International Tax Counsel / Compliance Officer
Washington DC, United States
JOB DETAIL
Description
IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record US$43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
Who we are looking for
Are you passionate about the intersection between international development and taxation? Are you seeking a unique opportunity to apply your tax expertise to contribute to the mission of the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector? Are you interested in working towards improving the lives of people in emerging markets?
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), is looking for an enthusiastic, energetic tax professional to join our International Tax Office as an International Tax Counsel / Compliance Officer in Washington, DC. You will be a strategic partner to IFC’s business teams and an influential champion playing crucial part in ensuring tax good governance, managing integrity risk, and advancing best tax practices in emerging markets.
Who we are
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a member of the Word Bank Group (WBG) and focuses on financing private sector investments in emerging markets.
IFC:
• Works with 2,000 businesses in emerging markets worldwide to create opportunity where it is needed most.
• Commits approximately 400 new investment projects per year across all industry sectors – including infrastructure, manufacturing, telecommunications, venture, financial institutions and funds – and across all geographies of the world, taking both debt and equity positions and providing advisory services to support development.
• Has offices in over 100 countries.
• In FY23, IFC achieved its highest-ever volume in history, with total commitments exceeding $43 billion, exceeding own account and mobilization targets, setting a new high for trade, supply chain, and working capital finance, and exceeding our climate and gender targets.
Where Does Tax Fit In?
IFC’s Business Risk and Compliance Department (CBR) provides advice and guidance to the IFC Board, Management and business operations teams on a range of non-financial risks in our projects – all with a view to promoting tax good governance, mitigating integrity risk (e.g., corruption, fraud and know-your-customer (KYC) issues), building anti-money-laundering (AML/CFT) protections, and managing market conduct and other reputational risks.
CBR has a dedicated International Tax Office to develop and maintain IFC’s international tax policies and better address the financial, legal and reputational risks that may arise from international tax issues in IFC projects. The International Tax Office does this against the backdrop of a rapidly changing international tax environment, including initiatives such as:
• The OECD Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) project;
• The Global Forum Exchange of Information on Request (EOIR); and
• The Global Forum Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI).
Responsibilities:
As an International Tax Counsel / Compliance Officer, you will report to the Head of the International Tax Office, working to:
• Assess and mitigate complex tax risks: Evaluate complex international tax-related risks related to IFC investee companies, clients, and partners globally. This includes being an independent voice providing expert advice on cross-border tax issues, including on tax treaties, transfer pricing, and international tax structuring.
• Provide excellent client service: Partner with IFC’s project teams to work with IFC’s clients to gather information and develop recommendations to manage and mitigate the financial, legal, and reputational risks associated with the tax practices of IFC investee companies, clients, and partners.
• Support broader IFC and WBG initiatives: Provide technical assistance on tax issues to IFC’s legal and other teams to support IFC and WBG strategic priorities.
• Leadership in Tax Issues: Help IFC maintain its leadership on international tax issues and promote best tax practices in emerging markets, including on responsible tax and cooperative compliance initiatives.
• Outreach: Collaborate with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Tax teams, as well as Tax teams at other multilateral development banks and development finance institutions, to provide private sector insights into international tax issues and keep abreast of tax reforms at the OECD, Global Forum and UN that may impact IFC’s operations.
Selection Criteria
To be considered for this position, you should meet the following qualifications:
• A Masters in Taxation, J.D. tax LL.M, MBA or equivalent is a plus.
• Demonstrated excellence in providing top-tier international tax advice, with at least 5-8 years of international tax experience and one or more regions. This may include experience with a Big 4 or other leading tax planning consultancy or law firm, or in-house experience in international tax.
• Excellent interpersonal and client service skills. Energy, enthusiasm and an appetite to learn more about IFC.
• A strong working knowledge of international tax policies and standards issued by the OECD and Global Forum.
• Experience with development institutions (in tax or other disciplines) and/or entities with sovereign immunities a plus.
• A sound understanding of cross-border tax issues, including tax treaties, transfer pricing, and international tax structuring, including evaluation of the tax aspects of new investments.
• Sound judgment, ability to identify and assess risks and willingness to accept appropriate risks and make decisions and take responsibility for them including by prioritizing issues, finding practical solutions, managing critical details while focusing on the big picture.
• Ability to communicate ideas and tax concepts clearly and confidently, both in writing and orally and demonstrated experience explaining tax concepts and delivering training to seasoned investment staff and other non-tax professionals.
• Strong organizational skills with an ability to work under time pressures and respond to ad hoc shifts in priorities while maintaining order and delivery.
• Demonstrated commitment to core values, including excellence, mutual respect, collegiality, teamwork, diversity and inclusiveness, integrity, innovation, transparency and accountability.
• A major language other than English is a plus.
World Bank Group Core Competencies
The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.
Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.
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