Tax Policy Economist
Main Responsibilities
Tax policy analysis in developing and emerging countries
Contribute to the analysis of tax policy analysis of countries’ tax systems. Benchmark tax systems and policies including by looking at the efficiency, effectiveness, simplicity and fairness of tax systems. Identify opportunities and constraints to tax reforms in individual countries. Formulate country-specific tax policy reform recommendations.
Contribute to the work on domestic resource mobilisation in low and middle-income countries including the development of country-specific recommendations to increase domestic resources in ways that do not discourage formal sector employment and business activity.
Contribute to analytical work on the links between taxation, inequality and economic growth.
Assess tax expenditures in the personal income tax, corporate income tax and value added tax systems to assess revenue foregone and other effects based on different data sources and methodologies. Assist countries in strengthening the quality and transparency of their tax expenditure reporting.
Analyse options for tax reforms and their impacts in a context of informal economy, taking into account linkages with avoidance, evasion, tax revenues, efficiency and equity.
Review the design of health taxes in OECD and non-OECD member countries, with a particular focus on the design of tobacco taxation.
Carry out empirical analysis of existing components of the tax systems and potential reforms, using micro-data analysis and simulation techniques, as well as aggregate/macro-based approaches.
Develop, maintain and update indicators that serve as key inputs to country tax policy analysis work.
Support governments and Ministries of Finance, in the assessment, design and implementation of tax policy reforms.
Drafting
Draft policy briefs, working papers and analytical reports and prepare presentations on country-specific tax policy issues.
Prepare briefing material for senior OECD officials, as required.
Support the Head of the TPS Division and the Head of the Country Tax Policy Unit in the preparation of materials for the delivery of tax policy presentations, including to high-level audiences.
Liaison, representation and communication
Liaise and engage with Ministries of Finances in the context of country projects, including thorough virtual and in-person meetings to discuss key tax policy challenges and present main results.
Foster effective collaboration within the TPS Division and across OECD Directorates, as well as with external stakeholders.
Respond to internal and external requests for information related to country tax policy analysis.
Present main findings and conclusions to a range of audiences, including policy makers and technical experts.
Participate in country tax policy missions to OECD member countries and non-member economies, as required.
Qualifications
Ideal Candidate Profile
Academic Background
An advanced university degree in one of the following disciplines: economics, public finance, tax policy or similar professional qualifications.
Professional Background
At least three years of professional experience in economics, public finance and/or tax policy acquired in an international organisation, government ministry, public authority, think tank, private sector, academia or a comparable research-oriented environment.
Demonstrated experience in applied economic and tax policy analysis, with a solid understanding of public finance and, in particular, taxation.
Experience analysing quantitative and qualitative data to assess tax systems of OECD member and non-member countries.
Strong analytical and drafting skills with the ability to synthesise complex technical material into clear, concise and accessible outputs tailored to different audiences, including policy makers and non-technical stakeholders.
Experience undertaking or supporting policy-relevant research.
Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment and contribute to team based projects.
Tools
Confirmed knowledge of statistical software such as R or STATA.
Core Competencies
OECD staff are expected to demonstrate behaviours aligned to six core competencies which will be assessed as part of this hiring processes: Vision and Strategy (Level 2); Enable People (Level 1); Ethics and Integrity (Level 2); Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 2); Achieve Results (Level 2); Innovate and Embrace Change (Level 2).
There are three possible levels for each competency. The level for each competency is determined according to the specific needs of each job role and its associated grade.
To learn more about the definitions for each competency for levels 1-3, please refer to OECD Core Competencies.
Languages
Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and knowledge of the other, with a commitment to reach a good working level.
Knowledge of Spanish would be an asset.
Additional Information
Closing Date:
This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than midnight 1 March 2026 (CEST).
Contract Duration
18 month fixed-term appointment, with the possibility of renewal to a maximum of 36 months.
Please note that our Rules and Regulations stipulate that the mandatory retirement age is 67.
What the OECD offers
Monthly salary starts at 6 975 EUR, plus allowances based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.
Click here to consult the Staff Regulations applicable to officials of the OECD. Please note that from 1 July 2025, all Official appointments will be made under the OECD’s new contractual modalities.
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Please note that the appointment may be made at one grade lower in the specified job family, based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.
This vacancy may be used to create a pool of candidates for comparable positions, both for open-ended and fixed-term functions.
Selection Process
For retained candidates, the selection process may include a video-recorded interview, job-based assessment and panel interviews.
The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes the applications of all qualified candidates who are nationals of OECD member countries, irrespective of their racial or ethnic origin, opinions or beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, health or disabilities.
The OECD promotes an optimal use of resources in order to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Staff members are encouraged to actively contribute to this goal.