Job Description

Site:

Philippines, Manila, Manila

Sector:

Nonprofit/Community/Social Services/International Cooperation

Role:

Other

Date: 03/06/2022

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Close relatives1 of ADB staff, except spouses of international staff, are not eligible for recruitment and appointment to staff positions. Applicants are expected to disclose if they have any relative/s by consanguinity/blood, by adoption and/or by affinity/marriage presently employed in ADB.
1Close relatives refer to spouse, children, mother, father, brother and sister, niece, nephew, aunt and uncle
Staff on probation are not eligible to apply. Applicants for promotion must have served at their position for at least one year and must have normally served at their personal level for at least two years immediately preceding the date of the vacancy closing date. Applicants for lateral transfer must have served at their position and personal level for at least one year immediately preceding the date of the vacancy closing date (reference A.O. 2.03, paragraphs 5.8 and 5.9).

In the event that the staff appointed to a new category (i.e. from AS to NS, or from NS to IS) is rated at 2 or lower in the first two performance reviews after appointment at the new level, they will return to the level occupied immediately prior to their appointment in the new category.
Overview
Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 68 members, 49 of which are from the Asia and Pacific region. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. ADB combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to fulfill its expanded vision under its Strategy 2030.
ADB only hires nationals of its 68 members.
Underpinned by ADB's zero tolerance for corruption, the Office of Anticorruption and Integrity (OAI) aligns with ADB's commitment to strengthen governance across Asia and the Pacific as it mitigates integrity risks, investigates integrity violations, and promotes integrity among ADB's stakeholders. OAI leads ADB's integrity initiatives and comprises the Office of the Head, the Investigations Division (AIID) and the Prevention and Compliance Division (AIPD).
The position is assigned in AIPD within OAI. AIPD raises awareness of and promotes ADB's Anticorruption Policy, Tax Integrity Policy, and ADB's role in combatting money laundering and the financing of terrorism; provides knowledge products and services; and develops and implements policy and capacity development activities for ADB stakeholders and developing member countries related thereto. AIPD also conducts proactive integrity reviews; recommends measures to mitigate or reduce integrity risks; and serves as ADB's focal point and independent advisor on money laundering and financing of terrorism, tax integrity and other integrity risks including undertaking due diligence.
This includes leading the implementation, execution and coordination of technical assistance programs in the areas of anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) and tax integrity standards in ADB's developing member countries (DMCs). It also includes supporting the operationalization of the Asia Pacific Tax Hub on which provides an open, inclusive, and pan-regional platform to promote domestic resource mobilization and international tax cooperation.
The Integrity Due Diligence (IDD) function within AIPD, supporting OAI's mandate, (i) strives to proactively identify, evaluate and minimize fraud and corruption risks, AML/CFT integrity risks, tax integrity risks, and related reputational risks affecting ADB or its operations; (ii) provides advisory support to other departments in relation to the management of such risks; and (iii) leads the implementation, execution and coordination of technical assistance programs in the areas of AML/CFT and tax integrity standards.
To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.
Job Purpose
The Integrity Specialist (Taxation) be required to conduct both complex and non-complex reviews and assessments to identify and address tax integrity risks to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which include, amongst others, independent and objective assessments on (i) ultimate beneficial ownership structures and controls, intermediate jurisdictions, and material related party transactions, and (ii) the management of risks pertaining to entities that participate, or are looking to participate, in ADB-financed, –administered or -supported activities.
The position will also provide intellectual leadership in tax policy, implementation and administration aimed at promoting tax transparency and tax integrity in DMCs. This includes the provision of technical expertise and advice in relation to international tax standards from the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes (Global Forum) and the G20/OECD Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS IF). He/she will also support the operationalization of the Asia-Pacific Tax Hub that ADB launched to support those initiatives. He/she also will work on various knowledge products in the areas of international tax policy and tax administration and their dissemination through internal and external networks. This includes enhancing the quality of policy dialogue, operations, and knowledge solutions delivery by working closely with DMCs. ADB seeks a specialist to:

• have stronger core technical skills and sufficient practical experience in the field;
• demonstrate the ability to engage in policy dialogue with clients, prepare knowledge solutions with colleagues and development partners, and develop capacity in DMCs for the adoption of international tax standards; and
• add more value to project designs and implementation across the region through participating in operations departments project work.

Furthermore, the position will work within a framework of broad policies, principles and goals, applying a high degree of autonomy in the selection of work methods.

