Aspiring policy professionals, researchers, economists, and international development enthusiasts now have an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience at one of the world’s leading international organizations.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Middle East and Africa Division is currently seeking an intern to support the work of the division beginning in September 2026. This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful policy initiatives, regional economic development programmes, and international cooperation efforts focused on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Candidates with an interest in economic development, investment, competitiveness, entrepreneurship, and public policy are strongly encouraged to apply. While not a mandatory requirement, working knowledge of Arabic is considered a significant advantage.

Interested applicants are invited to submit their CV directly to:

sara.mouhoud@oecd.org

About the OECD

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organization that works with governments, policymakers, and stakeholders worldwide to develop evidence-based policies that promote prosperity, equality, opportunity, and well-being.

The OECD serves as a global platform for policy dialogue, research, data analysis, and international cooperation, helping countries address economic, social, and environmental challenges.

Working within the OECD provides unparalleled exposure to international policymaking, research, and development initiatives that influence governments and institutions across the globe.

About the Middle East and Africa Division

The OECD Middle East and Africa Division plays a crucial role in strengthening partnerships and supporting policy reforms across countries in the Middle East and North Africa region.

The division works closely with governments, policymakers, private sector stakeholders, development partners, and international institutions to promote:

Economic growth
Sustainable development
Investment promotion
Private sector development
Entrepreneurship
Job creation
Economic competitiveness
Youth empowerment
Women’s economic participation

Through research, policy dialogue, technical assistance, and capacity-building initiatives, the division contributes to the economic transformation and resilience of countries throughout the region.

The MENA-OECD Competitiveness Programme

One of the flagship initiatives supported by the OECD Middle East and Africa Division is the MENA-OECD Competitiveness Programme.

Established in 2005 at the request of governments across the Middle East and North Africa, the programme serves as a strategic partnership between OECD and MENA economies.

For over two decades, the programme has facilitated:

Knowledge exchange
Policy dialogue
Capacity building
Sharing of international best practices
Investment promotion initiatives
Entrepreneurship development
Economic reform support

As the programme celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025, it continues to serve as a critical platform for fostering inclusive, sustainable, and competitive economies throughout the region.

Objectives of the MENA-OECD Competitiveness Programme

The programme operates under the mandate of the 2021 Ministerial Declaration and focuses on supporting reforms that help countries:

1. Mobilize Investment

The programme supports efforts to:

Improve investment climates
Attract foreign direct investment
Strengthen investor confidence
Enhance regulatory frameworks

2. Strengthen Private Sector Development

Activities focus on:

Business environment reforms
SME development
Competitiveness enhancement
Innovation promotion

3. Foster Entrepreneurship

The programme supports:

Startup ecosystems
Entrepreneurial capacity building
Innovation-driven growth
Youth entrepreneurship initiatives

4. Promote Inclusive Growth

A major emphasis is placed on creating opportunities for:

Young people
Women
Emerging entrepreneurs
Underserved communities

Countries Participating in the Programme

The MENA-OECD Competitiveness Programme currently engages 18 economies:

Algeria
Bahrain
Djibouti
Egypt
Iraq
Jordan
Kuwait
Lebanon
Libya
Mauritania
Morocco
Oman
Palestinian Authority
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Tunisia
United Arab Emirates
Yemen

These countries collaborate with OECD member states to exchange expertise and develop policies that support economic transformation and sustainable development.

How the Programme Operates

The programme functions through a structured governance framework that includes:

High-Level Ministerial Meetings

Senior government officials and policymakers gather to:

Set strategic priorities
Discuss regional challenges
Share policy experiences
Coordinate reform efforts

Annual Steering Group Meetings

The Steering Group monitors:

Programme implementation
Progress toward objectives
Future priorities
Regional cooperation initiatives

Regional Policy Dialogues

The programme organizes policy discussions across multiple thematic work streams to encourage knowledge sharing and collaborative problem-solving.

Country-Specific Projects

Tailored support is provided through:

Dedicated Country Programmes
Bilateral initiatives
Technical assistance projects
Capacity-building activities

Notable examples include:

OECD Country Programme with Egypt
Bilateral initiatives with Morocco
Bilateral initiatives with Saudi Arabia

What the OECD Internship Could Involve

Although specific responsibilities have not been publicly detailed, interns in OECD divisions commonly contribute to:

Research and Analysis

Conducting background research
Reviewing policy developments
Analyzing economic and social data
Supporting report preparation

Programme Support

Assisting with project coordination
Supporting event organization
Preparing briefing materials
Contributing to programme activities

Stakeholder Engagement

Supporting communication with partners
Assisting with outreach activities
Coordinating meetings and workshops

Knowledge Management

Compiling research findings
Drafting summaries and reports
Supporting publication development

Benefits of the Internship

An internship with the OECD offers numerous professional advantages.

International Experience

Gain firsthand experience working within a globally respected international organization.

Policy Exposure

Develop an understanding of:

Economic policymaking
International cooperation
Development strategies
Regional reform initiatives

Professional Networking

Interact with:

OECD experts
Government officials
International development practitioners
Researchers
Policy specialists

Career Development

The experience can strengthen future career prospects in:

International organizations
Government ministries
Development agencies
Think tanks
Research institutions
Consulting firms
Multilateral organizations

Why Arabic Language Skills Are Valuable

The Middle East and Africa Division works extensively with stakeholders across the MENA region.

As a result, candidates with working knowledge of Arabic may benefit from:

Enhanced communication with regional partners
Greater understanding of regional contexts
Ability to engage with Arabic-language materials
Increased effectiveness in programme activities

However, Arabic remains an asset rather than a mandatory requirement.

How to Apply

Click here for more and to apply

Why You Should Apply

An internship with the OECD Middle East and Africa Division provides a rare opportunity to contribute to meaningful policy work that supports economic transformation, entrepreneurship, investment, and sustainable development across the MENA region.

For students and young professionals seeking a career in international affairs, economics, public policy, or development, this internship offers valuable exposure to global policymaking processes and the chance to work alongside leading experts shaping the future of economic cooperation and reform.

Candidates interested in launching an international policy career are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Click here for more global internship opportunities

Intern @Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)