OECD internships  aim to enable curious, motivated students from diverse backgrounds to join the Organisation and support its work. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work alongside public policy experts and other specialists, and to apply their analytical and technical skills in an international environment.

The internship program is open continuously. Students enrolled in a fully accredited degree program (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate) can apply online throughout the year for the duration of their internship. 

The OECD offers flexible working arrangements and selected interns can complete their internship on-site, remotely or in a hybrid format, depending on the needs of their team.

Why Apply for an OECD Internship?

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) works with governments worldwide to address major policy challenges—from climate change and AI to taxation, governance, education, and global development. As an OECD intern, you will work alongside leading policy analysts, economists, researchers, and technical experts.

Successful candidates benefit from:

• A multicultural, international work environment

• Exposure to real policy work and global challenges

• Opportunities to contribute to research, data analysis, and publications

• Flexible work modalities (in-person, hybrid, or remote)

• Training, networking, and professional growth

Applications are open throughout the year, making the programme accessible to students in various academic timelines.

Key Responsibilities of an OECD Intern

The OECD collaborates with governments worldwide to address a wide range of public policy challenges, from artificial intelligence and climate change to regulatory reform and education. The nature of your work will depend on the department you join. You could contribute directly to policy development or provide support within one of the central services.

Whatever your role at the OECD, you will help us achieve our mission: to design better policies for better lives.

Some examples of tasks:

• Participate in the preparation of studies and documents
• Conduct research and review existing documentation
• Collecting, organizing and analyzing data
• Contribute to the production of reports, working documents and publications resulting from the above activities, including drafting notes and preparing technical annexes.
• Participating in meetings and seminars
• Liaise and network with national government officials, researchers, other international organizations, and delegations from member countries.
• Participate in the organization of events, communication, planning and evaluation.

Areas You Can Work In

Interns can support both policy directorates and corporate functions.

Policy Areas Include:

• Agriculture & Fisheries

• Climate Change & Environment

• Digital Policy

• Economic Policy

• Development

• Education & Skills

• Employment & Labour Markets

• Governance & Public Administration

• Finance, Investment & Taxation

• Health

• Industry, Innovation & Entrepreneurship

• Science & Technology

• Society & Social Policy

• Regional & Urban Development

• Trade

• International Transport Forum

• International Energy Agency

• Nuclear Energy Agency

Corporate Functions Include:

These wide-ranging options allow students from diverse academic backgrounds to find a suitable placement.

Learn more about OECD directorates and bodies

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Application & Selection Process

The selection process consists of four main stages:

1. Online application and cover letter: fill in your application details on the SmartRecruiters online application platform. Please provide your cover letter in the “Message to Hiring Manager” box.
2. Pre-screening: all applications are screened by the Internship Office and suitable candidates placed on a shortlist made available to OECD Directorates.
3. Interview and/or written test: hiring teams may invite candidates to an interview and/or to complete a written test.
4. Internship agreement: selected candidates receive an internship offer and will be asked to sign an internship agreement.

Note to applicants

Internship Duration and Timing

• Minimum duration: 1 month

• Standard duration: 4–6 months

• Renewable up to a total of 12 months

• Full-time: 40 hours/week

• Part-time options available in exceptional cases (minimum 20 hours/week)

Because the selection process may take up to three months, applicants are encouraged to apply early and clearly indicate availability. Availability can be updated via the “Access My Application” link in your confirmation email.

Allowance and Benefits

Interns based in Paris receive:

• A €1,000/month contribution to living expenses

• 2.5 days of annual leave per month worked

• French public holidays

How to Apply for the OECD Internship Programme

Applications are accepted year-round.

➡️ Submit your application online via the OECD Internship Portal (English).

➡️ Submit your application online via the OECD Internship Portal (French).

If you have further questions, you can contact the OECD Internship Office.

Related Opportunities

Soucre (English): https://www.oecd.org/en/about/careers/internships.html

French version: https://www.oecd.org/fr/about/careers/internships.html