Head of IEA Regional Cooperation Centre

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 OECD. Both the IEA and the OECD 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 to economic development and environmental sustainability across the globe.

The IEA is establishing a new Regional Cooperation Centre that will be based in Singapore  (“the Centre”) to extend the IEA’s engagement and influence in Southeast Asia and beyond. Southeast Asia is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing regions in the world,  and a key driver of global energy demand today that  will heavily influence the global energy landscape in the decades to come, including prospects for sustaining energy security and meeting climate targets. The Centre is expected to start operation by October 2024.

In close collaboration with staff in IEA Headquarters in Paris, and by working with the stakeholders in government and industry across Southeast Asia. the Centre will undertake substantive work across key workstreams, including (i) Bilateral engagement with key countries; (ii) Regional training and capacity building programmes; (iii) The scale-up of renewables and regional power trade; (iv) The deployment of clean energy technologies and innovation and (v) Overcome region-specific clean energy investment challenges.

The position

The IEA is recruiting a dynamic and visionary Head of the Centre to lead the team based in Singapore, which is expected to initially consist of 5-8 professional staff members, potentially growing over time.  The Head of the Centre will manage the operations of the Centre, implementing its substantive work programme, communicating its results, and raising and managing budget resources. The breath and the complexity of the energy issues for which the Centre is responsible requires an experienced senior executive with an excellent understanding of the IEA and the energy sector, political processes and effective institutional settings. We are seeking to recruit a leader who thrives in a fast paced, multidisciplinary work environment and is an innovative strategic thinker with political sensitivity.  S/he will have a proven track record of managing and delivering a Programme of Work and Budget, as well as managing diverse international teams, while maintaining a wide and effective professional network. The Head of Centre will be based in Singapore, and will report to the IEA Deputy Executive Director, and periodically to the IEA Executive Director, who are based in Paris.  

Leadership

• Ensure the strategic planning, development and oversight of the Centre’s work programme.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key strategy stakeholders in government and industry across Southeast Asia.
• Provide intellectual leadership for the Centre’s activities.
• Supervise and review work and research conducted by the Centre’s staff.
• Manage the Centre's budget and actively raise funding. 
• Coordinate regularly on the Centre’s work with the Division Head for Asia Pacific Partnerships (APP) and the Southeast Asia Programme Manager in the IEA’s Global Energy Relations Office.
• Report to IEA Deputy Executive Director and periodically to the IEA Executive Director on the substantive work of the Centre.

Representation and Liaison

• Develop effective working relationships with IEA colleagues based in Paris, senior public officials as appropriate, private sector repesentatives, civil society and other international organisations
• Communicate pro-actively and effectively with key stakeholders in order to maximise the value, visibility and impact of the Centre.
• Represent the Centre at international meetings and participate in Organisation-wide events and meetings of IEA bodies. Make presentations on substantive matters at such meetings.

Management and Co-ordination

• Ensure effective co-ordination, collaboration and co-operation across the IEA including with the Executive Office (EXO) to support and contribute to flagship corporate initiatives and horizontal projects.
• Lead and manage the staff of the Centre. Set objectives and provide guidance on the goals, direction and timing of their work; provide regular and constructive feedback on performance to motivate staff and contribute to their professional development. Develop and maintain good teamwork and ensure effective work methods and project management; implement and maintain arrangements to ensure effective internal communications within the Centre.
• Build and lead a cohesive, multicultural and multidisciplinary team, promoting excellence, inclusion and diversity.
• Adhere to and promote the highest professional standards and the ethical principles of the OECD's Code of Conduct in all internal and external matters. Ensure a caring environment where managers promote, respect and support staff in developing their full potential.
• Oversee the Centre budget and ensure optimal use of available resources.
• Raise, in close collaboration with staff at the IEA Headquarters, additional funds for the Centre.

Academic Background

• Advanced university degree(s) or equivalent in relevant disciplines such as economics, engineering, public administration, international relations, and/or energy studies or other related field(s).

Professional Background

• At least 10 years' experience in a related field such as the energy sector, international economic policy-making, foreign affairs or public administration.
• Considerable knowledge and experience of political and economic aspects of national and international energy markets and policy in particular relative to Southeast Asia, with an emphasis on experience in an international organisation.
• Proven record of buillding networks at senior level and within a political decision-making environment. Well-established contacts with key players and stakeholders in the relevant international communities.
• 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.

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).
• To learn more about the definitions for each competency for levels 1-3, please refer to OECD Core Competencies

Languages

• An excellent written and oral command of English.
• Working knowledge of other languages used in the region would be an asset.

Closing Date:

• Applications should reach us no later than  23h59 on 14 April  (Paris time).

Contract Duration

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

What the OECD offers

• Depending on level of experience, monthly salary starts at 12 109 EUR plus allowances based on eligibility. In addition to their basic salary, OECD officials assigned to the Centre may be exempt of income tax and may receive an additional allowance of EUR 2 000 per month.
• 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.

Selection Process

All applications are screened based on the criteria for the position.  For candidates who are screened-in, video-recorded interviews and written tests are foreseen for end April 2024, and panel interviews foreseen for end May 2024.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than 23h59 on 14 April  (Paris time).

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.