Job Title: Senior Tax Economist

The OECD is a unique forum where the governments of 31 market democracies work together to address the economic, social and governance challenges of the globalising world economy, as well as to exploit its opportunities.

Fixed term appointment, initially for thirteen months

The International Tax Dialogue (ITD) (www.itdweb.org) is a collaborative project involving the European Commission (EC), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), International Monetary Fund (IMF), OECD, UK Department for International Development (UK DFID) and World Bank to encourage and facilitate discussion of tax matters among national tax officials, international organisations, and other key stakeholders. The ITD aims to facilitate dialogue to share good practices and pursue common objectives in improving the functioning of national tax administrations.

The ITD Secretariat is located in the OECD’s Centre for Tax Policy and Administration (CTPA) (www.oecd.org/ctp) which is the focal point for the OECD’s work on all taxation issues, both national and international. The OECD which is a unique forum where the governments of 31 market democracies work together to address the economic, social and governance challenges of the globalising world economy, as well as to exploit its opportunities.

The main objectives of the ITD are to promote effective international dialogue between participating organisations and governments on taxation, giving all countries – OECD and non-OECD – a real input into the discussion of tax administration and policy issues; identify and share good practices in taxation; provide a clearer focus for technical assistance on tax matters; and avoid duplication of effort in respect of existing activities.

The ITD operates a free, multilingual, multinational website and runs conferences which bring together leading experts and practitioners from over 100 countries to share developments and consider key challenges and solutions, as well as working directly with organisations such as the African Tax Administration Forum.

The ITD is currently looking for a Senior Tax Economist to provide the technical and strategic leadership in respect of the ITD’s work, taking responsibility for the delivery of global conferences (next one in Egypt ); and work with ITD members to set the strategic direction of the ITD. Given the significance of the ITD’s work with developing countries, and particularly Africa, specific experience of working with developing countries would be a considerable advantage.

The successful candidate will work with the ITD Steering Committee and under the supervision of the Head of the CTPA’s Global Relations Division.

We offer a stimulating and challenging workplace together with an attractive remuneration and benefits package, including a tax-free salary plus allowances.

Job Duties

1. Analysis and drafting

• Provide policy expertise and direction to key areas of the ITD’s work.
• Analyse tax policy developments in non-OECD economies to help develop and implement ITD work.
• Develop a technical and analytical overview for planned conference topics – (for example, tax and inequality).
• Prepare and implement a critical plan for the delivery of conferences.
• Prepare policy briefs, press releases, background papers, presentations and other documents related to the ITD’s work.

2. Meetings, representation and liaison

• Assume overall responsibility for the preparation of meetings of the International Tax Dialogue and its subsidiary bodies and other related meetings.
• Establish and maintain contact with officials participating in the ITD’s work and meetings.
• Promote the work of the ITD externally through participation in conferences, seminars and contacts with civil society and non-governmental stakeholders.
• Liaise with other relevant international organisations.

3. Management and strategy

• Develop a strategic approach to the work programme of the ITD setting out key priorities and anticipated outcomes for consideration and agreement by the ITD Steering Committee, and take responsibility for implementation.
• Manage and motivate staff working on projects under his/her supervision and contribute to their professional development.

Qualifications: education, experience, communication and languages

1. Education and experience

• An advanced university degree, or equivalent, in economics with tax or public finance as fields of specialisation.
• Eight to ten years’ experience in tax issues acquired in governement, university, research institution, consultancy or an international organisation.
• Experience of working with developing countries would be a significant advantage.

2. Key competencies

• Excellent analytical and organisational skills.
• Team spirit, flexibility, initiative and ability to work in a number of multidisciplinary activities with a minimum of supervision. Proven ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Diplomatic skills to work on sensitive political issues and to establish good working relationships with officials at national and international levels.
• Ability to develop strategic approaches and good project management skills to implement the approaches developed.
• Proven ability to work under pressure and in a multicultural team environment.
• Capacity to organise inter-governmental discussions and assist in text negotiations.
• An ability to carry out analysis in a cross-disciplinary context, to identify policy implications and to formulate practical recommendations.
• Availability and willingness to undertake international travel.

3. Communication and languages

• Excellent drafting ability and very good ability to communicate orally in one of the official languages of the Organisation (English and French); good knowledge of the other. Knowledge of a third language such as Spanish would be useful.

N.B. The appointment may initially be made at the level immediately below if the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant correspond to that level; in this case, the duties and responsibilities assigned to the post will be adjusted accordingly.

Reference: 3589
Grade/Level: A4
Please apply before midnight, Central European Time (CET), on: 20/05/2010
We are an equal opportunity employer and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.