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. The IEA Communications and Digital Office develops and implements the Agency’s communication strategy across its digital platforms. It is responsible for the production and dissemination of IEA data and analysis, oversees the Agency’s digitalisation strategy, public relations and social media.

The IEA is looking for a Strategic Media Relations Manager to help enhance the IEA’s communications strategy, strengthen the Agency’s media relations activities, increase understanding of the IEA’s mission and work on global energy issues, and safeguard its reputation. As part of the IEA’s dynamic Communications and Digital Office (CDO) in our Paris headquarters, the role reports to the Head of Communications. The Strategic Media Relations Manager will work closely and collaboratively across CDO and support team-wide initiatives.

Main Responsibilities

• Help develop a consistent public communications strategy, working closely with the Head of Communications and colleagues across CDO and the IEA, to ensure that IEA messages and activities are well understood by media stakeholders.
• Contribute to the continued development of the IEA’s communications strategy with regard to media relations, managing and monitoring implementation of the relevant elements of the strategy to maximise the impact of IEA outputs and activities.
• Develop and implement a media relations plan in line with the IEA’s communications strategy, including strengthening the Agency’s global network of media contacts.
• Provide strategic communications advice to IEA senior management to maximise impact of IEA key messages, increase visibility of IEA work, and maintain the credibility of the Agency’s data and analysis.
• Take responsibility for strategic communications planning of key events or outputs to ensure effective and wide dissemination, taking into account the global news calendar, stakeholders’ expectations and anticipating media headlines.
• Oversee and plan media handling strategies for new and developing projects, in consultation with relevant colleagues in CDO and across the IEA, including project leaders, and implement these strategies.
• Supervise and enhance the system for media engagement, including press queries, to optimise efficiency and message consistency.
• Oversee the organisation of media events, from conception to post-event follow-up, and develop media relations tools.
• Lead a strategic approach to media interviews for IEA senior managers and as required, take responsibility for in-depth preparation of the interviewees, including, if necessary, “hostile questioning” exercises.
• Conduct regular media monitoring and create reports, where appropriate, in coordination with the relevant CDO colleagues. Leverage the media monitoring to identify new communications opportunities for the IEA.

Ideal candidate profile

Academic Background

• A university degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or any other relevant field.
• A good understanding of complex geo-economics-financial-political issues, particularly with regard to energy and climate, and strong analytical skills.

Professional Background

• Seven years of experience in communications and media relations.
• Prior experience in an international organisation will be an asset; including understanding of the IEA’s work, its role and impact.
• Experience in managing teams and stakeholder management.
• Proven ability to undertake strategic communications planning and delivery.
• Capacity to identify opportunities to increase the visibility of the Agency.
• Experience in crisis or emergency communications would be an asset.
• Strong knowledge of online communication, collaboration and social media platforms and methodologies, and previous experience in designing and managing these platforms and evaluating their success.
• Experience in understanding and distilling complex ideas and turning them into compelling narratives for public dissemination.
• Experience in an international environment and ability to work cross-functionally with multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain strong attention to detail while meeting tight deadlines.

Tools

• Proficiency in the latest media monitoring tools (e.g., Factiva, Cision, Kantar, Lexis Nexis, Meltwater, etc.)
• Proficiency in social media monitoring tools (e.g., Quintly, Talkwalker, Brandwatch, Linkfluence, etc.)

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 2); Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 3); Achieve Results (Level 3); Innovate and Embrace Change (Level 2).
• 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 OECD Core Competencies.

Languages

• An excellent written and oral command of English; working knowledge of French would be an advantage.

Closing Date:

• This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than midnight 16 July 2024 (CEST)

Contract Duration

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

What the OECD offers 

• Depending on level of experience, monthly salary starts at 8,984 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.

Selection Process

For retained candidates, written tests/video-recorded interviews are foreseen end-July/early-August and panel interviews are planned for mid-September.

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.