Tax Incentives and Sustainable Investment Consultant

About

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is a globally recognized think tank with more than 30 years of experience working to solve today's greatest sustainable development challenges. We combine deep expertise across critical policy areas with a collaborative approach to research, advice, and hands-on support that delivers real-world results. Headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, we are a diverse team of over 300 experts working from offices in Canada and Switzerland as well as other locations around the world. 

Scope

IISD’s work on tax incentives and sustainable investment is a joint initiative of IISD’s Tax and Sovereign Debt Program and Investment Law and Policy Program. The workstream supports developing country governments in evaluating and reforming tax and non-tax incentives as tools for promoting sustainable investment.

The workstream combines expertise in taxation, investment law and policy, and sustainable development to produce practical research and guidance for policy-makers. It aims to strengthen the capacity of developing countries to undertake coherent reform of incentives and investment frameworks while facilitating dialogue among governments, development partners, and other stakeholders.

Key areas of work include the implications of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Global Minimum Tax, the reform of special economic zones, the role of incentives in the energy transition, and the interaction between tax measures and investment law and policy frameworks.

Assignment Overview

IISD seeks a motivated and highly organized consultant to provide research, analytical, and coordination support to the tax incentives and sustainable investment team. The consultant will work at 50% full-time equivalent and will support multiple activities across research, stakeholder engagement, knowledge management, and event coordination.

This role is suitable for a junior professional with experience in tax policy, investment policy, economics, law, international development, or a related field.

The consultancy will initially be for a period of 6 months, with the possibility of extension subject to performance, program needs, and funding availability.

Administrative and Operational Support (15%)
•    Organize, update, and maintain project databases.
•    Support project tracking and monitoring of deliverables, timelines, and work plans.
•    Assist with the preparation of concept notes and reporting materials, as required.
•    Provide general administrative support to ensure effective program delivery.
•    Meeting agendas, workshop materials, and event summaries.
•    Webinar and workshop coordination support.

Research and Knowledge Development (40%)
•    Conduct qualitative and quantitative research on tax and investment policy issues, including tax incentives, special economic zones, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Global Minimum Tax, investment facilitation, and sustainable investment.
•    Undertake literature reviews, policy analyses, and data collection to support ongoing research projects.
•    Contribute to the drafting and editing of policy briefs, technical papers, presentations, reports, and other knowledge products.
•    Support the maintenance and updating of research databases and internal knowledge management systems.
•    Assist with data analysis using spreadsheets and database tools.

Technical Assistance Support (40%)
•    Support the delivery of country-specific technical assistance on tax and investment policy, including through legal and policy research, country-specific data briefs, background notes, drafting, and preparation of analytical inputs.
•    Develop tailored templates and practical tools for government advisory work, including legal analysis of tax incentives in national investment laws, investment agreements, contracts, and related policy instruments. 
•    Monitor relevant policy developments, legislative reforms, and international discussions related to tax and investment policy.
•    Contribute to analytical inputs for workshops, presentations, and stakeholder consultations.

Program Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement (15%)
•    Support the planning and coordination of webinars, workshops, meetings, and technical assistance activities.
•    Coordinate logistics and communications with government officials, development partners, researchers, and other stakeholders.
•    Prepare agendas, participant lists, meeting materials, and summary notes.
•    Maintain stakeholder contact lists and support relationship management activities.

Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
•    An advanced university degree in economics, law, public policy, international development, taxation, political science, or a related discipline is preferred.
•    Candidates with a bachelor's degree and relevant professional experience will also be considered.

Professional Experience
•    Two to three years of relevant professional experience in research, policy analysis, international development, or program coordination.
•    Demonstrated interest or experience in tax policy, investment policy, sustainable development, or related fields.
•    Experience organizing meetings, workshops, webinars, or stakeholder engagement activities.
•    Experience supporting multiple projects and managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Skills and Competencies
•    Strong research and analytical skills.
•    Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills in English.
•    Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
•    Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines.
•    Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
•    Experience with database creation and management tools.
•    Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders across different regions/ time zones.
•    Proficiency in Spanish or French is desirable.

Location: Remote. IISD will not be applying for residency, and work permits for this position on behalf of the applicant.

Remuneration: Remuneration commensurate with experience 

Consultancy type: Part-time 

Start Date: as soon as possible 

Deadline of Application: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until filled.

Application Process

This is a consultant position. Submissions must be in English.

Candidates must hold appropriate work authorization for locations where they expect to be based.

Selected candidates will be interviewed by IISD and may be required to submit a written test.

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