Whilst the programme will require significant elements of technical assistance in relation to the different elements of tax policy and operations. However, evidence from similar programmes shows that technical assistance on its own has a high risk of failure. Early engagement in Maputo indicates that as well as the “technical tax” inputs, our donor wish to see further resource allocated to the “political economy” element of the programme – seen by our donor as an essential element if the programme objective is to be achieved.
The purpose of the Strategic Partnership Manager is to recognise strategic and operational developments in the Government of Mozambique/ATM and Mozambique more generally with a view to ensuring that the programme remains relevant and valuable to stakeholders in Government and to our donor. The Strategic Adviser will also advise the Team Leader on appropriate entry points into the Government of Mozambique and facilitate access to key interlocutors.
Working in close consultation with the Team Leader, the Strategic Adviser will be responsible for:
- Carrying out inception phase activities together with senior EYP and CA programme staff;
- Establishing and maintaining regular high-level links and communication channels with our donors and other key stakeholders in order to fully understand the changing political economy of Mozambique and to adapt the programme as required;
- Ensuring the programme, as well as meeting the broad objectives, is developed in line with the overall strategic direction of the Government of Mozambique (GOM) – in particular, ensuring it can demonstrate a positive effect to taxpayers and civil society;
- Provide advice to the programme on priorities and scope of assignments, methodology and skills/personnel required. Provide an intellectual challenge function to the Team Leader
- Maintain an awareness of developments in key aspects of Tax reform in Mozambique and the region;
- Build understanding of the political dynamics affecting Tax reform, advising the Team Leader and wider project on their relevance
- Raise awareness, ensuring broad understanding of the programme’s activities and service objectives;
- In close consultation with Technical Programme Manager and Project Directors in EYP and CA, provide overall programme direction and day to day management, ensuring that the programme is meeting objectives and evolving stakeholder needs;
- Setting up programme governance structures (including Programme Steering Committees) in consultation with our donor and other stakeholders;
- Establishing baselines and developing appropriate adaptive reporting measures (agreed with our donor and ATM) on programme performance (in conjunction with short term MEL experts);
- Identifying constraints/risks to delivery. Provide our donor/ATM regular updates of such constraints where they are hampering delivery and developing/agreeing appropriate mitigation measures;
- Producing and delivering regular reports as identified/agreed during the inception phase as well as ad hoc reporting as required;
- Creating and maintaining structures and processes for effective donor coordination in order to avoid duplication of effort, share best practice and develop further assistance activities;
- Establishing procedures which ensure the programme is inclusive and consistent with our donor and internal policies;
- Setting up appropriate channels to report on programme success and seek feedback from private sector and civil society on how the programme is benefitting them (or could benefit them).
Basis for Appointment
This is a senior full-time role based in Maputo but with an expectation of some in-country travel and potentially internationally.
Person Specification
Essential Skills and Knowledge
- Excellent relationship building and influencing skills;
- Detailed knowledge of the structure, functions and personnel of ATM and Finance Ministry in Mozambique;
- Politically informed and perceptive;
- The ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing;
- Strong managerial ability;
- Professional fluency in both Portuguese and English
Personal Qualities
- Personable
- Energetic
- Professionally credible
- Efficient and highly organised
- Loyal and committed to the project
Experience
- Significant experience working for and/or with the Government of Mozambique
- Significant experience working on donor-funded development projects in Tax, Procurement, Governance and similar areas
Reporting Structure
The Strategic Adviser will report directly to the Crown Agents In House Programme Manager. The attached organogram gives further details of overall programme management structure.
More Information
- Job City Mozambique
