Senior Revenue Reform Strategy Expert

KEY INFORMATION

Job Title: Senior Revenue Reform Strategy Expert

Sector: Tax Reform – Public Financial Management

Position Type: Part Time

Duration/Level of Effort: 4 months, starting ASAP (up to a total of 75 days), with potential extension.

Position Location: Based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in a hybrid context blending remote and in-office work

SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT

The Government of Ethiopia (GoE) has shown impressive economic growth and poverty reduction over the last decade. However, recent economic shocks caused by the global pandemic, international and domestic conflict threaten these gains, while Ethiopia’s fiscal situation restricts GoE’s capacity to act. Ethiopia’s tax revenue to GDP ratio is extremely low, possibly as low as 6.2% for FY22, which puts it amongst the lowest in Africa.  Its declining trend is more problematic.  Meanwhile, in its 2024 Medium Term Revenue Strategy, the GoE has set out 5.7% increment in the Tax/GDP ratio by the end of the 5th year (2027/28).  

In this context, the Tax Transformation Programme (TTP) is supporting GoE to self-finance its development through increased and sustainable revenue collection. Specifically, it is supporting increased voluntary compliance and creating a tax environment that encourages business and investment. Since 2019 TTP has been supporting the GoE on a number of tax reform related ambitions and was scheduled to close in 2024. However, recognising the critical contribution the programme is making to GoE and critical aspects of the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, FCDO has chosen to extend the programme to 2026. During this extension period, TTP shall continue to bring together technical tax expertise in the form of embedded and trusted advisers, UK HMRC, and other development partners to support GoE to raise revenues sustainably to meet the multiple demands on public finances.

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

The Tax Transformation Programme requires a senior technical expert to lead the development of the revenue reform strategic plan, along the with results driven roadmap process cover a period of 3–5-year, ensuring that sequential, foundational and achievable reforms are formally identified, prioritised and pathways to change are defined with proper monitoring routines.

At present, there is no comprehensive roadmap being used to guide the widescale reform in the Ministry of Revenue. Reforms are currently considered in the context of MoR prioritisation and donor advice at an initiative level, as opposed to being led by an overarching strategy and consideration of sequencing (except for the MTRS). This is a vital element for moving forward sustainable and equitable revenue reform in Ethiopia and will require the coordination across the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Revenue at Ministerial Level.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The major responsibilities include:

• Develop a comprehensive revenue reform strategy document listing out a plan and roadmap bringing together all elements and directorates of Ministry of Revenue (MoR) to deliver required revenue reforms on both policy and administration side.
• The revenue reform strategy should be designed with a phased approach. It should identify investment needed in infrastructure, including hardware and software, soft skill support in the areas of policy and administration, including change management, etc.
• Review the institutional framework and make recommendations around making the revenue administration more efficient and less bureaucratic, which will add good value to the revenue reform strategy.
• Identify roles and responsibilities of all involved directorates under MoR for the delivery of reforms and prioritise the key reforms with most traction and impact.
• Ensure linkages and coherence between the reforms identified and flesh out the governance and monitoring mechanisms required for the overall delivery of revenue reform under the roadmap process.
• Develop KPIs and MOVs to make reforms more objective, measurable and performance oriented.
• Develop a governance structure with delivery cadence laid out involving senior level ministerial team in MOR for ensuring delivery of the plan.
• Identify areas of capacity gaps within the MOR directorates and develop a plan to supplement technical resources, locally and internationally, to fill those gaps.
• Seek buy-in and identify area to seek support from partners of the wider international community working in this space whilst deconflicting input to take a more synergised and coordinated approach to wider reform delivery at MoR
• Coordinate across MoF and MoR and incorporating the Revenue Taskforce team, bringing them together with a set of expertise to guide the process forward.
• Lead in organising a ministerial level retreat event, working across the major stakeholders and directorates at MoR.
• Lead in the wider implementation of the roadmap strategy document in coordination with all stakeholders at MoR.
• Empower and support team members to deliver sound technical outputs within their role, and enable quick and decisive decision making

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Candidates will be outstanding individuals with excellent professional and academic credentials, including managerial experience. Of particular interest are candidates with:

• Post graduate degree in relevant discipline (preferably Economics, Public Policy, Public Administration)
• Over 15 years of experience in designing and running development programmes particularly under Government Revenue Reforms, Macroeconomic Governance and Investments.
• Strong understanding of public sector delivery and evidence-based policy making.
• Demonstrated experience of developing, delivering and driving programme strategies.
• Experience of leading a Reform Roadmap process end to end.
• Demonstrated experience of working with public sector and key ministries at the international level.
• Strong problem solving, research and analytical skills.
• Experience of working in Ethiopia or other developing countries within Africa will be preferred.

In addition, the incumbent should demonstrate these core competencies:

• Excellent planning and project management skills;
• Excellent stakeholder and people management skills;
• A skilled team player who is able to collaborate, work with and rely on others;
• Ability to multi-task while meeting tight deadlines;
• Proven ability to inspire, coach and develop others from different backgrounds;
• An entrepreneurial, can-do attitude to overcome barriers and enact change;

APPLICATION PROCESS

Candidates are encouraged to apply by December 13th 2024.

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

Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2017.

We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow.