Policy Advisor, Tax and Extractive Industries

About

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resource management, and fair economies. Our work inspires better decisions and sparks meaningful action to help people and the planet thrive. We shine a light on what can be achieved when governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities come together. IISD’s staff of more than 200 experts come from across the globe and from many disciplines. With offices in Winnipeg, Geneva, Ottawa, and Toronto, our work affects lives in nearly 100 countries.

Job Purpose

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 80 member country governments and mining companies, industry associations, and civil society.

As part of the IGF mandate, IISD has developed a core program offering on mining taxation. The Global Mining Tax Initiative combines global guidance, technical assistance, and multistakeholder approaches to strengthen mining revenue collection. This work is in line with the Financial Benefit Optimization pillar of the Mining Policy Framework Assessment (MPF)—the IGF’s flagship tool to enhance environmental, social, and economic governance in the mining sector. Several aspects of the Global Mining Tax Initiative are delivered jointly with international and regional partners, including the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), and the Inter-American Centre on Tax Administration (CIAT).

IISD is looking for a Policy Advisor on Tax and Extractive Industries to join the IGF Global Mining Tax Initiative. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape a fast-growing, high-impact program. The successful candidate will develop practical guidance for governments on mining tax policy and administration, as well as contribute to technical assistance programs with governments in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia. They will work closely with the OECD, ATAF, CIAT, and the United Nations. Most importantly, the candidate will play a key role in helping developing countries secure a fair share of the fiscal benefits from their natural resources.

Responsibilities

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.
• Develop practical tools to assist mining tax administration: including relevant datasets, financial models, checklists etc.

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.
• Make technical inputs to mining tax audits, in conjunction with the United Nations Development Program–OECD Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB) program.
• Contribute to monitoring the impact of technical assistance and training programs.

Strategy, Vision, and Leadership

• Contribute to the development and growth of the Global Mining Tax Initiative.
• Provide support to the IGF Global Mining Tax Initiative 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.
• Contribute to reporting to donors.

Communications and Outreach

• Work with the IISD Communications team to develop relevant communications materials (e.g., blogs, impact stories, social media posts) to communicate the program to a broader audience.
• Present, discuss, and explain the IGF’s work in the area of mining taxation at meetings, seminars, and conferences.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• An advanced university degree or equivalent in law, economics, accounting, or a professional qualification in other relevant areas of public policy.

Professional Background

• 5+ years of professional experience in the field of mining taxation gained in a national government, the private sector, or an international or non-governmental organization.
• Excellent research and writing skills, including proven experience designing and carrying out policy-oriented research in the area of mining taxation (or similar areas).
• Experience in designing and delivering training seminars on mining/international taxation and explaining unfamiliar concepts to groups clearly and with impact.
• Experience in addressing tax base erosion and profit-shifting issues in the mining sector (or similar areas).
• Good knowledge of international taxation, including transfer pricing, is a requirement.
• Experience conducting technical assistance or capacity-building projects for resource-rich developing countries in the area of mining taxation would be an asset.
• Availability to travel internationally on a regular basis.
• Knowledge of hydrocarbons, energy, or mineral and metal processing industries would be an asset.

Language of Work

• Excellent writing skills and oral communication skills in English.
• Spanish and/or French language skills are highly desirable.
• Skills in other internationally spoken languages (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, or Swahili) would also be an asset.

Location: US/Canada/ Portugal/UK/Germany/Columbia/Costa Rica

Salary: Salary commensurate with experience and location

Canada: CAD 59,000 – 77,000

US: USD 65,000 – 85,000

Germany: EUR 52,000 – 66,500

Portugal: EUR 43,000 – 54,000

UK: GBP 44,000 – 51,000

Type of Employment: Full-time

Duration: Indefinite

Start date: Immediate opportunity

Application deadline: February 29, 2024. Recruitment will be on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Candidates must hold an appropriate work authorization for locations where they expect to be based, without any sponsorship from IISD.