KEY INFORMATION
Job Title: Tax Economist
Sector: Public Financial Management
Position Type: Full-time
Duration/Level of Effort: Full-time 2022-2025
Position Location: In-country or rotations (flexible)
SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
The Taxing Efficiently for Developing Inclusively (TEDI) project has been under implementation for two years, providing technical assistance and associated equipment procurement to the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and the Mozambique Revenue Authority (MRA). The overall objective of TEDI is to contribute to strengthening economic management for inclusive growth, by assisting the GoM in raising tax revenues efficiently and equitably, and increasing tax compliance. The FCDO has committed £8million over 5 years, with £5million reserved for technical assistance accompanied by a £3 million procurement fund to support capacity-building activities. This may be supplemented by other donor funding.
Three outputs are defined for the project as a whole:
- Output 1: An efficient, risk-based and customer-centric revenue system that is effectively administered to enhance voluntary compliance
- Output 2: Capacity is strengthened to efficiently and effectively administer the extractives industry tax regime
- Output 3: Improved equity, transparency and coherence of tax policy.
Gender and Social Inclusion is a cross-cutting theme addressed throughout the project.
SUMMARY OF THE POSITION
The main focus of the International Tax Economist will be to lead the technical work and coordination of Output 3, with support from a national tax policy specialist embedded at the Ministry. His/her collaboration with other members of the TEDI team operating on the other outputs as well as the GESI advisor and the Monitoring and Evaluation adviser will be important.
The International Tax Economist may either be based in Mozambique, embedded in the Directorate for Economic Policy and Development (DNPED), alongside the National Specialist and government officials, or may operate on a remote basis with regular trips to Maputo as needed.
The team may be converted into a Tax Policy Unit at a later stage, subject to the MEF's wishes. Whether or not a Tax Policy Unit is established, the Specialist is expected to carry out all activities in an inclusive manner, in coordination with the government technical staff assigned to the project, with a view to enhancing knowledge transfer and capacity building.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Key initiatives and responsibilities include:
1. Developing an Evidence Base for Tax Policy (and possibly as inputs to the development of an MTRS)
- Designing and coordinating comprehensive studies that would allow the MEF to make sound tax policy decisions. These may include impact studies, analysis of exemptions and tax expenditure, or research into specific tax considerations such as the differential impact of certain taxes on gender. MEF has already identified the following priorities:
- Evaluation and analysis of the efficiency and fairness of the main taxes (VAT, Personal Income Tax, Corporate Taxes, Excise Duties and simplified regime for small taxpayers);
- An analysis of sensitivity to changes in tax rates and reduction/elimination of certain exemptions;
- Assessment of potential revenue and efficiency gains from proposed reforms.
- In the short term, analysis of rapid response policies, as required, for the daily decision-making processes of the MEF. This could include cost-benefit analyses of proposed decisions, support to senior management in relation to tax policy interventions and the introduction of international experience in the discussion of tax policy within the MEF.
- Collaboration with research institutions and CSOs on relevant studies, with a particular emphasis on the gender inclusion and social inclusion aspects of taxation.
- Support to stakeholder consultation on tax reform proposals (possibly as a formal part of an MTRS process, or on an as-needed basis) ensuring wide representation, particularly of traditionally marginalized taxpayers.
2. Capacity Building of a Technical Team Specialising in Tax Policy
- Developing a detailed training programme covering technical skills and broader thematic trainings/workshops/experience exchanges or other forms of capacity building. Topics might include but not be limited to:
- Revenue forecasting models by tax type;
- Econometrics, Microsimulation and other tax policy technical tools
- Monitoring and Reporting of Tax Expenditure
3. Development of a Revenue Database
- Definition of needs and liaison with a TEDI ICT specialist to develop a routine data-sharing system between MRA and MEF in a format relevant for policy analysis.
4.Routine Technical Analysis as required.
- On-demand, quick turnaround analysis as required during the day to day work of the MEF.
