pressure to reduce the emissions of methane and other pollutants associated with fossil fuel production. In addition, as the world transitions to clean energy, the importance of mineral and metal production is expected to grow in order to support deployment of clean energy technologies. Critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements are essential components in wind turbines, electric vehicles, electricity grids and other technologies. As demand for these minerals grows, law and regulation are expected to play an increasingly important role in ensuring that these industries effectively manage their impacts on climate, the environment, communities and individuals.

The IEA Office of Legal Counsel is seeking one or more Legal and Regulatory Analysts to contribute to the team’s work on legal and regulatory development in the extractives industry, with a particular focus on regulatory approaches to (1) address environmental, social and governance concerns for critical minerals and (2) reduce methane emissions from fossil fuel extraction. Key activities will include legal and regulatory analysis focused on tracking key developments in countries around the world, formulating clear and actionable advice for policy makers and regulators, and facilitating dialogue among IEA members via the IEA’s Critical Minerals Working Party (CMWP). The role may also involve advising IEA staff on public international law and institutional matters. The IEA is hiring for more than one position and candidates from a range of backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Job Description

Main Responsibilities

Legal and regulatory analysis and writing

• Undertake in-depth legal, regulatory and policy analysis in areas related to the energy and extractives sectors.
• Track and analyse legal and regulatory developments in key countries.
• Lead creation of tools for policy makers and regulators to aid in legal and policy development and implementation.
• Author publications and committee documents on legal and regulatory topics.

Liaison and outreach

• Prepare and deliver presentations for IEA standing committees, working parties, conferences and external events.
• Organise a regular forum for policy and technology dialogue among IEA member countries.
• Build and maintain contacts with relevant governmental bodies, international organisations, industry stakeholders and research institutions.
• Organise capacity development activities with regulators by creating materials, organising trainings and presenting IEA material.

Other activities

• Advise IEA staff on matters related to public international law, institutional law and governance, and regulatory issues.
• Collaborate with other Divisions in the Agency and other organisations on cross-cutting projects, publications, policy reviews, and the development of programmes and conferences.
• Train and/or mentor junior staff members.

Qualifications

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• An advanced university degree(s) in law, regulation, or public administration. Admission to practice law in one of the IEA’s Member countries and knowledge of one of the two main legal systems (civil or common law) would be an advantage.

Professional Background

• Three to five years of specialised professional experience within a national government, private law firm or company in an area directly related to the job specification, including for example, regulatory development, compliance and enforcement, and/or public international law.
• Strong research and writing skills with a particular focus on law, regulation and policy.
• Experience in providing advice to policy makers, regulators, and other decision-makers on regulatory issues.
• Specific experience in one or more of the following areas would be an asset: (1) regulatory processes and procedures in the field of energy or mining; (2) methane emissions from fossil fuel operations; (3) environmental, social and governance impacts of mining; (4) public international law.

Tools

• Excellent command of Microsoft Office software.

Languages

• Excellent spoken and written English. Knowledge of other languages 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 2); Enable People (Level 1); Ethics and Integrity (Level 2); Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 2); Achieve Results (Level 2); Innovate and Embrace Change (Level 2).
• 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

Closing Date:

• This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than midnight 20 December, 2023 (CEST).

Selection Process

For retained candidates, written tests/video-recorded interviews are foreseen end January and panel interviews are planned for end February.

Contract Duration

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

What the OECD offers 

• Monthly base salary starting from 5,564 or 6,459 EUR, plus allowances based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.
• Click here to learn more about what we offer and why the OECD is a great place to work.

• Click here to browse our People Management Guidebook and learn more about all aspects relating to people at the OECD, our workplace environment and many other policies supporting staff in their daily life.
• Please note that the appointment may be made at a lower grade based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.

The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes the applications of 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.

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