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 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. 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 Office of Global Energy Relations (GER) was created to strengthen IEA engagement with key Accession, Association and partner country stakeholders, to articulate the IEA’s role vis-à-vis other international organisations and fora as well as to ensure cross-Agency co-ordination of these activities. The Division for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America (EMAL), is responsible for coordinating and developing the Agency’s engagement with countries in these regions, including activities under the Clean Energy Transitions Programme (CETP).

In recent years, the IEA has ramped up its activities in Sub-Saharan Africa. The objectives are to (1) generate high-level political support in the region for clean energy transitions and achievement of SDG 7, (2) improve the quality and availability of energy data on Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as enhance capacity for statistics and long-term energy planning in selected Sub-Saharan African countries, and (3) deliver analysis and develop tools to map cost-efficient, country-specific pathways for Sub-Saharan Africa’s energy system to deliver reliable, affordable and modern energy for all.

The Office of Global Energy Relations is looking for a highly motivated Sub-Saharan Africa Programme Manager with regional expertise and experience in project management and liaison activities to join the EMAL Division. The successful applicant will lead IEA activities in Sub-Saharan Africa. Under the supervision of the division head, s/he will liaise with counterparts and key stakeholders in the region and oversee the development and implementation of regional and bilateral work programmes. The Programme Manager will also coordinate with colleagues across the IEA to ensure the flow of information as well as assist teams in the reporting of Sub-Saharan Africa-related activities. 

Main Responsibilities

Management

• Manage and coordinate activities in Sub-Saharan Africa, including those under the IEA Clean Energy Transitions Programme (CETP), in close collaboration with divisions in charge of different parts of IEA substantive work.
• Develop and maintain close relations with counterparts in government, international and regional multilateral organisations, national cooperation agencies, the private sector and research institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Support division head and other senior managers in developing and implementing priority projects for the region, including high level meetings, trainings and capacity building, policy papers, analytical work and managing core outputs to ensure their quality and timely delivery.
• Manage a small team and provide guidance to any local coordinators, ensuring internal coordination and using synergies with broader IEA messages and activities.

Liaison and Outreach

• Develop and lead strategic planning for IEA activities in Sub-Saharan Africa; prepare progress briefings and reporting documents and other materials related to the region; Lead and/or support missions to Sub-Saharan African countries.
• Continuously monitor political and macroeconomic developments related to clean energy in the region, contributing briefings to IEA management and other IEA secretariat staff along with IEA member countries.
• Liaise and coordinate with relevant stakeholders, including existing and potential donors for Sub-Saharan Africa in related activities (and when relevant in coordination with the CETP core team) as well as with other relevant agencies (national cooperation entities, other international organizations, etc.).
• Help lead the organisation, management and logistics of meetings, workshops or conferences, including preparing the documentation for and records of various events in Sub-Saharan Africa.

 Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• An advanced university degree in energy economics, engineering technology, environment, international relations, public administration, African studies or related field. 

Professional background

• At least five years’ experience in project management and liaison activities related to Sub-Saharan Africa in a public or private organisation, a research centre and/or an international organization.
• Professional experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa with governments and interacting with key stakeholders across the region.
• Good knowledge of energy, technology, development, environment or related fields.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English;
• Working knowledge of other languages spoken in Sub-Saharan Africa would be an advantage (French, Portuguese, Swahili, etc…).

Core Competencies

• Please refer to the level 3 indicators of the OECD Core Competencies.

Contract Duration

• 2-year fixed term contract, with the possibility of renewal.
• Ideal start date: as from 1 September 2023.

Selection Process

• For retained candidates, written tests/video-recorded interviews are foreseen towards mid-May and panel interviews are planned around 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 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.

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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.