In addition, the International Tax Policy Specialist is expected to:
- Support the design and delivery of the activities as listed above;
- Provide ongoing advice on how Mozambique can address gaps and/or weaknesses in tax policy, both from a policy and legislative perspective by seeking to tailor tax policy to the dynamics of the Mozambican society;
- Speedily assess and respond to requests for technical information from the DNPED in the MEF;
- Carry out all activities to build the capacity of the DNPED and/or actively support capacity building initiatives for the DNPED staff;
- Work closely with other team members to ensure the development of a tax policy that both reflects the reality of the Mozambican tax administration and guarantees equity and social inclusion;
- Cooperate with other programme experts/donors to ensure a coordinated and harmonised approach to programme delivery, in particular the Tax Working Group, the World Bank, and the IMF;
- In the course of the Consultant's work, provide the DNPED staff with up-to-date knowledge on the latest research and studies where relevant;
- Work in coordination with, mentor and train the National Expert;
- Prepare monthly and quarterly reports for the FCDO and the MEF, as required/requested;
- Any other requirements related to the project identified by the Project Director, DNPED or TEDI team leader.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education:
- A Master's degree or (preferably) a PhD in economics or a similar field;
Minimum Experience:
- Practical and proven (minimum 15 years) experience on tax policy in international contexts, and in particular in the context of developing countries, is mandatory;
- Proven experience with the donor-funded tax transformation/reform programme in other developing countries, where revenue is an important aspect of the reform;
- Experience in developing the technical capacity of colleagues, including strong mentoring/coaching/training skills, where sustainable transfer of knowledge and skills is a priority;
Essential Skills:
- Preferably knowledgeable and experienced in the economic and social environment of Mozambique/national and regional tax patterns and practices;
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with peers and colleagues from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds;
- Ability to work effectively in politically sensitive and challenging environments;
- Ability to work effectively as a team member; and
- Strong written and verbal communication skills. Preference will be given to Portuguese-speaking candidates, but knowledge of Spanish, Italian or French and a willingness to learn Portuguese will be accepted.
Language Proficiency: English, Portuguese (strong asset)
APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates are encouraged to apply by 4th March 2022.
For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as followed: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.
Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.
ABOUT US
With more than 35 years’ experience, Cowater International is Canada’s global leader in management consulting services specializing in international development and has managed the implementation of over 800 projects in more than 80 countries around the globe. We work with governments, partner organizations, communities and civil society to design and implement sustainable solutions that generate lasting social, financial and environmental impacts. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, Cowater International also has corporate offices in Montreal, Quebec; London, United Kingdom; Nairobi, Kenya; and Brussels, Belgium, in addition to project offices in a wide variety of other locations across Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.
KEY INFORMATION
Job Title: Tax Economist
Sector: Public Financial Management
Position Type: Full-time
Duration/Level of Effort: Full-time 2022-2025
Position Location: In-country or rotations (flexible)
SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
The Taxing Efficiently for Developing Inclusively (TEDI) project has been under implementation for two years, providing technical assistance and associated equipment procurement to the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and the Mozambique Revenue Authority (MRA). The overall objective of TEDI is to contribute to strengthening economic management for inclusive growth, by assisting the GoM in raising tax revenues efficiently and equitably, and increasing tax compliance. The FCDO has committed £8million over 5 years, with £5million reserved for technical assistance accompanied by a £3 million procurement fund to support capacity-building activities. This may be supplemented by other donor funding.
Three outputs are defined for the project as a whole:
- Output 1: An efficient, risk-based and customer-centric revenue system that is effectively administered to enhance voluntary compliance
- Output 2: Capacity is strengthened to efficiently and effectively administer the extractives industry tax regime
- Output 3: Improved equity, transparency and coherence of tax policy.
Gender and Social Inclusion is a cross-cutting theme addressed throughout the project.
SUMMARY OF THE POSITION
The main focus of the International Tax Economist will be to lead the technical work and coordination of Output 3, with support from a national tax policy specialist embedded at the Ministry. His/her collaboration with other members of the TEDI team operating on the other outputs as well as the GESI advisor and the Monitoring and Evaluation adviser will be important.
The International Tax Economist may either be based in Mozambique, embedded in the Directorate for Economic Policy and Development (DNPED), alongside the National Specialist and government officials, or may operate on a remote basis with regular trips to Maputo as needed.
The team may be converted into a Tax Policy Unit at a later stage, subject to the MEF's wishes. Whether or not a Tax Policy Unit is established, the Specialist is expected to carry out all activities in an inclusive manner, in coordination with the government technical staff assigned to the project, with a view to enhancing knowledge transfer and capacity building.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Key initiatives and responsibilities include:
1. Developing an Evidence Base for Tax Policy (and possibly as inputs to the development of an MTRS)
- Designing and coordinating comprehensive studies that would allow the MEF to make sound tax policy decisions. These may include impact studies, analysis of exemptions and tax expenditure, or research into specific tax considerations such as the differential impact of certain taxes on gender. MEF has already identified the following priorities:
- Evaluation and analysis of the efficiency and fairness of the main taxes (VAT, Personal Income Tax, Corporate Taxes, Excise Duties and simplified regime for small taxpayers);
- An analysis of sensitivity to changes in tax rates and reduction/elimination of certain exemptions;
- Assessment of potential revenue and efficiency gains from proposed reforms.
