Regional Tax Policy Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an international organization established in 1944 with the mission to promote global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world. The IMF has a diverse workforce of over 2,700 employees from more than 150 countries, and it operates in 190 member countries. The organization provides financial assistance, policy advice, and technical assistance to its member countries, focusing on macroeconomic stability and sustainable growth.

Job Overview:
The Regional Tax Policy Advisor position is a critical role within the Fiscal Affairs Department (FAD) of the IMF and the Southeast Europe Regional Technical Assistance Center (SEETAC). The advisor will be responsible for supporting the implementation of the IMF’s regional capacity development program in tax policy, which is designed to enhance the tax systems of SEETAC member countries. This role involves close collaboration with FAD, SEETAC management, and member countries including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. The advisor will work to advance reforms that improve tax policy design, focusing on efficiency and equity objectives, while also strengthening tax policy monitoring and evaluation. The position requires a proactive approach to delivering capacity development (CD) support, ensuring that the needs of member countries are met effectively and efficiently. The advisor will also be involved in organizing training activities and workshops to enhance the skills and knowledge of stakeholders in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be expected to establish and maintain strong relationships with ministries of finance in SEETAC member countries to assess capacity development needs and ensure effective delivery of support. They will develop, manage, and implement country-specific and regional capacity development work programs that align with SEETAC priorities and country reform agendas, ensuring coherence with broader tax policy initiatives from FAD. The advisor will lead the design and delivery of technical assistance on core tax policy areas, including direct and indirect taxes, tax expenditure analysis, and quantitative analysis. They will provide direct capacity development support to member countries while also contributing to FAD-led initiatives and analytical work programs in the region. Organizing and delivering regional training activities, including workshops and seminars in collaboration with partners, is also a key responsibility. The advisor will manage, guide, and provide technical and logistical support to short-term experts, ensuring consistency and quality of outputs. Coordination of capacity development activities with IMF departments, donors, and other development partners is essential to avoid duplication and promote effective collaboration in support of country reforms. The advisor will monitor implementation and assess the impact of capacity development activities, contributing to results-based management processes and preparing regular progress reports for SEETAC management and the Steering Committee. They will also engage in outreach and knowledge dissemination activities to promote SEETAC’s work.

Required Qualifications:
The successful candidate should possess extensive experience in tax policy formulation and analysis, ideally gained at a ministry of finance, international organization, or comparable institution. This includes advisory work on the design of tax systems and revenue measures. A strong command of public finance economics and the structure of direct and indirect tax instruments is essential, along with the ability to assess policy options against efficiency, equity, and revenue objectives across varied country contexts. Demonstrated experience in preparing and implementing tax policy reforms, including revenue impact assessment and quantitative modeling, is required. The candidate should have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience, including experience in delivering or managing capacity development in an international context. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are necessary to engage effectively with senior officials and build trusted relationships, as well as to deliver high-quality training and advice.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in economics, public finance, tax law, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of tax policy and its implications for economic growth and stability.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in tax policy formulation and analysis. Experience in delivering or managing capacity development initiatives in an international context is highly valued. Familiarity with fiscal reforms in SEETAC member countries and experience working with international organizations will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of the IMF. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the SEETAC region would be considered advantageous, enhancing the advisor's ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders in member countries.

Additional Notes:
The initial appointment for this position is for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension for up to three years, subject to performance, budget availability, and business needs. The role requires frequent travel within the SEETAC region and regular interaction with senior officials in ministries of finance and other relevant institutions. The IMF is committed to diversity and encourages applications from female candidates and nationals of underrepresented regions, including Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa. The organization adheres to principles of non-discrimination in employment and welcomes requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities during the selection process.