Application Guide

How to Apply for Economist(s) - Policy Analyst(s) - Semiconductors

at Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

🏢 About Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

The OECD is a unique international organization with 38 member countries that serves as a global forum for evidence-based policy development and international standards. Working here offers the opportunity to influence global economic and social policies while collaborating with governments, public officials, and citizens worldwide to address complex challenges through data-driven analysis and shared best practices.

About This Role

This Economist/Policy Analyst role focuses specifically on semiconductor policy within the STI Directorate, analyzing global semiconductor supply chains, innovation ecosystems, and industrial policies. The position is impactful as semiconductors are critical to modern economies, and your work will directly inform OECD member countries' policies on technology sovereignty, supply chain resilience, and innovation strategies in this strategic sector.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves analyzing semiconductor market data and policy documents, collaborating with international colleagues on research projects, preparing policy briefs for OECD member country representatives, and participating in virtual meetings with stakeholders across different time zones. You might spend the morning analyzing semiconductor supply chain data, the afternoon drafting sections of an OECD policy paper, and the evening participating in a working group call with experts from multiple member countries.

🎯 Who Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Is Looking For

  • Advanced degree in economics, public policy, or related field with specialization in industrial policy, innovation economics, or technology sectors
  • Demonstrated expertise in semiconductor industry analysis, including supply chains, market dynamics, R&D ecosystems, or related policy issues
  • Strong quantitative skills for economic analysis and experience with OECD-style evidence-based policy research methodologies
  • Bilingual proficiency in English and French, with ability to produce high-quality policy documents and present findings to international stakeholders

📝 Tips for Applying to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

1

Highlight specific experience with semiconductor industry analysis, supply chain mapping, or related technology policy work in your resume

2

Demonstrate understanding of OECD's evidence-based policy approach by citing specific OECD publications or methodologies you've used

3

Emphasize your ability to work in both English and French environments, as this is crucial for OECD positions

4

Show how your work aligns with OECD's strategic goals for STI Directorate by referencing their current semiconductor initiatives

5

Include examples of international collaboration or policy work with multiple stakeholders, as OECD roles require consensus-building across countries

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific expertise in semiconductor economics and policy analysis, with concrete examples of relevant projects', "Understanding of OECD's role in international policy coordination and how you would contribute to their semiconductor work", 'Experience with evidence-based policy development and quantitative analysis methods', "Ability to work effectively in a multicultural, multilingual environment and contribute to OECD's mission"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • OECD's recent semiconductor-related publications and initiatives under the STI Directorate
  • Current OECD member country positions on semiconductor policy (particularly US, EU, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan)
  • OECD's evidence-based policy methodology and how it's applied in technology sectors
  • The specific work of the STI Directorate and how semiconductor policy fits into their broader innovation agenda

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you analyze the economic impact of semiconductor supply chain disruptions on OECD member countries?
2 What policy approaches have you seen work effectively for semiconductor innovation ecosystems in different countries?
3 How would you design a study to assess the effectiveness of semiconductor industrial policies across OECD members?
4 Describe your experience presenting complex economic analysis to non-expert policy makers
5 How would you approach consensus-building among OECD member countries with differing semiconductor policy priorities?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic applications that don't specifically address semiconductor policy or OECD's unique international role
  • Overemphasis on theoretical economics without demonstrating practical policy application experience
  • Failure to acknowledge the bilingual (English/French) requirements of OECD positions
  • Lack of understanding about how international organizations like OECD operate differently from national governments

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)!