The Young Associates Programme (YAP) offered by OECD ,  is a competitive two-year opportunity designed for recent graduates who are eager to begin their professional journey in the world of international policy, research, and analysis. This programme is ideal for motivated individuals interested in public policy who are considering postgraduate studies and want to build a strong foundation beforehand.

As a Young Associate at the OECD, participants work directly with senior managers and gain firsthand exposure to critical global social and economic challenges. Daily responsibilities may include conducting background research, drafting briefs and reports, coordinating with internal and external partners, and supporting the organisation of high-level events—from policy dialogues to ministerial meetings.

Throughout the programme, senior managers serve as mentors, helping participants strengthen their analytical abilities, professional skills, and research capacity. This experience provides not only meaningful professional growth but also a solid stepping stone toward future academic advancement and career success in international policy.

Details and Dates of OECD Young Associates Programme

• Application Deadline: 14 December 2025 (Midnight, CET)
• Online Test: eligible candidates are invited to complete an online aptitude test.
• Video interview and written assessment: January-February 2026.
• Final selection notice: March-April 2026
• Starting Date: September 2026
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Organizer: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
• Eligible Countries: Nationals of OECD member countries
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Recent undergraduates
• Focus Area: Environmental policy, climate change, sustainable development
• Degree Required: Bachelor’s
• Duration: Two-year fixed term
• Program Language: English, French
• Location: Paris, France

Areas of work:

• Development
• Development Co-operation
• Economics
• Education and Skills
• Employment, Labour and Social Affairs
• Energy
• Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities
• Environment
• Financial and Enterprise Affairs
• Global Relations
• Nuclear Energy
• Public Affairs and Communications
• Sahel and West Africa
• Science, Technology and Innovation
• Statistics
• Tax Policy and Administration
• Trade and Agriculture
• Transport
• Well-being, Inclusion, Sustainability and Equal Opportunity

Positions available:

1. Young Associate 2026–28 – Directorate for Financial and Enterprise Affairs
2. Young Associate 2026–28 – Economics Department
3. Young Associate 2026–28 – Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs
4. Young Associate 2026–28 – Directorate for Public Governance
5. Young Associate 2026–28 – Environment Directorate
6. Young Associate 2026–28 – International Energy Agency – Energy Data Centre
7. Young Associate 2026–28 – Financial Action Task Force
8. Young Associate 2026–28 – Trade and Agriculture Directorate
9. Young Associate 2026–28 – International Energy Agency – Energy Modelling Office
10. Young Associate 2026–28 – Science, Technology & Innovation Directorate – Data Flows, Governance and Privacy Division
11. Young Associate 2026–28 – Science, Technology & Innovation Directorate – Productivity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Division

Salary and Benefits

OECD will provide the following benefits for the selected candidates:

• Monthly base salary of 3,886 EUR (exempt from French income tax)
• A leaving allowance (in lieu of a pension contribution ) of approximately 21,000 EUR based on a 24-month assignment
• Additional allowances depending on eligibility, such as:
  • 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
• Opportunity to work alongside high-level officials in a globally recognized organization
• Networking and engagement with experts in environmental policy and international governance
• Career development and hands-on experience with research, policy analysis, and communication

Opportunities you may apply to:

• 2026 Chinese Government Scholarship at UCAS Beijing
• Global Korea Scholarship at Korea Development Institute (KDI), 2026-2028
• DAAD EPOS Scholarship for Master of International Education Management (INEMA) in Germany and Egypt

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet these requirements:

• An undergraduate degree in a related discipline.
• The graduation date must be a maximum of 24 months before the start of the program (between 1 January 2025 and 1 September 2026.
• Master’s and PhD applicants are not eligible.
• Applicants must have completed coursework in at least two of the following areas:
  • Natural Resources Governance/Management
  • Environmental Economics
  • Climate Change Policy and Management
  • Climate Geopolitics
  • Biodiversity Management
• Fluency in English or French and a willingness to learn another language are necessary.
• Prior professional experience is not required, but relevant internships or related experience are a plus.
• Applicants must have a strong understanding of environmental challenges and solid research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Can start the programme in September of the upcoming cohort year for the two-year assignment

Core Competencies:

• Vision and Strategy (Level 1)
• Enable People (Level 1)
• Ethics and Integrity (Level 1)
• Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 1)
• Achieve Results (Level 1)
• Innovate and Embrace Change (Level 1)

Main Responsibilities

Each position has its own responsibilities. Check the details of the position you apply for.

