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.

The Office of Global Energy Relations (GER) was created to strengthen IEA engagement with key Accession, Association and partner country governments, stakeholders and international organisations as well as to ensure internal co-ordination of these activities. The Division for Asia-Pacific and Partnerships is responsible for coordinating and developing the Agency’s engagement with countries in the region, including high-level dialogue, collaborative analytical work, peer-reviews, technical cooperation, as well as training and capacity building.

GER seeks to hire a Programme Manager to lead its work on China. Energy markets are global, and China, in particular, is of key importance to the IEA as the world largest producer and consumer of energy as well as the largest carbon emitter. China was one of the first countries joining the IEA as an association country in 2015, and is aiming to reach a peak in its CO2 emissions before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060.  The Programme Manager is the Agency’s focal point for relations with China. This involves developing a strategic overview of energy issues and analysing and monitoring developments (political, economic and energy-related) in China.

The selected candidate will work, in close collaboration and consultation with other IEA divisions, to advance the wide-ranging collaborations between IEA and China under the general guidance of the Head of Division for Asia-Pacific and Partnerships.

Main Responsibilities

Programme Management

• Lead the Agency’s work on China to meet the needs and priorities agreed by Member countries, including horizontal collaborations across the Agency.
• Build, manage and guide highly motivated, enthusiastic multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary project teams consisting of IEA staff and external experts to take forward the Agency’s work in this area. Accept accountability for the quality, timeliness and relevance of their outputs. Contribute personally to these activities through intellectual and technical leadership, coaching and developing staff, as well as by winning and managing resources to support the project.

Participate in recruitment and identify external experts. Build a collegial and productive working atmosphere.

• Support the broader activities of the IEA through analytical, written and verbal contributions including co-authoring and reviewing reports and publications, development of web content and briefs on all aspects related to China. Contribute to the development of the Agency’s programme of work. Identify key priorities for action.

Analysis, Drafting and Policy Recommendations

• Monitoring and analysing developments in energy issues related to China, the evolution of its energy policies and the economic and political implications of its energy linkages to global and regional markets, with a particular focus on world energy security and transition to cleaner energy. This will include developments in oil, gas, coal, electricity and renewables and other resources, investment, production, energy imports and exports, stocks and consumption, energy efficiency, energy technology and innovation, and energy-related carbon dioxide emissions.
• Carry out and participate in specific sectoral and/or regional studies related to developments in the energy situation and energy policies of China.

Liaison and Outreach

• Maintain IEA relations with China, both at a technical and high level, and develop and execute projects that would influence energy policy making in China. Organise and co-ordinate relevant bilateral and multi-lateral activities with China.
• Collaborate with other Divisions in the Agency and other organisations and ensure that Agency staff is informed of emerging and important developments in China.
• Participate in preparations for meetings of the IEA Standing Group for Global Energy Dialogue, working parties, and conferences as required; participate in relevant meetings of other international organisations; provide support for the development of reports, analyses and information items for these meetings. Organise the participation of Chinese delegations to high-level and other meetings of the IEA.
• Maintain contacts with policy-level government officials, other international organisations, industry, research institutes, universities and NGOs. Promote the work of the Agency externally to a wide range of audiences through organising and participating in workshops, making presentations and holding bilateral meetings.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• An advanced university degree(s) in relevant disciplines, such as international relations, economics, and/or energy studies or related field(s).

Professional Background

• Five to eight years of experience working on international relations, energy, economic and/or climate issues, experience in and knowledge of China would be a strong advantage.
• Policy experience, preferably in the energy field, with a national government, international organisation, the private sector or academia/research. Experience of working with stakeholders in China would be a strong advantage.
• Ability to synthesise complex results and present them to a non-specialist audience.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English
• Fluency in written and spoken Chinese is required
• Working knowledge of other languages would be an advantage.

Core Competencies

• For this role, the following competencies would be particularly important: Analytical thinking, Diplomatic sensitivity, Resource management, Achievement focus and Teamwork.
• Please refer to the level 3 indicators of the OECD Core Competencies.

Contract Duration

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

Selection Process

• For retained candidates, written tests/video-recorded interviews are foreseen toward mid-May and panel interviews are planned for mid-June.
• Please note that our Rules and Regulations stipulate that the mandatory retirement age is 65.

What the OECD offers

Monthly base salary starting from 8 232 EUR, plus allowances based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.

Please note that the appointment will be based on the candidate’s level of experience and demonstrated ability to perform the functions at the expected level.

Appointment may be made at a lower grade based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant; the duties and responsibilities assigned will be adjusted accordingly.

• Click here to learn more about what we offer and why the OECD is a great place to work. 
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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.