Application Guide

How to Apply for Junior Policy Analyst(s)

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

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

The OECD is a unique intergovernmental organization that shapes global economic and social policies through evidence-based standards and consensus-building among 38 member countries. Working here offers direct impact on international policy development and exposure to multilateral diplomacy, making it ideal for those passionate about global governance and sustainable development.

About This Role

This Junior Policy Analyst role focuses on supporting research and technical assistance programs related to international tax standards and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for developing countries. You'll contribute to country-specific analyses and help design outreach programs, directly influencing how tax policies can advance global development objectives.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing tax policy data from developing countries, drafting sections of a research report on SDG implementation, and participating in virtual meetings with government officials or partner organizations. You could spend the afternoon reviewing technical assistance materials and preparing for an upcoming multilateral workshop on tax capacity building.

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

  • Holds an advanced degree in law or economics with specialized coursework or research in taxation policy, particularly as it relates to development and international cooperation
  • Has 1-2 years of hands-on experience in international tax law/administration or public policy development, preferably with exposure to government or international organization work
  • Demonstrates strong analytical writing skills with experience drafting policy documents or research reports for technical audiences
  • Shows genuine interest in the intersection of tax policy and sustainable development, with awareness of current challenges facing developing countries

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

1

Highlight any experience with developing country contexts - even if indirect through research, coursework, or volunteer work - as this role specifically serves developing nations

2

Quantify your analytical experience: mention specific policy papers, research projects, or technical documents you've drafted, noting their purpose and audience

3

Demonstrate knowledge of OECD's tax work by referencing specific initiatives like BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) or the Inclusive Framework in your materials

4

Emphasize any multilateral collaboration experience, as the role requires liaising with diverse stakeholders across governments and international organizations

5

Tailor your resume to show progression in policy analysis skills, using keywords from the job description like 'technical assistance programs' and 'country-specific notes'

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Explain your specific interest in the intersection of tax policy and sustainable development goals, citing relevant coursework or projects', 'Describe a concrete example where you analyzed complex policy issues and drafted clear recommendations for decision-makers', "Demonstrate understanding of OECD's role in setting international tax standards and how this position contributes to that mission", "Highlight any experience working across cultures or with international stakeholders, given the OECD's multilateral nature"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Study OECD's ongoing work on tax and development, particularly the Tax and Development Program and its role in SDG implementation
  • Review recent OECD publications on developing country tax issues, such as the 'Taxation in Africa' reports or BEPS implementation materials
  • Understand the structure of OECD's Centre for Tax Policy and Administration (CTPA) and how this role fits within it
  • Research OECD's engagement with non-member economies and its approach to inclusive policy dialogue

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach researching and drafting a country-specific note on implementation of international tax standards for a developing country?
2 What do you see as the biggest challenges developing countries face in implementing international tax standards, and how can technical assistance help?
3 How do you stay current on developments in international tax policy, and what recent OECD tax initiatives are you familiar with?
4 Describe a time you had to analyze complex policy information and present it clearly to non-expert stakeholders
5 How would you prioritize competing demands when supporting multiple technical assistance programs simultaneously?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting generic application materials that don't specifically address international tax policy or developing country contexts
  • Overemphasizing domestic tax experience without connecting it to international dimensions or development implications
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of how multilateral organizations like OECD operate differently from national governments or private sector firms

📅 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)!