The IEA is an autonomous organisation which works to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for its 28 member countries and beyond. The IEA's four main areas of focus are: energy security, economic development, environmental awareness, and engagement worldwide.

Founded in response to the 1973/4 oil crisis, the IEA's initial role was to help countries co-ordinate a collective response to major disruptions in oil supply through the release of emergency oil stocks.

The IEA is made up of 28 member countries.

The Executive office is made up of the Executive Director, the Deputy Executive Director and their respective advisors and support staff.

The IEA has a staff of 260 enthusiastic professionals (energy analysts, modellers, data managers/statisticians, technicians, secretaries and support staff) working together on global energy challenges.

Since the 1980s, the IEA has been building good working relationships with countries beyond its membership, in particular major energy consuming, producing and transit countries.

The IEA works with a broad range of groups, committees and advisory bodies, some of which include private sector and IEA non-member country representatives and the legal bases for which vary.

In addition to the Governing Board, the IEA has several ‘Standing Committees’ (also known as ‘Standing Groups’), made up of member country government officials, which meet several times a year.