Policy Research and Advocacy Manager at Tax Justice Network - Africa (TJN-A)

About the role

The Tax Justice Network Africa seeks to recruit an experienced individual to join our dynamic team dedicated to promoting progressive and equitable taxation in Africa. As the Policy Research and Advocacy manager you will lead the policy unit in three critical areas including: Research coordination, Policy engagement at regional and global level, and technical backstopping on our national level advocacy. You will be expected to work closely with TJNA Executive Director, the Senior Management Team, members and strategic partners to provide Thought leadership and strategic guidance in shaping TJNA’s overall policy direction

Key responsibilities

• Policy advocacy
• Develops initiative and partnership to engage and influence the leading economic Institutions, regional economic communities in Africa in policy articulation and formulation on tax.
• Provide support to shaping effective strategies in the communication of policies aimed at influencing relevant policy targets.
• Provide support to develop strategies to strengthen National Tax Platforms and encourage the engagement of TJN-A members, partners and allies in relevant pan-African programs, networks, and public domain(s) to advance the tax agenda.
• Maintains a close liaison with global tax advocacy partners including affiliates and allies of the Tax Justice Movement
• Serve as the key contact person for tax advocacy across the African continent and links with TJN-A and allies globally.
• Programme coordination
• Lead in the development, planning and monitor the execution of the activities in the four programmatic areas of International tax, extractives, investments, and inequality.
• Develop and monitor the annual budget for all programmatic activities
• Develop and effectively manage programmes timelines to ensure timely completion of program deliverables
• Coordinate the day to day operations of the programmes with guidance from the Executive Director
• Monitor and provide quality control in the delivery of the programme activities
• Oversee the recruitment, retention and development of highly talented staff with the right technical and personal abilities to meet the programme goals
• Ensure ongoing programmatic excellence, rigorous program evaluation, and consistent quality of finance within the programmes
• Ensure regular quality and timely reporting and documentation of work plan implementation against agreed budgets
• Research and knowledge generation
• Lead in setting TJNA research agenda by identifying emerging policy trends that require TJNA research interventions.
• Management TJNA research projects across the four thematic areas of International taxation, Tax and Investment, Natural resource Taxation, and Fair and Equitable taxation to inform TJNA advocacy Agenda including defining research questions/topics/timelines and developing research RFPs and TORs
• Coordinate the communicating the of TJNA research projects to internal and external constituents through different traditional and innovative channels (research reports, convenings, training, conference presentations, web resources, exhibitions etc.).
• Develop an internal framework and guideline for TJNA Writing, editing, and quality control for research reports/presentations.
• Work with the thematic leads to coordinate and provide technical backstopping of research projects led or conducted by TJNA members and collaborating Partners
• Lead in the design development and tracking of the implementation long term policy research projects including the Fair Tax Monitor and the IFF Policy Tracker
• Lead the Policy team in the compiling and strategic dissemination of TJNA research and Knowledge products
• Support fund raising for TJNA research activities.

Key accountability areas

• Policy, advocacy and engagement,
• Programme coordination,
• Leadership and management,
• Research and knowledge generation.

About you

We are looking for people who demonstrate personal skills and competences that are consistent with our believes and values. Our preferred candidate should hence display the following core competences:

• A progressive thinker, driven by passion and commitment to advancing human rights and economic justice in Africa;
• The proven track record on strategic leadership and management;
• Knowledge and understanding of Africa’s political economy, institutional ecosystem, policy processes relevant to domestic resource mobilization;
• Effective in communication, motivation and team spirit.

Required competencies and experience

Qualifications

Master’s degree in economics, political science, development studies or related field from a recognized institution.

Core skills and experience

• The overall experience of 10 years with at least 5 in a management and leadership role,
• General management experience,
• Experience in economic justice is an added advantage,
• Ability to communicate and work in both English and French a must,
• Self-starter, Flexible, creative and strategic thinker,
• Ability to work under pressure,
• Ability to communicate clearly and work cooperatively in a cross-cultural setting,
• Willingness to travel for at least 25% of the time.

Additional skills, competencies and experience

• Brings theoretical and practical expertise to bear on individual and organization issues and opportunities,
• Has a proven track record of resources, partnerships, management of internal and external relationships,
• Has a proven record in managing diverse teams,
• Encourages others to act in line with organizational standards and frameworks,
• Articulates own principles and expectations and acts consistently to uphold these in line with organizational processes and values,
• Applies sound personal judgment in dealing with sensitive or critical information, respecting confidentiality,
• Has a practical understanding of how government and parliament work,
• Has an understanding of how to generate public interest and participation in campaigns and the ability to lobby and engage in effective public campaigning.

What we offer

We strive to create a conducive environment for our team members to grow and pursue their passion and personal development. TJNA’ Secretariat is a small team of 20 people. Thus, we value the importance of interpersonal relations a work ethic that fosters team spirit and support for creativity and continues learning. By joining TJNA you are guaranteed of:

• Value-led a professional work environment,
• Dynamic passionate international multicultural gender balanced team,
• Competitive remuneration with benefit scheme,
• Flexible working conditions,
• International exposure through regular travels,
• Support for continuous on job learning and training.