Director for Energy Markets and Security

We are an equal opportunity employer and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

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 (OECD). The OECD is a unique forum where the governments of 34 market democracies work together to address the economic, social and governance challenges of the globalizing world economy. Both the OECD and the IEA seek opportunities to work with an increasing number of non-members of growing importance to the world economy.

We are recruiting a Director to lead the Directorate of Energy Markets and Security (EMS), which plans and co-ordinates IEA work on energy security and especially oil security, including recommending releases from the strategic stocks of IEA’s 28 member countries in response to disruptions of oil supplies, as occurred in 2011. The Directorate also monitors and reports on energy market developments, energy security policies of member and non-member countries, and the growing deployment of renewable energy. In addition, the Director of EMS is a member of the Agency’s top management team, working under the guidance of the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director. In this capacity, s/he shares responsibility for the effectiveness and smooth running of the Agency overall.

Main Responsibilities

Leadership

Provide strategic direction and leadership for the Agency’s work on short and medium-term analysis of global energy markets on the preparation and testing of oil and gas emergency policies and procedures, on key developments in energy market regulation and on policies to encourage the deployment of renewable energy in line with the objectives and priorities of the Agency and its member countries.

Identify and respond to emerging challenges, including disruptions to oil supply, and develop and implement actions and strategies through which the Directorate can assist member and non-member countries to respond to these challenges.

Exercise critical oversight of the analytical and policy content of Directorate reports and programme proposals ensuring that they make an effective contribution to the policy process (national and international) and that they are consistent with the Agency’s overall strategy and messages. Assess the needs of member countries and take into account their political sensitivities in delivering the Directorate’s programme of work.

Ensure the Directorate’s work continues to meet the highest standards of quality and objectivity so that its policy recommendations, messages and analysis provide the basis for global energy discussions and dialogue in member and non-member countries, other international organisations, and policy making communities in government and civil society.

Management

As a member of the Agency’s senior management team, maintain and extend the position of the IEA as the leading player in data collection, analysis and policy dialogue and identification of evidence-based policy actions to meet global energy challenges.

Lead and manage a multi-disciplinary team of 40 staff and consultants (analysts, statisticians and support) with a budget of EUR 7.5 million and develop the EMS programme of work. Promote high performance and professional satisfaction through sound recruitment, effective management of work and performance-based assessment, while maintaining open communication and a positive working atmosphere.

Ensure the delivery of relevant rigorous and timely data and analysis. Secure voluntary funding as needed to supplement the EMS budget.

Lead the Secretariat’s support of the IEA’s Standing Group on the Oil Market (SOM), the Standing Group on Emergency Questions (SEQ), the Standing Group on Long Term Policies (SLT) and the Renewable Energy Working Party, all of which are standing committees of representatives from member countries.

Co-ordination, liaison, representation

Work closely with and represent the Secretariat at senior level with member governments of the Agency, bilaterally and multilaterally, as well as with other international institutions in the energy field, and with the private sector and with representatives of civil society.

Promote dialogue and information-sharing on energy markets, energy security and emergency policy issues and measures with member governments, other major consuming and producing countries and international organisations such as OPEC, IEF, IRENA, and the G20.

Ensure effective co-operation with energy industry stakeholders including the international oil and gas industry through the IEA’s Industry Advisory Board (IAB), the coal industry through the Coal Industry Advisory Board and the renewable industry through the newly established Renewable Industry Advisory Board.

Ensure co-operation and communication within EMS and with other Directorates and Offices of the Agency on energy market and security issues, including global supply/demand prospects, geo-political risks, production capacity, refinery utilisation and emergency response policies. Co-ordinate EMS work to extend IEA emergency preparedness activities to encompass the broader energy sector, including gas and electricity.

Candidate’s profile

Professional and Academic Background

Profound knowledge of energy economics, oil gas and electricity markets, industries, technologies and government energy policy-making and regulation, based on relevant academic qualifications and work experience, supported by broad awareness of economic, environmental, international and technological issues. Excellent knowledge of the oil and gas markets is a pre-requisite as it is key to maintaining the oil market and oil emergency preparedness of the Agency.

Ten to fifteen years’ experience of formulating and implementing international energy policy, including direct experience of energy policy work in a national government administration with broad international and intergovernmental experience. Direct commercial experience in the energy sector may be an acceptable substitute, provided this has included broad policy-making responsibilities and extensive interaction with governments, and involving close understanding of government policy-making processes.

An advanced university degree in economics, energy economics or equivalent in a relevant field.

Languages

Fluent knowledge of and first-rate drafting ability in English is a pre-requisite. A working knowledge of French and other languages would be an advantage.

Key Competencies

The capacity to manage multi-cultural teams and at the same time to work with and maintain high-level contacts with governments, industry and various other stakeholders;

The ability to edit technically sophisticated publications, such as the monthly Oil Market Report and other market reviews accurately and to a high standard of English;

The capacity to anticipate possible oil and gas supply crises and to manage an IEA emergency response whilst working under pressure during emergencies.

Demonstrated people and project management experience in a multi-cultural environment, good communication and negotiation skills, initiative, creativity, drive, judgement, technological understanding, and presentational skills. Proven ability to raise funds from governments and industry.

A dynamic, pro-active personality and the ability to anticipate and to work to very tight deadlines.

Ability to conceive and direct complex analysis, identify critical issues and draw out practical conclusions and experience in managing highly qualified and specialised experts.

Sensitivity to political issues within and between countries.

Outstanding communication skills; the ability to build support and constituencies for the objectives of the Agency.

Contract Duration

Fixed term of 3 years

Director for Energy Markets and Security