The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an independent think tank that delivers the knowledge to act. Our mission is to promote human development and environmental sustainability. Our big-picture view allows us to address the root causes of some of the greatest challenges facing our planet today—ecological destruction, social exclusion, unfair laws and economic rules, a changing climate. With offices in Winnipeg, Geneva, Ottawa and Toronto, our work affects lives in nearly 100 countries.
IISD serves as the Secretariat for the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF). The IGF is a member-driven organization aimed at providing national governments committed to leveraging mining for sustainable development the opportunity to work collectively to achieve their goals. It is devoted to optimizing the benefits of mining to achieve poverty reduction, inclusive growth, social development and environmental stewardship. The IGF serves as a unique global venue for dialogue between its over 70 member country governments, mining companies, industry associations and civil society.
As part of the IGF mandate, IISD has developed a comprehensive program focusing on addressing tax base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) in the mining sector. The program is a partnership with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Together, IGF and the OECD provide sector-specific guidance on BEPS challenges and capacity building support to resource-rich developing country governments.
IISD is looking for a Policy Adviser on Tax and Extractive Industries to join IISD’s Economic Law and Policy Program to work primarily with the IGF-OECD BEPS in Mining team. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape a fast-growing, high impact program. The successful candidate will work with IISD experts and play a leading role in technical assistance programs with governments in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia. The Policy Advisor will also work closely with the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration, as well as the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), the Inter-American Centre for Tax Administrations (CIAT), and the United Nations, and will contribute to the development of practical guidance for governments on mining tax policy and administration. Most importantly, the candidate will play a key role in helping developing countries to secure a fair share of the fiscal benefits from their natural resources.
Responsibilities
Technical assistance and capacity building
- Develop and lead bilateral and multilateral training events for governments, including the preparation of materials with a focus on mining taxation.
- Working with other experts, provide analysis and advice to governments on laws, policies, and concession agreements relating to mining taxation.
- Make technical inputs to mining tax audits, in conjunction with the Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB) program.
- Draft terms of reference, actively source, and manage industry experts.
- Undertake research as needed for technical assistance and training programs.
- Contribute to monitoring the impact of technical assistance and training programs.
Analysis and drafting of guidance products for resource-rich developing countries
- Design and carry out in-depth research and analytical work on mining tax issues, working with key partners, and managing contractors, as required.
- Lead and contribute to the development of practical guidance notes for the use of developing countries based on a program of work with the OECD and other external bodies, such as the UN, and regional tax organizations.
- Develop practical tools to assist mining tax administration: including relevant datasets, financial models, checklists etc.
Strategy, vision and leadership
- Contribute to the development and growth of the BEPS in Mining Program.
- Provide support to the IGF BEPS in Mining Technical Advisory Board.
Fundraising and donor relationships
- Support fundraising by contributing to proposals and other relevant materials.
- Identify fundraising opportunities based on existing work or new ideas.
Communications and outreach
- Work with the IISD Communications team to ensure development of relevant communications materials to communicate the program to a broader audience.
- Present, discuss and explain IISD’s work in the area of mining taxation at meetings, seminars and conferences.
- Co-ordinate with, liaise with and manage co-operation with external bodies, such as the OECD, UN, and regional tax organizations in assigned areas.
- Maintain and identify new domestic, regional, and international project partners.
- Develop, maintain, and deliver content relating to laws and developments for online networks, including newsletters, webinars, and blogs.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Academic Background
- An advanced university degree or equivalent in taxation, economics, business, accounting, law or a professional qualification in other relevant areas of public policy.
Professional Background
- A minimum of six years relevant professional experience gained in a national government, the private sector or in an international or non-governmental organisation.
- Good knowledge of international taxation, including transfer pricing.
- Experience in conceptualizing and analyzing complex issues and in providing strategic leadership.
- Experience in designing and delivering training seminars on mining / international taxation and explaining unfamiliar concepts to groups clearly and with impact.
- Experience in mining industry BEPS issues and implementing responses to combat BEPS.
- Availability to travel internationally on a regular basis.
- Experience conducting missions for resource-rich developing countries (especially in West Africa) in the area of mining taxation would be an asset.
- Knowledge of hydrocarbons would be an asset.
Language of work
- Excellent writing skills and oral communication skills in English.
- French language skills are highly desirable.
Location: Ottawa or Toronto IISD offices. There may be an option to work remotely for exceptionally qualified candidates.
Salary: TBD
Start Date: October 15, 2019
Closing date: September 20, 2019, 2:00 PM
All submissions must be in English.
IISD is committed to equal opportunity. Candidates must hold appropriate work authorization for Canada.
Only those candidates we wish to interview will be contacted. Resumes will be kept on file for one year.
Candidates must submit a cover note outlining their interest in the role, and why they are suitable. They should also provide three references related to their professional experience and submit a piece of relevant written work; this could be a short article, blog, or policy brief.