Alejandro, Regulatory Policy Consultant, OECD

As a Regulatory Policy Consultant in the OECD Centre in Mexico for Latin America and the Caribbean, Regulatory Policy Division, my work focuses on supporting governments in the design and implementation of regulatory reforms aimed at improving the business environment and public sector efficiency. I contribute to policy analysis, technical assistance, and on-the-ground implementation projects, particularly at the subnational level.

My responsibilities include coordinating with national and subnational authorities to implement regulatory simplification initiatives; supporting the deployment of digital tools such as one-stop-shops for investment, electronic signatures, digital files, and inspection platforms; and analyzing regulatory frameworks to identify administrative burdens and opportunities for improvement. I also contribute to the preparation of policy reports, diagnostic assessments, implementation plans and recommendations, while engaging with public officials and stakeholders to translate OECD standards into practical, implementable reforms.

This role requires a combination of strong analytical and project management skills, as well as the ability to work across disciplines and institutional levels. Key competencies include policy analysis, stakeholder coordination, clear and strategic communication, and the capacity to bridge technical, legal, and political considerations. Adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving skills are essential, particularly when working in complex, multi-actor governance environments and translating international best practices into local contexts.

My preparation for this role was very closely tied to my academic path at Sciences Po. During my third semester, I returned to Mexico to complete the mandatory Sciences Po internship at the OECD Centre in Mexico for Latin America and the Caribbean, which allowed me to directly apply what I had learned in class to a real policy environment and to better understand how international organisations operate from the inside.

Following this internship, I received an offer to continue working with the OECD as a part-time consultant while I returned to France to complete my final semester at Sciences Po. After graduating, I moved back to Mexico City to continue in the role on a full-time basis. This gradual transition—from student, to intern, to consultant—was key in building both technical skills and institutional knowledge.

Sciences Po played an important role throughout this process. The academic training provided a strong foundation in public policy analysis, governance, and regulatory issues, while faculty members were always available for guidance and feedback. Informal exchanges with classmates and alumni were also valuable, particularly in understanding career paths within international organisations and navigating recruitment processes. Overall, a combination of academic preparation, practical experience, and sustained professional relationships helped me prepare for and grow into this position. 

The most fascinating aspect of my work is the opportunity to engage directly with high-level public officials at the subnational level, including governors and cabinet-level authorities, and to be involved in strategic decision-making processes that have tangible effects on how governments operate. This level of access provides a unique perspective on internal government dynamics and the realities of day-to-day public administration.Equally rewarding is gaining a deep understanding of how policies are translated into operational processes, and working alongside public institutions to improve them. Contributing to the simplification of procedures, the digitalisation of services, and the reduction of administrative burdens allows me to see how regulatory reform can make a real difference—by making government processes more efficient and ultimately improving the experience of businesses and citizens alike.

My experience at the Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA) was fundamental in shaping both the analytical framework and the practical skills I rely on in my current position. PSIA provided a strong grounding in public policy analysis, political economy, and governance, which allows me to approach regulatory reform not only as a technical exercise, but as a political and institutional process embedded in specific national and subnational contexts.

Beyond academic content, PSIA helped me develop key professional skills that are central to my work at the OECD, including policy-oriented research, concise and strategic writing, data analysis, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences. The emphasis on teamwork and applied projects also closely mirrors the way international organisations operate, particularly in multi-actor and multidisciplinary environments.

My third semester was especially valuable, as it allowed me to bridge theory and practice early on. Working at the OECD during this period helped me contextualise PSIA coursework within real policy challenges, while reinforcing skills such as stakeholder coordination, project management, and adaptability. Several PSIA courses were particularly relevant in preparing me for this role, especially those focused on regulatory governance, public sector reform, international organisations, and development policy, as they provided both conceptual tools and practical insights directly applicable to my current work.

I would encourage students to stay curious and open to exploring topics beyond their initial areas of interest. In my case, regulatory policy and digitisation was not something I had considered before joining PSIA—at the time, my focus was more centred on education-related issues. Being exposed to new fields and engaging in different conversations opened unexpected opportunities, including my path to the OECD.

I would also stress the importance of investing in soft skills alongside technical expertise. The ability to communicate clearly, work in teams, adapt to different institutional cultures, and engage with diverse stakeholders is just as critical as subject-matter knowledge. PSIA offers an environment where both can be developed, and making the most of that balance can make a real difference when transitioning into professional roles.