Apply for the OECD Internship Programme in Paris

Are you a student or early-career professional who wants to work on global issues like climate change, education, international trade, or governance? The OECD Internship Programme offers a chance to build real policy skills in an international environment and get your foot in the door of global policy work.

What is the OECD Internship Programme?

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has long been a hub for policy innovation, international collaboration, and evidence-based decision-making. Its Internship Programme is designed to bring in bright, motivated individuals to assist with ongoing research, policy analysis, reporting, event support, and communications, among other tasks. Interns work with teams tackling real-world issues such as sustainability, economic policy, governance, digitalisation, trade, health, and more.

Roles & Responsibilities

As an OECD Intern, you may be assigned to:

• Conduct literature reviews and collect data for policy studies.
• Draft policy briefs, working papers, technical notes, and reports.
• Assist in organising workshops, seminars, or international events.
• Support communications, outreach, translations, or admin tasks where needed.
• Participate in team planning, policy discussions, and contribute ideas.

These roles ensure you don’t just observe—you contribute meaningfully while learning the ropes of policy work.

Areas of Work

The OECD offers placements in many thematic and functional areas, including:

• Climate, Energy & Environment
• AI, Digitalisation & Emerging Technologies
• Corporate Governance & Finance
• Education & Skills Policy
• Agriculture & Food Security
• Trade, Tourism & Transport Policy
• Communications, HR, Finance, Legal, and other support roles

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Who should apply

To join the OECD Internship Programme, you generally need:

• Are enrolled in a full-time accredited degree programme (Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree) for the duration of the internship in a field or discipline related to the work of the OECD.
• Strong analytical, writing, data handling, communication and IT skills. Comfort with quantitative work is often an advantage.
• Good command of one of OECD’s working languages (usually English or French), with willingness to improve in the other.
• Ability to adapt to a multicultural, international working environment, collaborating with colleagues from many countries.
• Are available for a minimum internship duration of one month.

Duration, Location & Logistics

• Internships are based in Paris, France, at the OECD headquarters.
• Duration can range from 1 to 6 months, with the possibility of extension depending on project needs.
• Recruitment is rolling, meaning applications are considered throughout the year. For this cycle, applications remain open until 31 December 2025.

Why it’s valuable

• Hands-on exposure to how global policy is researched, debated, and implemented.
• Experience drafting reports, analysing data, and supporting projects in international settings.
• Opportunities to network with experienced policy analysts and global experts.
• A stronger CV for careers in government, NGOs, consulting, or international organisations.

Tips to prepare a strong application

• Research OECD’s current work and priorities so your motivation connects with their mission.
• Highlight relevant academic, professional, or volunteer experiences—even if at the local level.
• Showcase your data skills, whether quantitative or qualitative.
• Prepare updated references and transcripts in advance.
• Be clear about your availability and learning objectives.

Key Dates & Application Timeline

What Nigerian applicants should consider

For Nigerians, this internship is more than professional exposure but also a gateway to global influence.

• Paris is home to major international policy institutions, and the OECD offers firsthand experience in global governance.
• It enhances your ability to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s policy conversations in areas such as climate action, education reform, or trade.
• It adds international credibility to your CV, positioning you for leadership roles locally and abroad.

The OECD Internship Programme presents an opportunity to gain real-world policy experience, contribute to global challenges, and build a career in international development and governance. If you are motivated, globally minded, and eager to learn, this programme could be your stepping stone to the world stage.

APPLY FOR THE OECD INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME