The OPEC Secretariat functions as the Headquarters of OPEC. It is responsible for carrying out the executive functions of the Organization, in accordance with the provisions of the Statute and under the direction of the Board of Governors.

The Secretariat consists of the Secretary General, and the Research Division headed by the Director of Research, and comprising the Petroleum Market Analysis, Energy Studies and Data Services Departments. Other functions include the PR & Information Department, the Administration & Human Resources Department, and the Office of the Secretary General.

The Secretariat was originally established in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1961 but it was moved to Vienna, Austria, in 1965. The 8th (Extraordinary) OPEC Conference approved the Host Agreement with the Austrian Government in April 1965, prior to the opening of the OPEC Secretariat in Vienna on September 1, 1965.