Principal, International Tax Adviser

While a motivation letter is not required, candidates are welcome to submit one to provide further insight into their motivation and interest in the role.

Purpose of Job

The Principal, International Tax Adviser is primarily responsible for assessing whether cross-border ownership structures used by EBRD clients comply with the Policy on Domiciliation of EBRD Clients (the Domiciliation Policy) and international tax standards (including international standards on base erosion and profit shifting and on tax transparency).
The Principal reviews tax due diligence conducted by EBRD bankers, follows up with bankers (or EBRD clients and their advisers), prepares briefings for management and reviews approval documents.
The Principal monitors developments in international tax policy, contributes to the improvement of tax due diligence procedures and delivers internal training for bankers and other EBRD staff.
The Principal may also be responsible for ensuring compliance with donor requirements pertaining to international taxation matters, including supporting the establishment and operationalisation of EBRD controls, procedures and monitoring frameworks designed to ensure adherence to these donor requirements.
The Principal, as a representative of the Office of the Chief Compliance Officer (OCCO), cooperates with relevant departments within the Bank (especially the Banking Departments), management and, as required, external parties (including other international financial institutions, donors, the Global Forum, the OECD and the European Commission).
The Principal reports to the Head of Domiciliation and International Tax Policy.

Background

As an international financial institution, the Bank supports international efforts to discourage tax evasion and aggressive tax practices. When a project involves an interposed entity in a jurisdiction other than the jurisdiction where the project is located, the Bank conducts tax due diligence to satisfy itself that the structure is based on sound business reasons and to assess the tax implications of using a third jurisdiction. Such tax due diligence is conducted by the Banking team through the use of a detailed questionnaire, which is designed to assess compliance with the Domiciliation Policy and international tax standards. The business rationale for the use of a third jurisdiction, together with the related tax considerations, is then documented by the Banking team and included in the project approval documentation.

The Bank has established a dedicated Domiciliation Unit within OCCO to oversee compliance with the Domiciliation Policy and any additional donor requirements relating to taxation as may be applicable. The Domiciliation Unit provides expert advice on international taxation matters and works closely with Banking teams throughout the tax due diligence and approval process.  

The type of the contract is fixed-term of 2 Years, with a possibility of an extension.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Core Responsibilities

•    Provides technical guidance and advice to Banking teams on how to undertake tax due diligence in respect of cross-border structures. 
•    Reviews the findings of tax due diligence conducted by Banking teams; assesses compliance with the Domiciliation Policy and international tax standards (especially international standards on base erosion and profit shifting and on tax transparency). 
•    If needed, advises on specific tax requirements associated with the use of donor funds. 
•    When appropriate, manages the engagement of, and supervises, external tax advisers. 
•    Assesses accuracy and completeness of tax information disclosed in the project approval documentation, including documents presented to the EBRD Board. 
•    Prepares briefings for management, identifying risks and mitigants. 
•    If necessary, participates in Operations Committee meetings, Board meetings, Board Information Sessions or other relevant meetings held in the context of the project approval process. 
•    Monitors developments in international tax policy (including the work of the OECD in respect of base erosion and profit shifting and that of the Global Forum in respect of tax transparency), maintains relationships, as required, with key external stakeholders, such as other international financial institutions and organisations, and may represent the Bank in international fora. 
•    Contributes to the design of, and provides, effective training for staff regarding the requirements of the Domiciliation Policy, the conduct of tax due diligence in respect of cross-border structures and developments in international tax policy. 
•    Contributes to the improvement of tax due diligence procedures and to the improvement of the Domiciliation Unit’s internal procedures, based on developments in international tax policy, best practices and lessons learnt. 
•    If and when necessary, contributes to the review of the Domiciliation Policy as informed by international tax developments. 

Donor Compliance Responsibilities

•    Creates procedures and guidance to relevant first-line and policy departments to ensure compliance with donor requirements in relation to tax due diligence of EBRD operations and clients. 
•    Validates projects’ adherence to donor criteria in the area of international taxation and contributes to the development of ex-ante assessment and monitoring approaches. 
•    Liaises with relevant departments and stakeholders regarding donor requirements and new donor-supported instruments and initiatives. 
•    When appropriate, engages with donors in relation to enquiries concerning EBRD compliance processes. 
•    Monitors relevant international lists and standards and validates relevant controls and checks where required by donor frameworks. 
•    Implements and evaluates policy and procedure frameworks to ensure adherence to criteria agreed with donors. 
•    Provides training and guidance aimed at promoting awareness of and compliance with donor requirements. 
•    Proactively identifies emerging donor requirements, policy developments and potential impacts on EBRD projects and processes.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

•    Graduate or post-graduate degree in law, accounting or economics (or equivalent) from a leading university. Specialist qualification (such as a master’s degree) in International Tax would be an advantage.
•    Extensive experience advising on international tax matters within the tax department of: (i) an international law firm; (ii) an international accounting firm; (iii) an international financial institution or other relevant international organisation; or (iv) a national government body with responsibility for tax policy or administration.
•    Extensive knowledge of the principles of international tax, tax avoidance strategies and recent developments in international tax policy, including international tax standards on base erosion and profit shifting and on tax transparency. Knowledge of EU tax policy would be an advantage.
•    Good understanding of the international tax ecosystem, including key international organisations, institutions and tax policy stakeholders.
•    Demonstrated ability to design, review and improve processes, procedures and control frameworks.
•    High degree of professionalism, integrity and independence.
•    Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills, including the ability to conduct training courses.
•    Proven ability to make well-reasoned and considered judgement in complex situations.
•    Excellent command of the English language. Competence in other languages would be an advantage.

What is it like to work at the EBRD? / About EBRD 

Our agile and innovative approach is what makes life at the EBRD a unique experience! You will be part of a pioneering and diverse international organisation, and use your talents to make a real difference to people's lives and help shape the future of the regions we invest in.  

At EBRD, our Values – Inclusiveness, Innovation, Trust, and Responsibility – are at the heart of how we work. We bring these to life through our Workplace Behaviours: listening well and speaking up, collaborating smartly, acting decisively with full commitment, and simplifying to amplify our impact. These principles shape our culture and define our success. We seek individuals who not only share these values but are also committed to embedding them in their daily work, fostering a positive and high-performing environment. 

The EBRD environment provides you with: 

• Varied, stimulating and engaging work that gives you an opportunity to interact with a wide range of experts in the financial, political, public and private sectors across the regions we invest in. 
• A working culture that embraces inclusion and celebrates diversity. Our workforce reflects a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, bringing fresh ideas, energy, and innovation and enhancing our ability to serve our clients, shareholders, and counterparties effectively.
• A hybrid workplace that offers flexibility to teams and individuals; that is based on trust, flexibility and connectedness. 
• An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do. 
• A workplace that prioritises employee wellbeing and provides a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits. 

Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does.  As such, the EBRD seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities and works in an inclusive environment. The EBRD encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of the EBRD member countries to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic background or disability.   

Please note, that due to the high volume of applications received, we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted (for further consideration).