Closing date for applications is Monday, 21st March 2022
Background
In the context of broader Zambian decentralisation efforts, the Local Government Revenue Initiative (LoGRI) is conducting a diagnostic assessment and a pilot project. This initial project aims to identify potential challenges and priorities for property tax reform in the country, and to determine the feasibility and applicability of scaling up simplified tools for property valuation. The Country Expert will provide leadership to the Zambia project in-country team on planning and implementation of the assessment and pilot.
Deep knowledge of Zambia’s political, administrative, and economic characteristics is required for this role. Familiarity with property tax systems in Zambia and more broadly across Africa is preferred. The Country Expert should be highly organised and collaborative. S/He should have strong research and writing skills. Prior experience collaborating or engaging with public officials is considered an asset. This project is expected to continue through September 2022, with a possibility for extension.
About LoGRI
Based at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, the Local Government Revenue Initiative is an initiative of the International Centre for Tax and Development and extends the foundational work of the African Property Tax Initiative. LoGRI aims to support local governments in lower-income countries by developing policy-relevant research, knowledge, expertise, and tools to support them to raise more revenue, more equitably and fairly, and in ways that promote trust, transparency, and accountability. It does so through a work program focused on five key areas: (1) knowledge and learning, (2) resources and tools, (3) government partnerships and impact, (4) building a network, and (5) international influence.
Location:
LoGRI is a multi-country initiative based primarily at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy in Toronto, Canada. It has team members in other countries as well, predominantly in the UK and across Africa. The Country Expert should be based in Zambia and willing to travel internally, specifically to Lusaka, Luapula, and Southern Provinces.
Any subsequent engagement for this role will be conducted following applicable University of Toronto processes and policies.
Purpose
The Senior Researcher/Country Expert is expected to play a central role in planning and design of the project, lead in-country team and project implementation activities, and conduct research, facilitation, and report writing.
Specifically, the Senior Researcher/Country Expert will be responsible for co-producing the following deliverables, in partnership with other members of the team:
- An initial background brief about the current state of the property tax system, and key challenges, based on limited background interviews, publicly available documents and priori knowledge
- Development of a research plan for the design and implementation of a diagnostic assessment, including key data to be gathered, key stakeholders to be interviewed, key questions and an overall program of work
- A draft and subsequently final diagnostic assessment report following the diagnostic approach developed by the LoGRI program, and for which the Senior Researcher/Country Expert will be responsible for logistical planning and implementation of interviews, focus group discussion, and other data collection and dissemination activities
- Development of a plan for the implementation of the pilot project, including liaising with key government and implementing partners around the design and implementation of the program
- A draft and subsequently final report on the pilot program, which will in turn be presented to key stakeholders inside and outside of the country
Within the team the Senior Researcher/Country Expert will be expected to support the setup of the overall project before arrival of the international team in country, and be the chief source of local knowledge and expertise in guiding the overall implementation of the program. They will report to the LoGRI Zambia Project Coordinator and the Technical Leads.
Person Specification
- Excellent and proven research skills with a focus on public administration, local governance, property taxation, and/or other development topics in Zambia.
- Ability to work independently and flexibly within a team.
- Being detail-oriented with excellent management and organisational skills.
- Prior experience managing workshops, interviews, and/or travel arrangements.
- Interest in property tax, public financial management, decentralisation, and/or public sector reform more broadly in Zambia.
- Degree in economics, political science, public policy, or related disciplines.
- Prior experience travelling to and/or residing in different provinces in Zambia, particularly Southern and Lulapula Provinces is preferred.
- Previous experience engaging with government officials and/or civil servants is preferred.
How to Apply
If you would like to be considered, please send your (1) CV, (2) a short (1-page max) cover letter and (3) a quote for your expected daily fee for this service to Moyo Arewa ([email protected]) with “Your Name – Expression of Interest – Zambia Project – Country Expert” in the subject line.
The closing date for applications is 21st March, 2022.
