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, 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

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).  Both the OECD and the IEA 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 CLIMATE CLUB

The Climate Club drives industrial decarbonisation as an open, inclusive and ambitious high-level forum. Currently comprising 43 members and growing, the Climate Club was launched at COP28 and has since played an important role in the international discourse at the interface of climate action, economic growth and industry. Recognising that countries have different starting points and strategies, which may result in international spillover effects (such as carbon leakage), the Climate Club fosters co-operation to accelerate industrial decarbonization efforts. Members work towards joint definitions and standards for green industrial products and the corresponding approaches to determine emissions. Furthermore, the Climate Club strengthens the support for industry decarbonization in emerging and developing countries. The Secretariat of the Climate Club (CC) is jointly hosted by the OECD and the IEA.

THE POSITION

We are looking for a Head for the Climate Club Secretariat to lead the Secretariat team. The selected person will operate under the substantive guidance of the Climate Club members and the Climate Club Co-Chairs. The Head will work from both the IEA and OECD offices and will report for administrative purposes to both OECD and IEA management. 

Job Description

Main Responsibilities

Leadership and strategy

• Work with the Climate Club Co-Chairs, the Steering Group and the Body of Members to develop agendas that deliver on strategic priorities, establishing strong relationships with the Climate Club members and partner organisations.
• Translate high-level strategic guidance from the Climate Club members into the day-to-day activities of the Climate Club Secretariat.
• Oversee and lead the preparation of Body of Members meetings and further Climate Club meetings and high-level events, such as in the margins of the UN Framework Convention (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP) and UN General Assembly meetings.
• Oversee the preparation of briefing materials and synthesizing analysis from organisations to facilitate informed discussions.
• Drive and co-ordinate the implementation and further development of the Climate Club’s Work Programme to enhance its impact in collaboration with partner institutions such as the OECD and the IEA.

Management

• Provide overall management for the Climate Club Secretariat’s functions and activities.
• Establish secretariat structures and oversee core operational functions, including managing the front desk, organising high-level events, and maintaining effective communication among Climate Club Co-Chairs, members and member bodies such as the Steering Group and the Body of Members, and relevant units within the IEA and OECD.
• Lead, motivate and develop a small multinational team of dynamic and dedicated professionals with their own portfolio of responsibilities.  Foster a team environment which encourages high standards and innovation as well as job satisfaction, loyalty, effective management of workloads and staff development. Manage staff performance in line with the OECD and IEA rules and procedures.
• Ensure that Climate Club Secretariat’s resources are used effectively and efficiently, in line with corporate budget and financial management rules, and that activities are undertaken in terms of fundraising for the Climate Club Secretariat function. Provide annual budget reporting and donor reporting.

Representation and liaison

• Establish and maintain close contacts with relevant international organisations, expert organisations, foundations, the private sector and other stakeholders to build awareness and support for the Climate Club. Identify synergies with the work of the Climate Club.  Foster the development of appropriate partnerships with relevant international initiatives.
• Promote the work of the Climate Club through participation in events, workshops, and other high-level meetings and conferences. Represent the Climate Club in international fora in close co‑operation with Climate Club Co-Chairs and members.
• Conduct sustained and broad relationship-building with Climate Club government representatives, international bodies, and other partners and stakeholders, including the OECD and the IEA.

Qualifications

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background:

• An advanced university degree(s) in relevant disciplines, such as economics, law, international relations, political sciences, or industry, environmental or energy policy.

Professional Background:

• At least eight years’ extensive practical knowledge and experience at management level in relevant fields for the Climate Club’s work, in a national administration or an international organisation in areas such as industrial decarbonisation, the challenges related to decarbonisation in emission intensive and trade exposed sectors, climate action, energy transition or other issues falling within the scope of the Climate Club’s activity.
• Extensive experience in the organisation and preparation of international meetings as well as in supporting international bodies and their members.
• A vision and analytical ability to anticipate major emerging issues related to industrial decarbonisation and the work of the Climate Club.
• Extensive experience in managing, guiding and motivating high performing, multidisciplinary and diverse teams in complex and multilateral contexts and developing people and policy programmes, as demonstrated through progressive and increasing management responsibilities and management training.
• Experience managing administrative and budgetary processes in major publicly-funded institutions. Proven capabilities and experience in fundraising from governments, foundations and/or industry is an important asset.
• Sensitivity to the political issues and sensibilities within and between countries and different cultural contexts, with an ability to identify areas of mutual interest between stakeholders.
• Strong intercultural ability as well as proven communication and convening skills.
• Proven track record in operating and liaising within multilateral political decision-making environments, including a demonstrated ability to engage at a senior level.

Languages

• Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and a knowledge of, or a willingness to learn, the other.
• Knowledge of other languages would be an asset. 

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 2); Ethics and Integrity (Level 3); Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 2); Achieve Results (Level 3); Innovate and Embrace Change (Level 3).
• 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.

Additional Information

Contract Duration

• Fixed term appointment until 31 December 2026, with the possibility of renewal.

Closing Date:

• This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than 23h59 (Paris time) on 2 March 2025.

Please note that our Rules and Regulations stipulate that the mandatory retirement age is 67.

What the OECD offers

• Depending on level of experience, monthly salary starts from 9,610 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.
• 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.

The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes the applications of all qualified candidates who are nationals of OECD or Climate Club 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.