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This website was created by the OECD Observatory of Public Sector Innovation (OPSI), part of the OECD Public Governance Directorate (GOV).

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Work with OPSI on making governments more innovative! Internship opportunities for autumn 2022

Written by | 1 June 2022

Our next round of internships is coming up! OPSI is looking for one or more talented individuals to join our team for a six-month internship experience and drive forward public sector innovation projects. The deadline for application is 26 June 2022, 23:59 CET (instructions below).

The OECD Internship Programme is designed to bring highly qualified and motivated students with diverse backgrounds into the Organisation and provide successful candidates with the opportunity to improve their analytical and technical skills in an international environment.

Join us in Paris or remote! For these internships, working remotely is a possibility, depending on a previous discussion and approval with OPSI and based on the nature of specific activities and goals that may be assigned to selected candidate(s). We are also flexible with start dates, but will give preference to interns being able to commit to a period of six months.

This is a great opportunity for interns to engage directly with government units and agencies in order to develop meaningful policy recommendations. At OPSI, you will learn from the best in the field and participate as a true team member. 

Rodrigo Dal Borgio, working on strategic foresight, systems thinking and anticipatory innovation governance with Innovation Leads, Piret Tonurist and Angela Hanson, and Innovation Analyst, Jack Orlik

At OPSI, we value curiosity and learning and we ensure that project tasks match both the needs of the team at the time and the interests of our selected candidate(s). Potential areas for public sector innovation projects include:

For these projects, tasks will vary but often involve:

  • Participating in the preparation of notes, reports, blogs and case studies.
  • Carrying out research and reviews of existing materials.
  • Collecting, organising and analysing data.
  • Assisting in the design of, and participating in, meetings, seminars and workshops.
  • Liaising and building networks with officials in national administrations and researchers.

In addition to innovation subjects, OPSI is also seeking interns for cross-cutting roles involving:

  • Communications, stakeholder engagement, community management and event planning.
  • Graphic design, videography and data visualisation.
  • Web development and content management (WordPress).

Pay and benefits

  • Full-time OECD Interns are paid a taxable allowance of EUR 738 per month.
  • Full-time interns earn 2.5 days of leave per month.

Requirements for candidates

  • Must be enrolled in a full-time degree programme (in a related field or discipline) for the entire duration of the internship
  • Must be a citizen of an OECD member country .
  • Strong preference given to candidates able to commit full-time (40 hours per week) for a period of 6-months
  • If selected, the candidate must be able to obtain a Memorandum of Agreement between their school and the OECD, which governs the terms of the internship

Note: The OECD seeks to recruit a diverse workforce and as such, review of applications will take into account the nationality of applicants.

How to apply

  1. Submit your application to the OECD centralised internship application by 26 June 2022, 23:59 CET.
  2. E-mail us at opsi@oecd.org to let us know that you have applied to the position. Please also:
    • Attach a copy of your CV and cover letter (an export from the OECD system is fine).
    • State your optimal start and end date.
    • Indicate whether you would be able to commit part-time or full-time.
    • Indicate if you have a preferred focus area(s) (see “potential areas for public sector innovation projects”).
    • Confirm your enrolment in a full-time degree programme for the full duration of the internship.

If you have any other question, you can reach us at opsi@oecd.org.

OPSI has been an exciting place to understand today’s most complex challenges for innovative governance. By participating in diverse research projects, I have analysed trends and explored the applicability of new methods for governments, especially in the anticipatory innovation governance field. The internship has provided me with a broad range of new connections, both colleagues and public servants, from diverse countries as well as a vibrant intern networking circle at the OECD. If you are passionate about exploring change, I totally recommend it.

Joaquin Collao, working on anticipatory innovation and mission-oriented innovation under Innovation Lead, Angela Hanson.