Graduate and Internship Positions at The OPEC Fund for International Development

The OPEC Fund’s Young Professional Development Program (YPDP) is a structured two-year program designed to prepare young professionals from the OPEC Fund’s member countries for a career in global development. We are currently seeking applicants with a passion for and commitment to international development who demonstrate academic excellence and relevant professional experience. We especially want to hear from those with the drive and ambition to help developing countries address their most pressing challenges in the quest for social, environmental and economic progress.  

What does the YPDP offer?

In short, the YPDP offers training, coaching and mentoring, the opportunity to experience different departments and access to professional networks. The program equips young professionals with the skills and knowledge to meet the minimum requirements for an entry-level position with the OPEC Fund.

The YPDP will enable young professionals to develop an appreciation of how different departments / units contribute to the OPEC Fund’s overall strategic and operational goals. Under the structured talent management program, participants will have the opportunity to contribute to achieving the OPEC Fund’s vision of a world where sustainable development is a reality for all.

YPDP participants spend at least 50 percent of the program in a 'home' departement / unit and rotate to other departements for the remainde of their time. This enables participants to broaden their experience and benefit from differing coaching and mentoring styles, while building their professional network.

After participants have successfully completed the two-year program, they may be offered a job at the OPEC Fund, based on their performance and the business need. 

Eligibility

To be selected for the YPDP program, applicants must:

• be an OPEC Fund member country national;
• be 30 years of age, or younger;
• hold a Master’s degree;
• be able to demonstrate outstanding academic credentials;
• be fluent in English and proficient in at least one other language; 
• specialize in development, engineering, economics, finance, business administration, law, information technology, human resources or any other discipline relevant to the OPEC Fund’s operations;
• be able to work in an international, multicultural and diverse environment;
• understand the OPEC Fund’s mandate; and
• be willing to work with the OPEC Fund in Vienna for a minimum of two years upon completion of the YPDP, if offered a position.

Application process

Deadline for applications

The deadline for applications is September 21, 2020. Successful applicants are chosen following a rigorous selection process. Those offered a place on the YPDP are expected to respond within two weeks.

To apply, candidates must submit:

• A YPDP online application form
• A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• An application essay (in Word or PDF format)
• Academic certificates and transcripts.

Important considerations

• Please ensure you meet the minimum eligibility criteria, outlined above;
• Please submit the application essay and transcripts under the 'Additional Documents' section in the application form;
• Please submit a valid and current email address. Email us at ypdp@ofid.org with new contact details should they change during the application process;
• Answer all the questions in the application form; and
• Please ensure that your application essay adheres to the below guidelines.

Application essay

The OPEC Fund works in cooperation with developing country partners and the international donor community to stimulate economic growth and alleviate poverty in all disadvantaged regions of the world. It does this by providing financing to build essential infrastructure, strengthen social services and promote productivity, competitiveness and trade. The OPEC Fund's work is people-centered, focusing on projects that meet basic needs – such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (particularly relating to MSMEs), clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education.

In fewer than 1,000 words, please write an original essay addressing (i) the potential of development actors such as the OPEC Fund to help developing countries overcome obstacles to social, environmental and economic progress, and (ii) about how you would hope to contribute to development if you were selected to work for the OPEC Fund. You may focus on a region or set of countries and / or your area of expertise to formulate your essay.

Please remember, the OPEC Fund will only consider applications from candidates who meet the above criteria and submit an official online application before the deadline of September 21, 2020.

Also, please note that we will only reach out to short-listed candidates.

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The OPEC Fund offers an Internship Program enabling students from diverse academic backgrounds to experience work with an international organization.  

The Internship Program runs for between two and six months and is designed to: 

• Provide a framework to support students assigned to any OPEC Fund department so that the focus remains on enriching the student’s experience; 
• Provide an immersive experience so that students gain practical experience of working for an international organization; and
• Provide the opportunity for students to understand the OPEC Fund’s vision, mission and related values.

Interns are assigned to different departments/units depending on their interests and qualifications, and according to departmental needs. The Internship Program offers opportunities to focus on one or more of the following: public sector operations; private sector and trade finance operations; grants; financial management; risk management; strategic planning and economic services; internal audit; human resources; administration; communication; legal services; and information technology.

Work assignments undertaken by interns may include:

• Conducting research;
• Writing documents;
• Organizing information; and
• Assisting employees with their day-to-day work.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must be between 19 to 25 years of age and enrolled in an undergraduate program (having completed at least two years) or graduate program. Alternatively, applicants may be recent graduates, having graduated a maximum of one year before the application deadline.

Applicants must be:

• Proficient in English. Knowledge of an additional language (e.g. French, Spanish, Arabic) is an asset;
• Computer literate in standard software applications (Microsoft Office);
• Keenly interested in the work of the OPEC Fund;
• Able to demonstrate cultural awareness; and
• Able to demonstrate the OPEC Fund’s core values (Integrity, Empowerment, Excellence, Innovation, Community).

To apply

Candidates must submit:

• The online application form;
• A Curriculum Vitae (CV);
• A copy of their university diploma or equivalent, or an original letter of confirmation from a university/school certifying the applicant is / was an undergraduate student;
• A copy of their most recent university transcripts, showing the cumulative GPA or equivalent; and
• A short statement in English (about 150-250 words) outlining their motivation for applying.

Successful candidates must be able to present a valid health or medical insurance policy for Austria or a similar certificate proving he / she will be fully covered from a medical perspective for the duration of the program. 

Due to a large volume of applications, the OPEC Fund will only enter into further correspondence with shortlisted candidates.

Please keep in mind:

• All applications must be in English;
• Please upload the statement and transcripts under the ‘Additional documents’ section of the application form; and
• Please answer all the questions on the application form.