Get a job at the OECD: Eligibility and Opportunities
- Wiola Stasieluk
- Feb 3
- 2 min read
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is a prestigious international organization that offers various career opportunities for professionals worldwide. However, not everyone is eligible to work at the OECD due to nationality restrictions. If you are considering applying for a position, here is what you need to know about eligibility and possible pathways.
Who Can Work at the OECD?
There are three primary ways to be eligible for employment at the OECD:
1. Being a Citizen of an OECD Member State
The easiest and most straightforward path to employment at the OECD is being a national of one of its member countries. The OECD is composed of 38 member states, including most of the world’s advanced economies. If your country is part of this group, you are eligible to apply for standard OECD positions. You can check the full list of member countries here.
2. Being a Citizen of a Key Partner Country
In addition to its member states, the OECD collaborates closely with several key partner countries. While these nations are not full members, their relationship with the OECD allows their citizens to apply for certain job opportunities. Key partners typically include large emerging economies such as China, India, Brazil, Indonesia, and South Africa.
3. Joining Through a Regional Project
In some cases, the OECD makes exceptions for professionals from non-member countries when working on specific regional projects. For instance, the Sahel and West Africa Club (SWAC) operates under the OECD but may offer contracts to individuals from certain non-OECD countries due to the regional focus of its work.
How to Apply for a Job at the OECD
If you meet the eligibility criteria, the next step is to explore job openings and apply. Here are some key tips:
Check the OECD Careers Page: The OECD regularly posts job openings on its official website. Ensure you meet the qualifications before applying.
Tailor Your Application: Highlight relevant international experience, policy expertise, and language skills. Many positions require fluency in English or French.
Explore Internships and Fellowships: If you are a student or early-career professional, consider applying for OECD internships or junior professional programs as an entry point.
Final Thoughts
Working at the OECD can be a rewarding career move, offering the chance to contribute to global economic policy and development. I have myself worked as a Policy Analyst at the OECD Development Co-Ordination Directorate and I made a video about it here:
If you are interested, start by checking your eligibility and regularly exploring open positions. Even if you do not qualify through traditional means, regional projects may provide alternative pathways.
Good luck with your application!
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