OECD Young Associates Programme 2026–2028 Now Open

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by Impactpool

Are you a recent graduate eager to begin a meaningful international career in public policy, research, and multilateral cooperation? The OECD Young Associates Programme (YAP) offers a unique two-year, fully paid opportunity for emerging talent to gain hands-on experience at one of the world’s leading international organisations.

 

Designed for recent Bachelor’s graduates, the programme provides a powerful springboard toward future postgraduate studies and international policy careers.

 

What is the Young Associates Programme?

 

The OECD YAP is a two-year professional placement for young graduates who want to work at the heart of global policy-making, research and analysis. Young Associates collaborate closely with senior managers and experts across the Organisation, gaining first-hand exposure to solutions for today’s most pressing socio-economic challenges.

Daily work may include:

  • Conducting background research

  • Drafting reports and briefing material

  • Collaborating with internal and external partners

  • Supporting policy events, workshops, and ministerial meetings

Throughout the programme, each Young Associate is paired with a senior manager who acts as a mentor—helping develop analytical skills, cross-cultural competencies, and a strong foundation for future postgraduate studies.

 

Applications for the 2026–28 cohort are NOW OPEN. Deadline: 14 December 2025.

Where You Could Work: Hosting Directorates for 2026–2028

For the 2026–28 cycle, Young Associates will join one of the following OECD directorates or special bodies:

Directorate / Special Body Work Area
Directorate for Financial and Enterprise Affairs (DAF) Support for the OECD Working Group on Bribery
Economics Department (ECO) Office of the Chief Economist
Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs (ELS) Data linkage and socio-economic & demographic capture for health
Environment Directorate (ENV) Assessing finance for climate action
Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Anti-money laundering & combating terrorist financing
Directorate for Public Governance (GOV) Director’s Office
International Energy Agency (IEA) Energy security data processes and training
International Energy Agency (IEA) World Energy Outlook
Science, Technology & Innovation Directorate (STI) Data flows, governance & privacy
Science, Technology & Innovation Directorate (STI) Firms, digital transformation & technology diffusion
Trade and Agriculture Directorate (TAD) Director’s Office

 

Who Can Apply?

 

The OECD uses an interactive eligibility tester to help candidates quickly check if they qualify.

To apply for the 2026–28 YAP cycle, candidates must:

  • Hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) obtained between 1 January 2025 and 1 September 2026 in a relevant field
    Applicants already enrolled in or holding a Master’s/PhD are not eligible.

  • Be a national of an OECD member country

  • Have a minimum GPA equivalent to 3.0/4.0 (see GPA conversion tool)

  • Be fluent in English or French, with a commitment to becoming proficient in the other language

  • Demonstrate motivation and ability to contribute to the role and pursue graduate studies afterward

  • Be available to start in Paris in September 2026 for the full two years

 

Additional assets include:

  • Coursework or a degree in a relevant field

  • Prior research or thesis work connected to the assigned area

  • Relevant work or internship experience

  • Demonstrated competencies required for the position

  • A clear vision of how YAP supports your long-term academic and professional goals

 

Selection Process Timeline

  • 14 November 2025 – Applications open on the OECD Careers website

  • 14 December 2025 (23:59 CET) – Application deadline

  • December 2025 – Screening + online aptitude test

  • January–February 2026 – Video interviews and written assessments

  • March–April 2026 – Final selection and offers

  • September 2026 – Young Associates begin duty in Paris

 

Salary and Benefits

Young Associates receive:

  • Monthly salary: EUR 3,886, exempt from French income tax

  • Leaving allowance of approx. EUR 21,000 (in lieu of pension contributions)

Depending on eligibility, additional benefits may include:

  • Comprehensive medical insurance

  • Expatriation allowance and home leave

  • Installation allowance (one month’s salary for single candidates)

  • Reimbursement of travel and relocation expenses

 

 

Apply Here