Head of the Mission Innovation Secretariat

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.

MISSION INNOVATION

Mission Innovation (MI) is a global, member-driven intergovernmental platform dedicated to accelerating clean energy innovation through voluntary collaboration among governments, international organisations and industry. Launched at COP21 in Paris in 2015, MI brings together 22 countries and the European Commission, representing the European Union, with the shared objective of advancing research, development and demonstration to make clean energy solutions affordable, attractive and accessible worldwide.

THE POSITION

The IEA is looking for a Head of the Mission Innovation Secretariat to lead the Secretariat team and support the effective delivery of Mission Innovation’s mandate. The Head will operate under the strategic guidance of the Mission Innovation Steering Committee and will be responsible for implementing MI members’ collectively agreed vision, priorities, and workplan, translating them into tangible and measurable outcomes.

The position is based at the IEA headquarters in Paris and reports administratively to IEA management, while remaining accountable to the MI Steering Committee for the delivery of MI’s agenda and results. The Head of the MI Secretariat will lead a hybrid and geographically dispersed team. The secretariat is composed of a small team of IEA-based staff operating in person at the IEA headquarters in Paris and up to 10 staff experts provided in-kind by member governments and partner organisations, working remotely on a part-time or full-time basis. This distributed model enables MI to draw directly on members’ expertise while remaining flexible, inclusive, and focused on delivery.

Leadership and strategy

Management

- Lead, manage, motivate and develop a cohesive hybrid Secretariat team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, trust, and high performance across institutional, national and organizational boundaries. Manage staff performance in line with the OECD and IEA rules and procedures.
- Establish and maintain clear governance arrangements, secretariat structures and operational processes that enable effective coordination and communication with MISC, MI members and the MI Missions, and relevant units within the IEA.
- Ensure that MI Secretariat’s resources are used effectively and efficiently, in line with corporate budget and financial management rules of the OECD and the IEA, and that activities are undertaken in terms of fundraising for the MI Secretariat function. Provide annual budget reporting and donor reporting.

Representation and Liaison

- Enhance and strengthen MI’s public profile as a relevant international intergovernmental platform delivering on member country priorities and global clean energy innovation goals.
- Maintain and strengthen MI’s engagement with stakeholders in the energy innovation community.
- Identify and pursue strategic engagement opportunities that enhance MI’s impact, coherence, and complementarity with the work of the IEA and other international initiatives, avoiding redundancies and duplication of efforts.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic support to the MI Steering Committee (MISC), including advice on strategic planning, good governance and accountability, and risk management.; Under the strategic guidance of the MI Steering Committee, and in close cooperation with the MISC Chair, implement Mission Innovation’s agreed vision, and strategic priorities, ensuring they are clearly communicated to and taken forward by the MI membership.; Work closely with the MISC Chair to translate high-level strategic guidance from ministers, the Steering Committee, and members into a coherent and actionable MI workplan, with clear objectives, deliverables and timelines, and oversee its effective implementation.

Requirements

An advanced university degree(s) in relevant disciplines, such as economics, law, international relations, political sciences, or industry, environmental or energy policy.; At least eight years’ extensive practical knowledge and experience at a management level in relevant fields for MI’s mandate.; At least five years of management experience, with demonstrated responsibility for strategic planning delivery, and organisational leadership.; Recognised expertise in energy innovation policy and a strong understanding of international cooperation, collaborative initiatives, and multilateral, member-driven governance arrangements.; Proven experience providing strategic support and advice to steering committees, governing bodies, or senior leadership, including supporting Chairs or Vice-Chairs in complex decision-making processes.; Experience in the organisation and delivery of international meetings, including ministerial-level engagements, large-scale initiatives, and activities with a strong policy and stakeholder engagement dimension.; Demonstrated experience in multilateral political environments, working with key stakeholders from governments, international organisations, industry, and the research community.; Extensive experience in managing, guiding and motivating high-performing, multidisciplinary teams in complex and multilateral contexts.; Strong understanding of administrative and budgetary processes in major publicly funded institutions. Proven capabilities and experience in fundraising from governments, foundations and/or industry would be an asset.; Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability influence strategic outcomes by adapting complex and technical messages to different audiences and contexts.; Strategic vision and analytical capability to anticipate emerging issues and opportunities in energy innovation and international cooperation.; Strong public speaking and presentation skills, including experience engaging diverse, senior-level, and international audiences.; Sensitivity to political issues and dynamics and ability to manage multiple priorities, anticipate opportunities, and deliver high-quality outcomes.; Strong intercultural ability and demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively, foster innovation, and deliver results in complex, multilateral settings.; Able to translate Mission Innovation's objectives and accomplishments into a clear and compelling narrative for various audiences and stakeholders, highlighting its positive influence in the energy innovation space.