Head of Division – Tax Administration and VAT

THE OECD – Who we are, what we do

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation comprised of 38 member countries, whose mission is to build better policies for better lives. We promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.  Together with governments, policy makers and citizens, we work to establish evidence-based international standards, and finding solutions to a broad range of social, economic and environmental challenges, from the improvement of economic performance and creating jobs to fostering strong education and fighting international tax evasion. We provide a unique forum and knowledge hub for data and analysis, exchange of experiences, best-practice sharing, and advice on public policies and international standard-setting.

THE CENTRE FOR TAX POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION

The Centre for Tax Policy and Administration (CTPA) leads co-ordinated, innovative, international action with respect to the OECD’s work on all taxation issues, both international and domestic. The Directorate implements the priorities of the Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) set by Member Countries and the Secretary-General in its area of business.

The CTPA collaborates with other parts of the Organisation on issues such as the digitalisation of the global economy, tax and climate change, tax and inclusive growth, and the impact of taxation on labour markets and several other multidisciplinary projects. The CTPA also provides the analytical support to the OECD’s Committee on Fiscal Affairs, which consists of senior tax policy and administration officials from OECD countries, Associate and Partner countries and other international and regional tax organisations. It also supports the work of the Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS), with more than 140 member countries and jurisdictions, and the Inclusive Forum on Carbon Mitigation Approaches. Through its work, the CTPA enhances the OECD’s global role in standard-setting, building knowledge, communicating with the world and interacting with governments and stakeholders from around the world to inform and influence policy making in the tax area.

THE POSITION

The CTPA is looking for a dynamic and visionary Head of Division to provide leadership and strategic direction to the Directorate of the Centre for Tax Policy and Administration. As a key member of the Senior Management team of the Organisation, s/he will provide intellectual leadership and ensure that the OECD is at the forefront of global economic policy thinking. S/he will lead the work of the recently established Tax Administration and VAT Division, which will focus on tax administration and VAT, including providing strategic support for the work of the Forum on Tax Administration (FTA), and leading the work on tax certainty, tax and crime, and the ongoing implementation of the International VAT/GST Guidelines.  The successful candidate will work closely with the Director and Deputies. The Head of Division will work under the direct supervision of the CTPA Director. 

The breadth and the complexity of the policy issues for which the CTPA is responsible requires an experienced senior executive with an excellent understanding of tax administration issues, political processes and effective institutional settings. S/he thrives in a fast paced, multidisciplinary work environment, is an innovative strategic thinker with political sensitivity. Finally, s/he has a proven track record of managing and delivering a complex Programme of Work and Budget, as well as managing large and diverse international teams, while maintaining a wide and effective professional network.

Main Responsibilities 

Leadership 

• Support the implementation of the Organisation’s Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) and the advancement of the strategic outcomes, in particular as they relate to taxation.
• Support the Office of the Secretary-General, the OECD Sherpa, and their respective teams on targeted policy advice and on the Organisation’s contributions in the area of taxation, including to the G20 and G7.
• Contribute to ensuring the global impact of the OECD tax work, including through increased engagement with key partners, and in line with the global relations strategy of the OECD.
• Ensure that the views of the Committee on Fiscal Affairs (CFA) are taken into account in work carried out in other parts of the OECD and that the Organisation has a consistent position on all matters relating to tax policy, administration and VAT.
• Provide strong technical and strategic leadership and vision to the CTPA's work as it relates to tax administration, tax certainty, tax and crime, and VAT.
• Exercise critical oversight of the analytical and policy work, respond quickly to new priorities and emerging challenges, develop effective implementation strategies to enhance the impact of the work and present creative proposals for improving the content and management of the programme.
• Lead the team providing strategic and secretariat support to the Forum on Tax Administration (FTA).
• Develop and implement effective communication strategies to enhance the impact and influence of the CTPA’s work.
• Provide strong strategic and technical input to initiatives of the OECD and organisations with which it interacts, with respect to matters that relate to tax administration, tax certainty, tax and crime, and VAT.
• Strengthen ties and co-operation with other international and regional organisations.
• Contribute to the planning, organisation and management of the CTPA's Programme of Work. Participate in the general work of the CTPA, in particular ensuring consistency with the area of work for which s/he takes the lead.

Representation and Liaison 

• Represent the Directorate and the Organisation at internal and external meetings, establishing close contacts and active collaboration with a wide range of colleagues, stakeholders and partners to achieve maximum effectiveness and efficiency.
• Establish and maintain a network of relationships with other international organisations, national authorities, academia and research institutes.
• Actively contribute to the effective dissemination of the work of the Division through the media, professional networks, academia and other communities.
• Prepare timely responses to briefing requests from the Secretary-General’s Office and other parts of the Organisation under the responsibility of the Director’s Office.
• Take responsibility for increasing co-operation with emerging and developing countries in these areas of work.

Management and Co-ordination 

• Ensure effective co-ordination, collaboration and co-operation across the Organisation including with the Office of the Secretary-General and policy directorates to support and contribute to flagship corporate initiatives and horizontal projects.
• Lead and manage the staff of the Division. Set objectives and provide guidance on the goals, direction and timing of their work; provide regular and constructive feedback on performance to motivate staff and contribute to their professional development. Develop and maintain good teamwork and ensure effective work methods and project management; implement and maintain arrangements to ensure effective internal communications within the Division.
• Build and lead a cohesive, multicultural and multidisciplinary team, promoting excellence, inclusion and diversity.
• Adhere to and promote the highest professional standards and the ethical principles of the OECD's Code of Conduct in all internal and external matters. Ensure a caring environment where managers promote, respect and support staff in developing their full potential.
• Assist in mobilising and in securing funding to support the programme.
• Ensure that the meetings of the Working Parties and other groups for which the Division is responsible are run smoothly and effectively.
• Ensure sound management of human and financial resources to meet the commitments of the Division in the conduct of its work.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic and Professional Background

• An advanced university degree in and/or a professional qualification in tax or a related subject.
• At least 10 years’ experience in at a senior level in a national government, the private sector or an international organisation working on tax administration, including managerial duties in addition to substantive area responsibility.
• Excellent knowledge of tax administration and VAT, the challenges that governments are facing and an ability to effectively communicate and formulate advice and recommendations in a clear, practical and accessible manner.
• Proven record of conducting relations at senior level and within a political decision-making environment. Well-established contacts with key players and stakeholders in the relevant international communities.
• Proven experience in leading teams of multidisciplinary professionals.
• A broad knowledge of the OECD's substantive work, and a strategic sense of the role of the OECD in the overall framework of international co-operation and domestic policy formulation. 

Communication and Languages

• Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and a knowledge of, or a willingness to learn, the other.
• Knowledge of other languages would be an asset.

Core Competencies

• For this role, the following competencies would be particularly important\: Flexible thinking, Teamwork and Team leadership, Influencing, Developing talent, and Organisational alignment.
• Please refer to the level 5 indicators of the OECD Core Competencies.

Contract Duration 

• Three-year fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.

Please note that our Rules and Regulations stipulate that the mandatory retirement age is 65.

What the OECD offers

• Monthly base salary starting from 11,079 EUR plus allowances, based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.
• Please note that the appointment may be made at a lower grade based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.

The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates who are nationals of OECD Member Countries, irrespective of their racial or ethnic origin, opinions or beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, health or disabilities. Our selection processes are merit-based; we strive to enhance diversity both from national and gender perspectives while running fair, transparent and competitive selection processes. 

The OECD promotes an optimal use of resources to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Staff members are encouraged to actively contribute to this goal. 

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