Application Guide

How to Apply for Policy Advisor – Trade Union Advisory Committee to the OECD

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 policies for better lives globally, with the Trade Union Advisory Committee (TUAC) providing a direct voice for workers within this influential forum. Working here offers the rare opportunity to influence international labor standards and social justice policies at the highest level, bridging trade union perspectives with OECD member country governments.

About This Role

As Policy Advisor for TUAC, you'll conduct research and develop policy briefs on labor issues to influence OECD negotiations, directly advocating for workers' rights in international policy discussions. This role is impactful because you'll help shape OECD recommendations that affect working conditions and social protections across 38 member countries.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing the latest OECD employment data to draft a briefing for TUAC affiliates, followed by coordinating with trade union representatives to prepare for an OECD committee meeting. You could spend the afternoon developing policy recommendations on digital transition issues and discussing advocacy strategies with TUAC Secretariat colleagues.

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

  • Has 3+ years experience in trade union research, labor law analysis, or social policy development, preferably with international exposure
  • Demonstrates specific knowledge of OECD labor-related instruments (like the Jobs Strategy or Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises) and how trade unions engage with them
  • Can provide examples of successfully managing policy advocacy projects from research to stakeholder engagement
  • Shows fluency in analyzing complex labor data and translating findings into actionable policy recommendations for diverse audiences

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

1

Highlight any experience with OECD processes or documents in your resume, even if tangential - this shows you understand the institutional context

2

Include concrete examples of policy work where you bridged research with advocacy, especially involving multiple stakeholders

3

Demonstrate knowledge of current TUAC priority areas (like just transition, platform work, or wage policies) in your materials

4

Show French language ability prominently if you have it (though not required, it's valuable for Paris-based work)

5

Quantify your impact in previous roles: e.g., 'analyzed 50+ labor agreements to identify trends' or 'developed 3 policy briefs that influenced union bargaining positions'

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Explain why you're specifically interested in the OECD/TUAC nexus - not just labor policy generally", 'Describe a relevant policy analysis project where you balanced rigorous research with practical advocacy considerations', 'Demonstrate understanding of how international organizations like OECD influence national labor policies', "Connect your skills directly to TUAC's mission of giving workers a voice in international economic governance"]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review TUAC's recent policy papers and statements to understand their current priorities and advocacy style
  • Study the OECD's Employment Outlook and recent labor-related recommendations to member countries
  • Understand the structure of OECD committees and how TUAC engages with them (consultative status, etc.)
  • Research current French/EU labor policy debates that intersect with OECD work (like the platform work directive)

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you analyze the impact of OECD's AI Principles on workers' rights, and what recommendations would you make to TUAC?
2 Describe your experience working with diverse stakeholders (unions, governments, NGOs) on a complex policy issue
3 What specific OECD instrument or report would you prioritize for TUAC engagement in the coming year, and why?
4 How do you stay current on international labor trends, and what emerging issue concerns you most for workers?
5 Walk us through how you would develop a policy brief from initial research to final advocacy strategy for TUAC members
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Treating this as a generic policy role without showing specific knowledge of trade union perspectives or OECD processes
  • Focusing only on national labor issues without demonstrating understanding of international policy mechanisms
  • Presenting as purely academic without showing ability to translate research into practical advocacy strategies

📅 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)!