The Young Associates Programme (YAP) is a two-year programme targeted at recent undergraduates who wish to gain a significant first professional experience in the world of multilateral policymaking, research and analysis. It is designed to act as a springboard for them to target future postgraduate study at top-ranked universities.

The following sections provide an overview of the Programme, including details on the eligibility criteria for candidates, salary and benefits package, and recruitment process.

The 2023-2025 selection round of the Young Associates Programme

is now OPEN.

- Programme overview

The YAP is an exciting opportunity that offers professional experience at the cutting edge of public policy development and analysis. The YAP is a 24-month programme designed to expose recent undergraduates to a variety of research and analytical work on major policy areas.

The purpose of the Programme is to prepare outstanding undergraduates for their future postgraduate studies. As such, successful candidates must clearly articulate how they are motivated to use their experience at the OECD to pursue a Master’s degree or PhD following completion of the Programme.

A key component of the Programme is mentorship. During their two-year work at the OECD, the Young Associates will be closely mentored by their managers. Managers are therefore selected on the basis of their professional experience, policy expertise, and ability to work with, challenge, and develop young talented individuals.

- Eligibility

To be eligible for the YAP 2023-2025 round, candidates must:

Hold a Bachelor’s or equivalent degree with graduation date between January 2022 and September 2023 in the academic field related to the position(s) of interest (applications from candidates who already hold or are enrolled in a Master’s, PhD, or equivalent degree are not considered);
Hold a nationality of an OECD Member country. Applications from candidates who are not OECD Member country nationals are not considered;
Demonstrate overall academic achievement with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 out of a 4.0 scale (please see the GPA conversion tool);
Show evidence of being able to work constructively in a team;
Have fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and a commitment to reach a good working level of the other after joining the OECD;
Demonstrate the ability to contribute as a Young Associate in the area of work, as well as demonstrate motivation to pursue a graduate degree in a relevant field after completing the Programme.

In addition, it is an asset if candidates:

Have undertaken research, written reports or thesis related to the work area;
Have extracurricular or work experience relevant to the position;
Demonstrate the required skills and competencies.

For more information on the OECD Young associates Programme please read the section on frequently asked questions.

- Salary and benefits

We offer:

A monthly salary of approximately 3,900 EUR, exempt from French income tax (deductions are made for health insurance coverage and leaving allowance contribution); and
A leaving allowance (in lieu of a pension contribution) of approximately 19,000 EUR based on a 24-month assignment.

In addition, YAs may be eligible for the following allowances as established by the Staff Regulations:

A comprehensive medical insurance;
An expatriation allowance and home leave;
An installation allowance (equivalent to one month’s salary for single candidates);
The reimbursement of removal expenses and airline tickets to Paris and back to your home destination at the end of the Programme.

- Selection process and timeline

Recruitment for the YAP 2023-2025 round:

25 January 2023: YA positions are posted and applications (CVs and cover letters) are accepted through the OECD career website. Candidates may apply to more than one relevant YA position.
26 February 2023: Deadline for submission of applications at 11:59 pm CET.
First half of March 2023: Applications are screened, and retained candidates are contacted regarding the next steps.
March-April 2023: Candidates are assessed, which may take the form of an online aptitude test and video/phone interviews.
April-May 2023: Successful candidates in these assessments are invited for final interview and/or written assessment.
May 2023: Final selections are made and employment offers are sent to successful candidates.
September 2023: Young Associates take up duty in Paris, France
(Note: The recruitment timeline may be subject to change, in which case relevant candidates participating in the recruitment process will be duly notified.)

- Starting in your position

YAs selected for the 2023-2025 round will take up duty in September 2023 and will be based in Paris, France.

As a Young Associate, you will work closely with a senior manager in tackling some of the most challenging social and economic issues of today. Your day-to-day work may involve background research, drafting, liaising with partners internally and externally, and helping organise events ranging from policy forums to Ministerial conferences. Throughout your work programme, the focus will be on developing the professional competences and research expertise to be able to succeed in highly competitive applications for graduate schools.

- Policy areas and work streams (hosting departments)

The following Directorates and special bodies will host Young Associates in the 2023-2025 round:

No.Directorate/Special BodyWork area1Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities (CFE)Sustainable infrastructure investment in regions and cities2Economics Department (ECO)Chief Economist's office3Directorate for Education and Skills (EDU)Director's office4Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs (ELS)Future of Work and Skills5Directorate for Public Governance (GOV)Public Administrative Reform and Strategic Decision-Making at the Centre of Government6Global Relations and Co-operation Directorate (GRC)Global Relations and Co-operation7International Energy Agency (IEA)World Energy Outlook8International Energy Agency (IEA)Developing capacity to track energy transitions9Centre for Skills (SKC)Analysis of Skills Policies 10Sahel and West Africa Club (SWAC)Member & Partnership Development11Trade and Agriculture Directorate (TAD)Agro-food Trade and Policies12Centre on Well-being, Inclusion, Sustainability and Equal Opportunity (WISE)Policies to promote well-being

Opportunities from OECD

New Opportunities

OECD Young Associates Programme

OECD's Youth Advisory Board