Exciting fully paid opportunity for emerging talent to gain hands-on experience: Apply now for the 2026-2028 OECD Young Associates Programme (YAP)
Closing Date: 14 December 2025
Exciting fully paid opportunity for emerging talent to gain hands-on experience: Apply now for the 2026-2028 OECD Young Associates Programme (YAP)
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 OECD 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.
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
Click Here To Apply
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