The incumbent will report to Director, AIPD and may supervise National staff and Administrative staff.
Responsibilities

• 
  Provides intellectual advice to ADB in relation to international tax transparency and tax integrity standards in support of its strategy to strengthen domestic resource mobilization and international tax cooperation, and for ADB to lead by example in the transactions it finances.
• Supports the operationalization of the Asia-Pacific Tax Hub and assists in the development and updating of policies, strategies, guidelines and reporting systems.
• Provides operational support on the implementation of international tax standards, including conducting research for and providing input to needs assessments and capacity-building initiatives under related country strategies.
• Engages in tax integrity policy dialogue with clients, prepares knowledge solutions with colleagues and development partners, and develops capacity in DMCs in relation to international standards on tax secrecy, tax evasion and/or aggressive tax planning and conducting relevant knowledge sharing and capacity building activities.
• Assists each participating DMC in preparation of a capacity development action plan which (i) assesses the capacity development needs of the DMC in terms of complying with Global Forum and BEPS IF standards; (ii) proposes concrete improvement measures, including operational support, designed for each Participating DMC; and (iii) sets out a plan for the successful implementation of the improvement measures.
• Designs and leads the in-country and regional training workshops, conferences, and seminars on international tax standards and cooperation (to be conducted in conjunction with the Global Forum, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), regional tax administration associations, and other stakeholders) as well as assist in, and coordinate the preparation of, related manuals, e-learning materials etc.;
• Collaborates and maintains partnerships with development partners such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Organisation for OECD, Global Forum and the World Bank, and regional tax associations to enhance knowledge and best practices with a particular focus on tax policy and tax administration.
• Contributes to the development of databases, websites and other resources containing relevant information on international tax standards.
• Contributes to the preparation and organization of various knowledge dissemination work within ADB and for external stakeholders such as newsletters, presentations, seminars, regional workshops, etc.
• Undertakes complex and non-complex Tax IDD in accordance with relevant policies and procedures, research and reporting and best practices, which includes conducting desktop research, oversight reviews of project-level assessments, as well as reviewing approved and proposed ADB projects, structures and jurisdictions.
• Assesses the extent to which intermediate jurisdictions are present in project structures, and presents potential tax transparency, price transfer, related party transactions, and/or other financial integrity risks.
• Assesses potential noncompliance with tax reporting and anti-money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) requirements in ADB projects.
• Recommends actions that ADB can undertake to strengthen tax integrity, tax transparency, and overall financial integrity in projects.
• Reviews and, as necessary, helps draft appropriate disclosure language for project documents.
• Supports the Director AIPD or delegate in developing and improving ADB's IDD-related policies and guidelines;
• Supports OAI management in the recruitment of OAI staff and consultants.
• Supervises the performance of reporting staff, consultants and/or contractors, provides clear direction, regularly monitors and conveys feedback on performance.
• Assists in any other matters as required by the Director AIPD or delegates and undertakes other activities to further OAI's mandate that may be assigned by the Director of AIPD or delegate.

Qualifications
Relevant Experience & Requirements

• Master's degree or equivalent in taxation, international law, accounting, economics or related fields from a duly accredited educational institution in related fields and at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 8 years of work experience in tax administration, tax regulation, or practice of taxation law, whether in the private or public sector
• International experience working in several countries, including – preferably – in the Asia Pacific region;
• Advanced knowledge of and experience with (i) international tax planning in corporate and commercial transactions and (ii) international initiatives and standards on tax transparency and integrity such as, but not limited to, those of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes (Global Forum) and G20/OECD Inclusive Framework on BEPS (BEPS IF).
• Qualifications and experience in the fields of compliance, anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism, customer due diligence, investigations, law, accounting, internal audit and/or criminology, or related fields are an advantage.
• Experience in tax integrity-related matters within an international organization, other international financial institutions or relevant stakeholders and/or implementing technical assistance or capacity building projects funded by international organizations are preferred.
• Ability to conduct tax IDD-related research and analysis;
• Ability to engage in tax policy dialogue with clients, prepare knowledge solutions with colleagues and development partners, and develop capacity in DMCs;
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize, ensure timely completion of tasks and respond quickly to management requests;
• Good interpersonal skills;
• Strong teamwork skills; and
• Excellent communication skills, including writing and presenting in English.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for IS4.

General Considerations
The selected candidate, if new to ADB, is appointed for an initial term of 3 years.

ADB offers competitive remuneration and a comprehensive benefits package. Actual appointment salary will be based on ADB's standards and computation, taking into account the selected individual's qualifications and experience.
ADB seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities to work in an inclusive environment. ADB encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities. Women are highly encouraged to apply.

Please note that the actual level and salary will be based on the qualifications of the selected candidate.
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More details

Expiry date: 02/07/2022 Type of contract: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term) Duration: 3 years Macro-area: South / East Asia and Pacific Level of experience: Senior Professional, more than 5 years Area of work: Democracy, Governance, Human Rights, Law, Public Administration Type of organisation: Multilateral Organisations