Closing date for applications: May 25, 2021

ICTD has secured new funding to launch the Local Government Revenue Initiative (LoGRI), based on a broad vision for supporting more effective, equitable and accountable subnational revenue mobilisation.

The LoGRI Executive Director (ED) will be responsible for the overall leadership and delivery of the new initiative, building on the successes of African Property Tax Initiative. Reporting to ICTD’s CEO, the ED will shape the overall vision and workplan and build and oversee LoGRI’s dedicated teams across the globe. The ED will report on LoGRI’s performance directly to a steering group, as well as individual development partners.

We are seeking an individual with strong drive and motivation, expertise related to sub-national revenue and/or public financial management and significant experience working on, setting up and leading programs in lower-income countries. This is a senior leadership position. However, ICTD has a longstanding commitment to mentorship and leadership development and encourages applications from more junior candidates with demonstrable leadership potential and commitment to the goals of the program.

The location of the position, and corresponding nature of the contract, is flexible: the successful applicant may potentially be based at the University of Toronto, in the UK or in an African country, while we will also consider applicants based elsewhere who are able to manage frequent travel, if necessary. All potential candidates are correspondingly encouraged to apply, while we particularly encourage applicants from historically underrepresented, equity deserving, groups.

Responsibilities

  • Provide vision and direction to LoGRI, taking responsibility for developing and implementing its overall strategy and workplan.
  • Strategic planning: lead on operational planning and budget oversight, develop a strategy and plan that delivers on the framework contract in close concert with LoGRI senior management.
  • Networking and stakeholder engagement: engage and maintain effective dialogue with local government officials, city mayors, ministers, civil servants, development partners and other policy stakeholders in lower-income countries to open opportunities for LoGRI to engage and innovate.
  • Initiate and develop key high-level relationships and networks globally and communicate research to influence policy debates at major forums on topics pertaining to local revenue and development.
  • Oversee all aspects of LoGRI research, in partnership with a Research Director, ensuring a broad and influential portfolio of research, high-quality research outputs, and development of research driven tools to support government partners.
  • Oversee the identification and development of partnerships with sub-national governments, in partnership with a Policy Director, and ensure strong research uptake by key stakeholders, with a focus on developing a subset of in-depth collaborations to directly support successful reform programs alongside a broader program of engagement and capacity development.
  • Lead, motivate and develop a dedicated LoGRI team based in various countries, ensuring a one-team approach across organisational and geographic boundaries.
  • Ensure close liaison with the wider ICTD team, and pursue collective opportunities, particularly with a focus on research collaboration.
  • Proactively manage relationships with the LoGRI Steering Group members, keeping them sufficiently informed to periodically contribute to LoGRI’s strategy, as well as ensure their continued enthusiasm for the initiative.
  • Proactively manage the relationship with development partners under the framework agreement, both in terms of bringing proposed strategies and workplans for discussion and approval, as well as influencing their thinking on local government revenues.
  • Drive a culture of high performance, rigorous evaluation and learning throughout the LoGRI team and with any affiliates.
  • Provide financial, procurement, audit, HR, risk, compliance, and other fiduciary oversight, working closely with the LoGRI Program Director, the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, and ICTD.

Person Specification

Education

Possession of an MA/MSc/MPA/MPP/PhD degree in fields relating to public financial management, public administration, taxation, public policy, or a related discipline. Acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Experience

Preference for 10+ years of relevant experience working with local governments in developing country contexts. Experience in programme and project management in or related to lower-income country settings. Will consider applications from more junior candidates with demonstrable leadership potential and commitment to the goals of the program, based on ICTDs commitment to mentorship and leadership development.

Skills (Required)

  • Positive mindset, entrepreneurial approach, initiative, and drive to push the organisation to accomplish its mission.
  • Track record of leadership and delivery, including experience in bringing together multidisciplinary teams.
  • Experience managing complex multi-country programs funded by multiple external donors.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and manage teams located in different places, fostering effective team-working and ensuring a one team approach.
  • Demonstrated ability to engage with and gain respect from senior-level policy makers, such as past work with government officials, global influencers, the private sector, NGOs, and the media.
  • Proven ability to set clear and effective aims and objectives against which work can be prioritised and planned and to assist a team to do the same.
  • Knowledge and experience of policy and research related to sub-national revenues and public financial management.

Other:

  • Passionate about improving local government revenue systems to benefit the wider community.
  • Ability to lead, motivate and manage diverse policy and research teams.
  • Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.
  • Experience of building productive and collaborative relationships with a wide variety of colleagues within and across complex organisational structures to gain buy-in and collaboration.
  • Budget management including setting budgets, forecasting, reviewing financial performance and reporting back to funders.
  • Bilingual and multilingual candidates are preferred, with a special emphasis on English and French

Apply: Interested in this role? Click here to apply. Those selected for interview may be asked to provide relevant references. All applications and inquiries should be sent to [email protected]