Application Guide

How to Apply for Tax Policy Economist

at Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

🏢 About Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

The OECD is a unique intergovernmental organization that shapes evidence-based international standards and policies across 38 member countries. Working here offers the opportunity to influence global tax policy directly, collaborate with international experts, and contribute to research that informs government decisions worldwide.

About This Role

This Tax Policy Economist role involves analyzing countries' tax systems, developing reform recommendations, and conducting empirical research using micro-data and simulation techniques. It's impactful because you'll directly contribute to improving domestic resource mobilization in low and middle-income countries while balancing economic growth objectives.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing tax micro-data from member countries using statistical software, drafting sections of a country-specific tax review report, and participating in virtual meetings with international colleagues to discuss reform recommendations. You'd balance empirical research with policy writing, ensuring analysis translates into actionable insights for governments.

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Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Is Looking For

  • Holds an advanced degree in economics or public finance with demonstrated expertise in tax policy analysis
  • Has 3+ years of professional experience conducting applied economic analysis in government, international organizations, or research institutions
  • Possesses strong empirical skills including micro-data analysis, simulation techniques, and macro-based approaches
  • Can translate complex tax policy analysis into actionable recommendations for policymakers through reports and briefs

📝 Tips for Applying to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

1

Highlight specific experience with micro-data analysis of tax systems - mention specific datasets or software (like Stata, R, or tax simulation models) you've used

2

Demonstrate understanding of OECD's tax work by referencing specific OECD publications like the Tax Policy Studies series or BEPS project

3

Provide concrete examples of tax policy recommendations you've developed for specific countries or contexts

4

Show how your experience bridges technical analysis and policy implementation - OECD values both research rigor and practical applicability

5

Emphasize any experience with low and middle-income country tax systems, as this role specifically mentions domestic resource mobilization in these contexts

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience with empirical tax policy analysis using micro-data and simulation techniques', "Specific examples of tax policy recommendations you've developed and how they were implemented or considered", "Understanding of OECD's role in international tax policy and how your skills align with their evidence-based approach", 'Experience working with or analyzing tax systems in diverse country contexts, particularly developing economies']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review OECD's recent Tax Policy Studies and country-specific tax reviews to understand their analytical approach
  • → Study the OECD's work on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) and Inclusive Framework
  • → Examine the OECD's publications on tax and development, particularly regarding domestic resource mobilization
  • → Familiarize yourself with OECD's organizational structure and how the Centre for Tax Policy and Administration operates

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through a specific tax policy analysis project you conducted using micro-data - what methods did you use and what were the policy implications?
2 How would you approach developing tax reform recommendations for a middle-income country seeking to increase domestic revenue without harming formal sector employment?
3 What OECD tax publications have you found most relevant to your work, and how would you contribute to this body of research?
4 Describe your experience translating complex economic analysis into policy briefs for non-technical audiences
5 How do you stay current with international tax policy developments, and what emerging issues do you think are most important for OECD to address?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting generic applications that don't reference OECD's specific tax work or publications
  • Focusing only on theoretical knowledge without demonstrating applied policy analysis experience
  • Failing to show how your experience relates to international or comparative tax policy contexts

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)!

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