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 NUCLEAR ENERGY AGENCY 

The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) is an intergovernmental agency which operates under the framework of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). It facilitates co-operation among countries with advanced nuclear technology infrastructures to seek excellence in nuclear safety, technology, science, related environmental and economic matters and law. The mission of the NEA is to assist its 34 member countries in maintaining and further developing, through international cooperation, the scientific, technological and legal bases required for a safe, environmentally sound and economical use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. It strives to provide authoritative assessments and to forge common understandings on key issues as input to government decisions on nuclear technology policies.  

THE POSITION 

The Division of Nuclear Technology Development and Economics (NTE) provides the Secretariat for, and implements the programme of work of the Committee for Technical and Economic Studies on Nuclear Energy Development and the Fuel Cycle (NDC). The NDC is a cross-cutting committee that examines all aspects affecting nuclear development, for both existing and new reactors, including their place in the overall energy mix of member countries. In recent years, the NEA was at the forefront of modelling low carbon electricity systems looking in particular at the system effects of variable renewable energies (VRE) and the role of nuclear power.

NEA/NTE is looking for an experienced Energy System Modeller to work on the modelling of integrated electricity and energy systems operating under stringent carbon constraints with high shares of variable renewables and nuclear energy electricity. Such modelling would at least partly be performed in the context of country-specific studies, comparing the costs of different low carbon generation mixes in function of technology-specific generation costs, technical parameters, flexibility resources, the structure of demand and consumer behaviour changes, the degree of sector coupling as well as electricity trading in function of interconnection capacity. Other than modelling, some contribution to the drafting of policy relevant NEA reports, as well as other tasks related to the NDC programme of work as assigned, would also be expected. The selected candidate will work under the supervision of the Division’s senior economist and the Head of NTE.

Job Description

Main Responsibilities

 Analysis, Modelling and Drafting

• Perform economic analyses and modelling of the technical, economical, financial and institutional aspects of low carbon electricity and energy systems with particular attention to the role of nuclear power and other low carbon technologies, both dispatchable and variable.
• Perform other economic analyses on electricity systems or nuclear energy.
• Draft reports for technical experts and policymakers on various aspects of nuclear energy economics and energy system modelling.
• Contribute to the elaboration of policy recommendations implied by the results of the analytical work.
• Ensure the policy relevance of economic analysis and modelling strategies in collaboration with senior staff and management.

Liaison and outreach

• Participate in preparations and meetings of the NEA standing committees such as the NDC, working parties and other events.
• Organise international workshops in the field of energy system modelling or nuclear energy economics.
• Collaborate with other OECD directorates and/or NEA divisions on the interactions of nuclear energy in low carbon electricity systems, as well as other NTE techno-economic studies.

• Maintain contacts with the governments of NEA member countries, other international organisations, industry and other stakeholders.
• Promote the work of the NEA externally to different audiences through participation in workshops, making presentations and holding bilateral meetings.

Other

• Carry out any other related duties as assigned by senior staff or management.

Qualifications

 Academic Background

• An advanced university degree in relevant disciplines, such as economics, nuclear engineering, power system engineering or natural sciences.
• Studies in energy system modelling or energy economics would be an asset but is not a formal requirement.

Professional Background

• At least five years of experience in areas related to the analysis and modelling of low carbon electricity systems. Familiarity with mixed integer linear optimisation models for power system analysis would be an advantage.
• Some knowledge of the working of modern power markets and experience of the working of different flexibility options available to integrate large shares of VRE such as wind and solar PV in low carbon electricity systems, including dispatchable low carbon technologies such as nuclear, demand response, storage or the geographic integration of electricity systems.
• An understanding of the contribution that nuclear energy as a dispatchable low carbon baseload provider brings to carbon emission reductions, as well as of the opportunities and challenges that nuclear energy faces in modern low carbon electricity systems.
• At least some experience in leading, managing and concluding research projects in the field of energy analysis or modelling.
• Experience in synthesising, drafting and publishing the results of analytical work or modelling work for different audiences, which may include other experts, policymakers or the broader public.

Additional Information

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.

Communication and Languages

• Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and knowledge of the other with a commitment to reach a good working level.
• Knowledge of other languages would be an asset.

Additional Information

Tools

• Excellent command of at least one analytical software for mathematical optimisation (e.g. GAMS) and/or relevant programming languages (e.g. Julia, Python, R).

Closing Date:

• This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than 23:59, Paris time, on 6 May 2024.

Contract Duration 

• Two-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

• Depending on level of experience, monthly salary starts at 7,738.74 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.

Process

The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates who are nationals of who are nationals of NEA or 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.