How to Apply?

• Visit the OECD Careers Page and complete the application form before the deadline.
• Verify eligibility by completing the preliminary questions available on the application portal.

Apply Now

For further details about the benefits, policies, and more, visit the official OECD page.

You may be interested in applying for the OECD Internship Programme for Currently Enrolled University Students in Various Fields

I. Eligibility Requirements

Q: Am I eligible if I am currently in a Master’s or PhD programme? No. The YAP is strictly for current or recent Bachelor’s students. If you are already enrolled in a Master’s program, you are ineligible and should apply to the OECD Internship Programme instead.

Q: What are the graduation date rules? You are eligible only if you obtained your Bachelor’s degree within the 20 months before the program starts in September . You are ineligible if you graduate after September.

Q: Does a second Bachelor’s degree count? Yes, you are eligible if you obtain your second Bachelor’s degree within the required eligibility timeframe .

Q: Does an automatic right to a Master’s degree disqualify me? No, provided you have not actually started the Master’s program yet.

Q: What is the minimum GPA required? You must have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Q: Are nationals from non-member countries eligible? No. Candidates must hold the nationality of an OECD Member country. Nationals of candidate countries or key partner countries are not eligible.

Q: Do I need prior work experience? No, prior professional experience is not required, as the program is designed to prepare undergraduates for future postgraduate studies. However, relevant work or volunteer experience is encouraged.

II. Applying to the Programme

Q: Can I apply for multiple assignments? Yes, you may submit more than one application if you meet the specific qualifications for each vacancy .

Q: How do I submit my CV? You must apply online through the OECD careers website vacancies; do not send CVs directly .

Q: Which language should I use? You may apply in English or French. You must be fluent in one of these languages and willing to reach a good working level in the other.

Q: What should go in the cover letter? Explain your potential contribution to the role, link your background to the position’s responsibilities, and demonstrate your motivation to pursue a graduate degree afterward.

Q: Are recommendation letters required? No, these are not required during the application stage and are not used for initial screening .

Q: Can I update my application after submission? No, you cannot add information or updates once the application is submitted.

III. Recruitment Process

Q: What are the steps in recruitment? The process includes an online assessment (behavioural/cognitive), CV screening, an HR interview, a written assessment, a Directorate interview, and a reference check .

Q: How many associates are hired? The OECD recruits between 8 and 12 Young Associates annually .

Q: What documents are required if selected? You must provide a copy of your passport, transcripts showing your GPA, and your Bachelor’s diploma.

Q: Does the OECD assist with visas? Yes, the team assists selected candidates in obtaining a visa to work and reside in France .

IV. During the Assignment

Q: Where is the job located? All Young Associates are based in Paris, France.

Q: Can I study for a degree while working? It is not recommended. The role is a full-time, two-year commitment that makes concurrent academic studies challenging. However, a training budget is provided for professional development opportunities.

Q: Can non-EU employees stay in France after the program? Non-EU/EEA/Swiss employees hold a special residence permit (TSS), which must be returned at the end of the assignment. To stay longer (e.g., for studies), you may need to return to your home country to apply for a new visa.

Check More Opportunities:

Chancellor’s International Scholarship for PhD Degree at the University of Warwick [Fully-Funded]

University of Twente Scholarship 2026/2027 for Non-EU/EEA Students

Canadian University of Saskatchewan Scholarships for International Students

WMI Scholarship Program 2026 for Developing Countries