Tax Administration Specialist

KEY INFORMATION

Job Title: Tax Administration Specialist

Sector: Tax; Public Financial Management

Position Type: Full-time  

Duration/Level of Effort: 1-year contract (renewable on an annual basis, subject to terms and conditions)

Position Location: Lusaka, Zambia

SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT

The USAID Revenue for Growth Project (R4G) is a five-year project that supports the Government of the Republic of Zambia to increase domestic revenues with the overall aim of expanding fiscal space for public spending and investments in service delivery and ultimately poverty reduction. The project engages with both government and non-government stakeholders to build capacity across four components: 1). Tax and Non-Tax Revenue Administration, 2). Tax Policy, 3). Public-Private Dialogue and 4). Addressing other Fiscal Policy and Management Priorities as they emerge.

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

The mission of the role is to assist the ZRA in achieving a sustainable increase in Domestic Revenue Collection in a manner that promotes private sector led growth, increases voluntary compliance and strengthens the tax culture. The specialist will assist in the delivery of R4G project activities and will ensure that change is embedded sustainably and that expected benefits are realised.

The position requires a solution oriented candidate, adept at problem solving while maintaining a focus on outcomes and ensuring that change is delivered as promised. The role involves both project and risk management skills, and requires a bold but achievable pace of delivery, minimising periods of disruption and mitigating risks with as little bureaucracy as possible. Change management, communication and capacity building are key elements to the role, and we expect candidates to be able to develop leaders and sponsors, identify points of resistance and create informed support for change.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the definition of the Project agenda and priorities, engaging line management to define Project initiatives and set them up for success
• Communicating openly and frequently with Project initiative owners to ensure progress and achievement of Project goals Driving and leading the delivery of Project outcomes being executed through/by counterparties
• Aid Project solution design by inter alia, identifying root causes, process mapping, providing leadership in areas of expertise and accountability, and finding alternatives to achieve results and complete Project deliverables
• Track progress of Project Initiatives and proactively raise issues for resolution
• Support proactive risk mitigation and facilitate timely decisions to ensure envisioned outcomes are achieved Monitor change management risks related to the Project and coordinate mitigation plans
• Facilitates the right quality of discussion by Project leadership team, elevating the strategically most important and time-critical initiatives
• Focus the Project Leadership Team on Project outcomes that typically require a high degree of change and/or impact multiple areas of the business
• Engage sponsors and business owners on Project agenda and initiatives
• Engage line management and the Project Management Office (PMO) on programmes which are essential to the Project (has visibility of all projects to check interdependencies)
• Provide regular written and oral updates on the status of Project activities

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Chartered Accountant - ACCA, ZICA or equivalent (essential)
• MBA or Post-graduate qualification in taxation (desirable)

Minimum Experience:

• Audit experience in a reputable accounting firm, preferably with good working tax knowledge

Essential Skills:

• Project Management
• Leadership
• Strategic thinking and analysis
• Organisation and planning
• Execution and persistence (the ability to get things done and identifying and rectifying problems that occur)
• Strong interpersonal, communication and collaboration skills
• Independence and objectivity

Language Proficiency: English Language fluency

Employment Conditions: Must be able to be based in Lusaka, Zambia and able to complete at minimum a 12-month contract (with the potential possibility of extension for an additional 2 years, subject to terms and conditions)