Tax Policy Specialist (Data Analytics) job at Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development

About the Organization

Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development is a Government Ministry which plays an important role to ensure mobilization of public resources for the whole Government. The Ministry commonly known as Ministry of Finance is further charged to oversee how these resources are accounted for as they target to benefit all Ugandans.

The Ministry is also concerned with matters of achieving the fastest rate of economic transformation alongside emerging economies. It targets to formulate sound economic policies that lead to sustainable economic growth and development. The ministry is organized with Directorates of Budget, Economic Affairs, Accountant General’s Office and departments of Finance and Administration.

Job Description

The Government of Uganda (GoU) has, since the early 1990s, been pursuing strategic reforms in Public Financial Management (PFM) systems aimed at supporting the Government's goal of poverty eradication through the achievement of good governance, sustainable growth targets and a stable macroeconomic environment as reflected in the National Development Plan and Vision 2040.
The Government, through the Ministry Finance, Planning and Economic Development, is implementing the Resource Enhancement and Accountability Programme (REAP) as the prime framework for the implementation of the Public Financial Management (PFM) Reform Strategy (2018-2025). The overall objective of the REAP is to enhance resource mobilisation, improve planning and public investment management, and strengthen accountability for quality, efficient and effective service delivery.
Pursuant to the above objective, a Domestic Resource Mobilisation Strategy (DRMS - 2019/20 - 2023/24) is under implementation. The Strategy was developed in collaboration with Government institutions and key stakeholders including the Uganda Revenue Authority, Development Partners and Civil Society. The core objective of the DRMS is to improve revenue collection by enhancing the tax-to-GDP ratio to between 16-18% in the next five financial years. It is expected that this will bring Uganda closer to the peers in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Ministry requires the services of qualified and experienced individuals to support implementation of the DRMS.

Duties and Responsibilities

Data Analysis and Interpretation:

Analyze large datasets related to tax revenue, taxpayer behavior, and economic indicators.
Interpret data to identify trends, patterns, and insights relevant to tax policy and administration.
Develop predictive models to forecast tax revenues and assess the impact of policy changes.

Policy Development and Evaluation:

Assist in the development of tax policies and reforms based on data analysis.
Evaluate the effectiveness of existing tax policies and recommend improvements.
Conduct cost-benefit analysis of proposed tax policies and their potential economic impact.

Research and Reporting:

Conduct research on best practices in tax policy and administration.
Prepare detailed reports, policy briefs, and presentations based on research findings.
Communicate complex data insights to policymakers and stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.

Data Management:

Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and confidentiality of tax-related data.
Develop and maintain databases and data management systems.
Collaborate with IT and data management teams to improve data collection and processing methods.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

Work closely with government agencies, tax authorities, and other stakeholders to gather and analyze data.
Provide technical assistance and advice to policymakers on data-driven tax policy issues.
Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and seminars on data analytics for tax policy.

Monitoring and Compliance:

Monitor tax compliance trends and identify areas of non-compliance.
Develop data-driven strategies to enhance tax compliance and reduce tax evasion.
Use data analytics to identify high-risk areas and target audits effectively.

Technical Assistance:

Provide technical support in the implementation of data analytics tools and techniques for tax policy analysis.
Assist in the design and development of analytical tools and dashboards for tax authorities.

Train tax officials and staff on data analytics methodologies and tools.

Qualification, Experiences and Competencies

Education:

A Master’s degree in economics, statistics, data science, public policy, finance, or a related field.
Advanced degrees or certifications in data analytics, taxation, or related disciplines are advantageous.

Experience:

Extensive experience in data analytics, preferably within the context of tax policy or public finance.
Experience working with large datasets and advanced statistical software.
Proven track record of applying data analytics to inform and shape public policy.

Skills:

Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with expertise in statistical analysis and data modeling.
Proficiency in data analysis tools and software such as R, Python, SQL, SAS, or similar.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.

Knowledge:

In-depth knowledge of tax policy, public finance, and economic principles.
Familiarity with data management practices and tools.
Understanding of legal and regulatory aspects of tax systems and data privacy.

Abilities:

Ability to work with diverse datasets and extract meaningful insights.
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders from different backgrounds and disciplines.

Other:

Willingness to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in data analytics and tax policy.
Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial depending on the region of work.
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

How to Apply

Details of the scope of services. qualifications, terms of contract and reporting arrangements are available on the website: www.finance.go.ug. Applications must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, copy of certificates and testimonials, and be addressed as below and submitted online to reap@finance.go.ug
Under Secretary/Accounting Officer
Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development
Plot 2-8 Apollo Kaggwa Road
PO Box 8147 KAMPALA
Tel: 256-41-4707900
Attention: The Coordinator/REAP

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