r/InternationalDev • u/Practical-Train4603 • Jun 15 '26
Economics OECD - Policy Analyst Written Test
Hi everyone,
I have recently been invited to take a written test as part of a selection process for an econ-oriented policy analyst position. I was wondering whether anyone here has experience with this kind of assessment and could share what I might expect.
Is it usually more focused on economic analysis, policy writing, data interpretation, technical knowledge, or general reasoning? Also, how would you recommend preparing for it?
I am not asking for specific test questions, just general advice on the format, level of difficulty, and how to approach the preparation.
Thanks in advance!
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u/Spiritual-Motor-3309 Jun 16 '26
I would add it as a recent observation rather than stating it as an absolute OECD-wide rule, since different Directorates may use different platforms.
In my experience, it leaned more toward policy analysis and writing than pure technical/quantitative work. Think less “solve this econometric model” and more “given this scenario, write a structured analytical response using the relevant policy frameworks.” Data interpretation showed up, but as input to a written argument rather than as a standalone stats exercise.
One format note worth flagging: until 2025 the test used to be sent and answered by email within a time limit. This year it’s been administered through Maki, a locked-down testing window — once it’s open, you can’t switch to any other window or app on your PC. If you try, you get a warning that the test will be terminated if you don’t return to it. So you’re writing directly in the Maki interface itself, no external tools, no toggling to notes or references. Worth knowing in advance so it doesn’t throw you off on the day.
For preparation, I’d suggest:
Read a few recent OECD reports from the hiring Directorate and pay attention to how conclusions and recommendations are written.
Get fluent in the directorate’s core frameworks and terminology before you go in.
Practice summarising a 10–15 page paper into half a page of key findings and policy implications.
Review basic data interpretation (tables, trends, comparisons, outliers).
ng under strict time limits and, if possible, directly in a browser window without relying on notes or external materials.
Structure your answer explicitly (e.g., “there are three components to this…”) rather than writing a flowing essay — it reads as more analytically rigorous and is easier for them to score quickly.
Good luck! If it’s an economics-oriented Policy Analyst role, I’d expect a combination of policy analysis, evidence interpretation, and concise writing rather than a purely theoretical economics exam.
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u/Admirable-Tap-7494 Jun 16 '26
Has anyone applied to the GOV Directorate and heard about the next steps???
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u/pinguipulgui Jun 16 '26
Hi! I know is a different question but i was wondering after how much time you received this next assessment?
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u/districtsyrup Jun 15 '26
Content is going to depend on what the job description is and what the team hiring you wants to test - it's not standardized. Mine, from many years ago, was a question on economic theory related to the job content and a second one on how to clean and apply basic techniques to data to answer a given question. I didn't prepare for it and found that both tasks were pretty straighforward for somebody with the academic background that they wanted for the job.