Head of Gas and Coal Markets Division

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 International Energy Agency (IEA)  is an intergovernmental organisation with 32 member countries 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. The IEA seeks opportunities to work with an increasing number of non-member countries of growing importance to global energy markets. The Agency aims to foster the contribution of the energy sector to economic development and environmental sustainability.

 

The IEA is looking for a dynamic and visionary Head of Division to provide leadership and strategic direction to the Gas and Coal Markets Division. As a key member of the Senior Management team of the IEA, s/he will provide intellectual leadership. Key activities across these areas of focus include the development of the Division’s work programme to support wider Agency priorities in close collaboration with other senior colleagues, in particular, the Chief Economist, Chief Modeller and the other five Division Heads of the Directorate Energy Markets and Security working on oil, renewable energy, electricity systems, energy efficiency and emergency response.

 

Under the supervision of the Director of the Energy Markets and Security Directorate, the Division Head has line management responsibility for the budget and a team of enthusiastic professionals working on energy market analysis.

Main Responsibilities

Leadership

• Lead IEA’s discussion on the horizontal challenges on energy markets and security with focus on natural gas supply security.
• Lead the strategic design and implementation of the work programme on coal and gas market analysis.
• Support Committees and working groups and accept accountability for their smooth organisation, preparation of high-quality papers and facilitating dialogue, consensus building and a productive exchange of views between delegates of IEA member and non-member countries.
• Manage the core outputs of the Division to ensure their timely delivery and coherence with other outputs of the Agency, including the production of quality publications and relevant input to IEA products managed by others.
• Replace the Director during periods of absence.

Representation and Liaison

• Establish and maintain close relations at senior level with government, the private sector, international and regional multilateral organisations, and research institutions. Expand the dialogue between the member and non-member countries. Identify opportunities for collaborative projects among the IEA and different energy stakeholders, e.g. non-Member countries, the private sector, industry associations, etc.
• Manage directly and/or assist in the organisation and conduct of conferences, seminars and workshops.
• Represent the IEA at meetings and conferences involving senior policy-makers and representatives of business, labour, academia, NGOs and the media.
• Contribute to the development of the IEA’s policy messages and communications strategy with key stakeholders, the media and the general public, in order to maximize the value, visibility and impact of the Division’s work.
• Build collaborative and collegial working relationships with people inside and outside the Agency on cross-cutting projects, publications, policy reviews, and conferences.

Management and Co-ordination

• Lead and manage the staff of the Division with a team of market analysts. 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 Division.
• 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.

Senior Analysis, advice and drafting

• Prepare and oversee policy, analytical and other papers to be presented to the IEA's Standing Committees and/or the IEA Governing Board or other bodies on market developments in stationary energy markets, especially with respect to the evolution of, and interactions between coal and gas.
• Oversee the preparation of the output of the market analysts in the Division. Provide intellectual input, guidance and constructive criticism to improve the policy relevance, readability and quality of the analysis.
• Aim to further strengthen analytical competence of the IEA, particularly on gas and electricity.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic and Professional Background

• An advanced university degree in economics, finance, engineering or a related subject.
• At least 10 years' experience in energy market analysis with a specialisation in power generation, electricity or gas.
• Excellent knowledge and experience of current political and economic aspects of national and international energy markets and policy.
• Proven record analysing national and international complex policy issues related to energy markets and to prepare analytical papers and recommendations for action or discussion at Ministerial-level meetings and other bodies.
• Demonstrated experience of programme management (managing programmes, budget , staff).

Communication and Languages

• Fluency in English, one of the two OECD official languages, and a knowledge of, or willingness to learn, French.

Core Competencies

Staff in Executive Leadership are expected to demonstrate behaviours aligned to six core competencies which will be assessed as part of this hiring processes at level 3: Vision and Strategy; Enable People; Ethics and Integrity; Collaboration and Horizontality; Achieve Results; Innovate and Embrace Change.

To learn more about the definitions for each competency, please refer to the OECD Core Competency Framework.   

Closing Date

• This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than midnight 19 June 2026 (CEST).

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 67.

What the OECD offers

• Monthly base salary starting from 12 672 EUR plus allowances, based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.
• Please note that the appointment may be made at a lower grade based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.

Process

All applications are screened based on the criteria for the position.  For candidates who are screened-in, written tests and/or video-recorded interviews are foreseen for July 2026, and panel interviews are planned for September 2026.

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.

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.

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