Company Description

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation comprised of 38 member countries, that works to build better policies for better lives. Our mission is to 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 on establishing evidence-based international standards, and finding solutions to a range of social, economic and environmental challenges. From improving 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 (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 IEA seeks to recruit a Head of Renewables Integration and Secure Electricity (RISE) Unit to lead its programme of work on analysis and support the implementation of effective policies, regulations, and market designs that will ensure clean, affordable and secure power systems during clean energy transitions.   RISE provides policy advice to inform policy makers on best practices, across the whole value chain, that can contribute to a more secure and cost-efficient electricity system in the context of clean energy transitions. The main responsibility of the RISE Unit Head is to to guide complex analytical work, translate results into policy-relevant messages and deliver these messages effectively to policy-makers in IEA Member, Accession, Association and Partner countries.

The selected candidate will lead a team of enthusiastic professionals under the general guidance of the Director of Energy Markets and Security contributing to the development of the Directorate’s strategic direction and securing funding for its activities. 

Job Description

Main Responsibilities

Management and leadership

• Lead IEA's work on Renewables Integration and Secure Electricity, including all relevant technical, economic and institutional aspects. Lead the strategic design and implementation of the work programme on Renewables Integration and Secure Electricity.
• Coordinate cross-divisional work, including on power system transformation and electricity market design, relevant for a secure and cost-effective integration of large shares of variable renewables. Coordinate relevant activities in technical support and capacity building for developing economies within the Clean Energy Transitions Programme with a specific focus on IEA Association countries.
• Help establish and further develop and implement relevant system integration data and modelling assessment frameworks and tools
• Ensure and manage resources to support the Unit and the programme of work on system integration of renewables and secure electricity, whether by obtaining Voluntary Contributions from governments and organisations, or by in-kind contributions.
• Coordinate international expert stakeholder advisory groups across a wide range of industry areas, consisting both of relevant IEA staff and external experts.
• Directly manage the work of energy analysts and secondees that contribute to IEA analysis on system integration of renewables; and ensure proper teamwork and cooperation. Liaise and collaborate with senior RED analysts in charge of renewable technologies, markets and policies.

Analysis and drafting

• Co-ordinate the unit's analytical and modelling work on system integration of renewables and secure electricity. Translate complex technical results into policy-relevant strategic messages, including assessing implications for energy security, energy system costs and decarbonisation.
• Summarise RISE analysis in presentations and notes for relevant IEA Committees, the Executive Office and senior management. Take care of outreach activities, including media relations and developing relevant web-based information and documents.
• Develop best practice recommendations secure and cost-effective transformation of power systems and integration of large amounts of variable renewables, that are applicable for a diverse range of country contexts and have direct relevance for formulating policy, market and regulatory frameworks in IEA Member, Accession, Association and Partner countries.
• Contribute to other IEA publications, as appropriate.Support the broader activities of the Directorate and IEA through analytical, written and verbal contributions.

Liaison and Outreach

• Build and maintain contacts with government officials and industry representatives responsible for system integration of renewables in IEA Member, Accession, Association and Partner countries.
• Foster relationships with other international organisations involved in system integration of renewables, including IRENA, the World Bank, and relevant think tanks and NGOs to identify synergies and cooperation opportunities.

• Develop close cooperation with relevant other IEA offices and divisions. Collaborate with IEA Technology Collaboration Programmes relevant on system integration of renewables and secure electricity and exchange best practice knowledge with the wider IEA network.
• Promote the work of the Agency externally to a wide range of audiences through participation in workshops, making presentations and holding bilateral meetings.  Represent the IEA in conferences, industry associations and various policy forums where system integration of renewables and related topics are discussed.

Qualifications

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• Preferably an advanced university degree(s) in relevant disciplines, such as power system engineering, economics or natural sciences.

Professional Background

• At least eight years’ experience in analysing and reporting upon international electricity issues, including a good understanding of markets, policy and regulatory developments.  Experience in government energy policy development would be an asset. 
• Excellent understanding of the energy sector and technologies in electricity systems, including generation, transmission and distribution technologies and transmission and distribution system operations.  
• Strong analytical capability, quantitative skills and writing ability.
• Experience in dealing with senior policy-makers in international and multi-lateral contexts
• Proven track record of managing complex projects involving multiple inputs to meet tight deadlines.
• Proven management skills, with specific focus on coordinating multiple projects at the same time
• Work experience in emerging economies is an asset

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English; working knowledge of other languages would be an advantage.
• Knowledge of other languages would be an asset.

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 2); Ethics and Integrity (Level 3); Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 2); 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

Closing Date:

• This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than midnight 7 April 2024.

Selection Process

• For retained candidates, written tests/video-recorded interviews are foreseen the mid to end April 2024 and panel interviews are planned for the beginning of end May 2024

Contract Duration

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

What the OECD offers

Depending on level of experience, monthly salary starts at either 10,640.30 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.

Salary Information

Please note that the appointment may be made at one grade lower in the specified job family, 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.