Young Professionals Programme

Please note that the next opening is scheduled by the end of 2008.

  • The OECD attaches considerable importance to the recruitment of the highest quality professionals and to increasing mobility between Directorates. The Young Professionals Programme is intended to promote the achievement of these goals.
  • A 2-years programme.
  • A highly competitive programme which attracts an average of more than 2500 applications for seven positions.  


Who are the Young Professionals?   

University graduates of outstanding intellectual qualities and personal strengths.

For the last YP programme nationals from Mexico, Portugal, Japan, Hungary and Spain have been recruited.

These Young Professionals hold mostly a Master or PhD in Economics, with a specialisation in some OECD-relevant fields. In particular, they all have several years of professional experience and international exposure.

They are fluent in at least of one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and also in other languages, including excellent drafting skills in at least one of the two official languages acquired through studies or professional experience abroad.

What are the assignments of a Young Professional?

  • Participation in the preparation of studies and documents in areas dealt with by the Directorate concerned.
  • Research for documentation and literature review.
  • Collect, arrange and evaluate statistical data.
  • Prepare notes and participate in the drafting of reports.
  • Attend committee and working party meetings.
  • Work will be carried out in Paris, but occasional travel may be required.
  • The area of a Young Professional's assignment is based on qualifications, personal preferences and institutional staffing needs.

When does the next Programme take place?

The recruitment process typically follows the steps and timing below:

  • A vacancy notice is scheduled for the end of 2008 on our website.
  • A shortlist is drawn up then.
  • Interviews are held and a decision is taken.
  • Formal offer letters are sent out in due time.

What are the salary and benefits?

  • Salaries and benefits are designed to attract international staff of the highest calibre.
  • Basic tax free salary for these positions, (see our Salaries and Benefits page).
  • Staff benefits include comprehensive health insurance, life insurance, and participation in the pension fund.
  • Family allowances may be supplemented depending on personal circumstances (for further information please refer to our Salaries and Benefits page).
  • Annual leave is 30 days per year.

Who is it for?

Candidates who are interested in the objectives of the OECD in promoting international policy co-operation, mature enough to understand the issues involved in international work, and possess the analytical and drafting skills that will enable them to contribute to policy-related studies; and who

  • are nationals of one of the OECD's member countries;
  • have an advanced university degree -- a PhD is a definite advantage;
  • have a background in economics and/or another subject of relevance to the OECD's work, (agriculture, development, education, employment, environment, finance, taxation, enterprise affairs, social affairs, statistics and trade, among others);
  • possess relevant work experience;
  • have very good English or French, with good drafting skills in that language; knowledge of the other language would be a definite advantage, as well as knowledge of other languages;
  • are team workers and able to work in an international environment.

How to apply?

If you have the right profile and wish to apply, please check our list of vacancy notices to see when to apply for the next programme.

Use our on-line application form to apply and attach your CV in Word format to it before submitting. Paper applications and faxes are not accepted.

Please note that, due to the high number of applications we receive, only retained candidates for tests and interview will be contacted.

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