National Coordinator – Tax for SDGs (NPSA9) at United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Job Description

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

The global economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has also made securing additional SDG financing from domestic and international sources even more challenging despite government efforts, the current state of public finance for the federal government remains challenging. Nigeria has consistently recorded a fiscal deficit as public expenditure continuously exceeds revenue. Total revenue available to the federal governments as a share of GDP remains very low relative to international comparators. Although total expenditure has been relatively stable, the weak revenue base has resulted in chronic annual fiscal deficits ranging in recent years from -4.3% to -5.9% of GDP, which are financed with debt and central bank financing. 

In this context, the UNDP Tax for SDGs Initiative has a particular emphasis on linking tax administration and tax and fiscal policies with raising domestic resources and achieving the SDGs. Building on UNDP Country Office portfolios and already existing engagements with Ministries, UNDP will bring a stronger focus on the role of tax and fiscal policy in achieving Agenda 2030. The Initiative places a particular focus on promoting the SDG agenda through reducing gender and social inequalities in tax and fiscal policy as well as taking forward climate action and environmental goals, and gender, health and Leave No One Behind (LNOB) outcomes. Representing the views of developing countries in the global normative tax discussions is critical and to this effect the UNDP Tax for SDGs Initiative will also work to bring evidence and perspectives from developing countries into the regional and international discussions on taxation.

UNDP Nigeria is seeking a Tax for SDGs National Coordinator to effectively manage and support the implementation of the UNDP Tax for SDGs Initiative and provide support to UNDP Nigeria on tax related engagements as part of their agenda of financing the SDGs in the country.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Strategic and Multi-Stakeholder Engagement

1. Support the Head of SPIEG in embedding the UNDP Tax for SDGs Initiative in UNDP’s broader SDG finance portfolio in UNDP Nigeria;
2. Lead implementation and multi-stakeholder engagement for all aspect of the Country Engagement Plan (CEP) on tax in Nigeria including engaging with tax experts, bilateral, regional and multilateral organizations, governments (central and local governments);
3. Support UNDP Nigeria in building strategic alliances and partnerships with governments, think tanks, academic institutions, development partners and others to expand UNDP’s work on tax and fiscal policy;
4. Work with the Head of SPIEG unit to support UNDP COs to learn from the Nigeria experience in designing and implementing Country Engagement Plan (CEP) and in their broader engagement on tax and fiscal policies within the overall project;
5. Provide a secretariat and technical support to the Development Partner Group on Tax or Public Finance Management.

2. Policy and Programme Coordination

1. To analyze local context and identify potential synergies with UNDP’s policy and development work in-country at national/federal/ sub national level and map out emerging trends and opportunities for the region;
2. Provide technical advice to support the implementation of the UNDP Tax for SDGs Initiative and to backstop tax experts working under the project;
3. Develop SDG Taxation Framework (STF);
4. Identify potential synergies between the UNDP Tax for SDGs Initiative work of UNDP Nigeria, the UNDP Regional Hub and UNDP Country Offices implementing same Initiative;
5. Engage with policymakers on tax and fiscal policy matters and further develop the role of UNDP in taxation in Nigeria;
6. Coordinate the development of policy papers to promote understanding and integration of tax and fiscal policies and SDG issues;
7. Support the Head of SPIEG unit in relevant analytical and policy-oriented work on tax policy and administration, and on technical tax topics;
8. Draft internal UNDP briefing notes and talking points for Senior Management on UNDP Tax for SDGs Initiative.

3. Knowledge Management:

1. Facilitate setting up the interventions under the project as well as coordinate their implementation as per standard operating procedures, including knowledge capture from past programmes;
2. Collaborate on evidence collection and lessons-learned from other countries, including promoting best practice sharing and peer learning through case-studies;
3. Collaborate on knowledge management between various stakeholders, including UNDP CO and tax experts;
4. Develop concept notes for technical workshops/webinars/side-events for UNDP Tax for SDGs Initiative.

     4. Outreach Engagement

• Collaborate on project communications, including Annual Reports and Newsletters; 
• Coordinate the organization of events, including high-level launches of the programmes; 
• Collaborate on lessons-learned from the project activities, including through case-studies; 
• Develop resources to enhance capacities within UNDP on tax, fiscal policy issues and SDGs; 
• Follow technical discussions in other fora and represent UNDP in relevant meetings.

Institutional Arrangement

1. The position will be embedded in the Strategic Policy and Inclusive Economic Growth (SPIEG) Unit and work as part of the UNDP Nigeria Country Office.
2. The National Coordinator will report to the Head of SPIEG unit, UNDP Nigeria. The Regional Programme Specialist of UNDP Tax for SDGs Initiative will back stop the National Coordinator.
3. Throughout the project, collaboration and coordination with the rest of the UNDP/TIWB Tax team and other teams will be required.

Core competencies

• Achieve Results:  LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
• Learn Continuously:  Level 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think conceptually and flexibly, capacity to adapt, innovate, and propose multiple options
• Partnerships Management: Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies. Ability to practice courtesy and diplomacy with high-rank officials.
• Knowledge Generation: Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Enjoy sensitivity for research and academic integrity.
• Effective Decision Making: Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources
• Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
• Integration within the UN: Ability to identity, and integrate capacity and assets of the UN system, and engage in joint work; knowledge of the UN System and ability to apply this knowledge to strategic and/or practical situations.
• Result Based Management: Ability to manage Programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Master’s Degree in taxation, law, economics, finance, public policy or a closely related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in the related fields with additional 2 years of relevant experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master’s degree.

Experience

• Minimum 2 years (Master’s degree or 4 years (Bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience working in taxation, public finance management or domestic resource mobilization for a government or International organization; 
• Excellent writing and analytical skills, including the ability to write concept notes, outcome reporting, and other written communication;
• Experience of working in and with developing countries in Africa, especially Nigeria;
• Experience of results-oriented based project management; 
• Experience of working with UNDP or UN Development System on matters related to taxation and fiscal policies will be an advantage;
• Strong record in advising and engaging with international institutions and/ or governments on taxation, public finance management or domestic resource mobilization with involvement in technical work such as producing tax policy proposals, conducting tax audits, or drafting tax regulations;
• Excellent knowledge of current debates regarding taxation, fiscal policy and illicit financial flows, and fiscal decentralization in Nigeria;
• Thorough understanding of tax/fiscal policy, tax administration processes.

Language

• Fluency in both written and spoken English is required

Disclaimer

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Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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