- In the short term, analysis of rapid response policies, as required, for the daily decision-making processes of the MEF. This could include cost-benefit analyses of proposed decisions, support to senior management in relation to tax policy interventions and the introduction of international experience in the discussion of tax policy within the MEF.
- Collaboration with research institutions and CSOs on relevant studies, with a particular emphasis on the gender inclusion and social inclusion aspects of taxation.
- Support to stakeholder consultation on tax reform proposals (possibly as a formal part of an MTRS process, or on an as-needed basis) ensuring wide representation, particularly of traditionally marginalized taxpayers.
2. Capacity Building of a Technical Team Specialising in Tax Policy
- Developing a detailed training programme covering technical skills and broader thematic trainings/workshops/experience exchanges or other forms of capacity building. Topics might include but not be limited to:
- Revenue forecasting models by tax type;
- Econometrics, Microsimulation and other tax policy technical tools
- Monitoring and Reporting of Tax Expenditure
3. Development of a Revenue Database
- Definition of needs and liaison with a TEDI ICT specialist to develop a routine data-sharing system between MRA and MEF in a format relevant for policy analysis.
4.Routine Technical Analysis as required.
- On-demand, quick turnaround analysis as required during the day to day work of the MEF.
In addition, the International Tax Policy Specialist is expected to:
- Support the design and delivery of the activities as listed above;
- Provide ongoing advice on how Mozambique can address gaps and/or weaknesses in tax policy, both from a policy and legislative perspective by seeking to tailor tax policy to the dynamics of the Mozambican society;
- Speedily assess and respond to requests for technical information from the DNPED in the MEF;
- Carry out all activities to build the capacity of the DNPED and/or actively support capacity building initiatives for the DNPED staff;
- Work closely with other team members to ensure the development of a tax policy that both reflects the reality of the Mozambican tax administration and guarantees equity and social inclusion;
- Cooperate with other programme experts/donors to ensure a coordinated and harmonised approach to programme delivery, in particular the Tax Working Group, the World Bank, and the IMF;
- In the course of the Consultant's work, provide the DNPED staff with up-to-date knowledge on the latest research and studies where relevant;
- Work in coordination with, mentor and train the National Expert;
- Prepare monthly and quarterly reports for the FCDO and the MEF, as required/requested;
- Any other requirements related to the project identified by the Project Director, DNPED or TEDI team leader.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education:
- A Master's degree or (preferably) a PhD in economics or a similar field;
Minimum Experience:
- Practical and proven (minimum 15 years) experience on tax policy in international contexts, and in particular in the context of developing countries, is mandatory;
- Proven experience with the donor-funded tax transformation/reform programme in other developing countries, where revenue is an important aspect of the reform;
- Experience in developing the technical capacity of colleagues, including strong mentoring/coaching/training skills, where sustainable transfer of knowledge and skills is a priority;
Essential Skills:
- Preferably knowledgeable and experienced in the economic and social environment of Mozambique/national and regional tax patterns and practices;
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with peers and colleagues from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds;
- Ability to work effectively in politically sensitive and challenging environments;
- Ability to work effectively as a team member; and
- Strong written and verbal communication skills. Preference will be given to Portuguese-speaking candidates, but knowledge of Spanish, Italian or French and a willingness to learn Portuguese will be accepted.
Language Proficiency: English, Portuguese (strong asset)
APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates are encouraged to apply by 4th March 2022.
For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as followed: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.
Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.
ABOUT US
With more than 35 years’ experience, Cowater International is Canada’s global leader in management consulting services specializing in international development and has managed the implementation of over 800 projects in more than 80 countries around the globe. We work with governments, partner organizations, communities and civil society to design and implement sustainable solutions that generate lasting social, financial and environmental impacts. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, Cowater International also has corporate offices in Montreal, Quebec; London, United Kingdom; Nairobi, Kenya; and Brussels, Belgium, in addition to project offices in a wide variety of other locations across Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.