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, who is the Chief Executive and includes the Research and Support Services Divisions, the Legal office, the Office of the Secretary General and the Internal Audit.

The Research Division, headed by a Director, comprises the departments of Data Services, Petroleum Studies, Energy Studies and Multilateral Relations. The Support Services Division, also headed by a Director, includes the departments of PR & Information, Finance & Human Resources and Administration & IT Services.

The Secretariat was originally established in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1961. It 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 Secretariat in Vienna on September 1, 1965.