Country: Somalia
Closing date: 28 Sep 2017
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Issued on: 21/09/2017
ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION: UN-Habitat, Somalia Programme
DUTY STATION: Home based with travel to Kismayo and Baidao
FUNCTIONAL TITLE: Framework for Property Taxation
CONTRACT TYPE: Consultancy
POST DURATION: 35 working days within two months.
CLOSING DATE: 28/09/2017
BACKGROUND
The UN Joint Programme on Local Governance and Decentralized Service Delivery for Somalia (JPLG) has established an important platform for seizing the development moment and is also a programme that has translated many of the ambitions of the ‘One UN’ principles into tangible improvements in aid and wider development effectiveness.
It is against this background that JPLG, launched in 2008 for a period of five years, is currently being implemented second phase of five years running from 2013 through 2017 referred to as JPLG II. The JPLG II, which is 5-agency including ILO, UNCDF, UNDP, UN-Habitat and UNICEF programme built on the successes achieved during the first phase and will maintain the same focus of strengthening local government as a means of enhancing the delivery of services to citizens and restoring confidence and credibility in the state. It will also improve state-citizen relations by linking local governments to their constituent communities and will engage the private sector transparently and accountably.
The overall objective of JPGL II is to promote improvements in local governance quality that can contribute to peace consolidation, development and equitable service delivery. The programme outcomes are structured around three mutually reinforcing strategies:
- Supporting policy and legislative reforms for functional, fiscal and administrative decentralization that clarify and enhance the role of local government, its relationship to central government, and as a means to improve local service delivery,
- Improving local government capacity for equitable service delivery,
- Improving and expanding the delivery of sustainable services to citizens in an equitable, responsive and socially accountable manner and promoting local economic environment.
In this context, UN- Habitat is supporting to address some of the challenges that federal member states of Somalia are facing including regulatory framework for tax administration and revenue management. At the moment, sub-national structures in the federal member states, lack the necessary institutional set up to undertake revenue generation activities that will lead them to service provision stage. Regulatory framework for tax administration and public finance management in general, at the district level, is missing and the few available staff is not equipped with the required skills.
Property taxation is an important source of revenue for sub-national structures. The nature of the properties- being fixed and immobile -renders them a significant and reliable source. Yet, management of property taxation is not easy as it often needs know-how and application of advanced systems and procedures, if one to utilize it effectively.
In this context, UN-Habitat, through JPLG interventions is assisting authorities in Jubaland State of Somalia and South-West State in lying down the foundation of effective own-source revenue generation for the districts in those states. The program will assist authorities in those states in developing a framework to manage property taxation. Property taxation is a function of a local government, but the state ministers will put in place the necessary framework to manage, collect and administer property tax. The framework will then be rolled out to districts as they form representative local councils.
In order for local governments to be accountable and responsive to community priorities in terms of service delivery, the program will strive for building districts’ own source revenue generation capacity. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a framework for the management and administration of property taxation.
REQUIRED TASKS
Under the overall coordination of the Programme Manager of JPLG and in direct supervision and guidance of the Municipal Finance Specialist, and in close collaboration with relevant authorities of Jubaland and South-West State, the consultant will develop a framework for property taxation in terms of surveying properties, data management, collection, enforcement and accountability. The consultant will present the developed framework to the end users in a workshop organized by relevant state ministers.
EXPECTED OUTPUTS
- A framework for property taxation detailing the procedures of property registration, database management, revenue collection and management, valuation procedures, enforcement and accountability mechanisms;
- Validation workshop report outlining the feedback and suggestions from the local authorities;
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TIME FRsAME
The assignment is expected to take 35 working days. The assignment should be completed not later than 30 November 2017.
COMPETENCIES
Professionalism
Shows pride in work and achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery in delivering on UN-Habitat/JPLG mandate; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations; takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas.
Communication
Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Planning and Organizing
Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
Client Orientation
Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in progress and meets deadline for delivery of products or services to client
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
University degree in Geographical Information Management System, Tax administration, Public Finance Management or or related social science disciplines.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 5 years professional experience, at least half of which is in municipal waste management, particularly solid and bio medical waste management, capacity building, knowledge and experience of conducting training, and experience in working with local authorities in fragile states, work experience in Somalia, and familiarity with UN system would be an advantage.
Language
Full proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory; proficiency in written and spoken Somali language is an advantage.
Other
Good ICT and reporting skills are necessary.
How to apply:
Applications should include:
• Cover memo (maximum 1 page)
• CV in the PHP format, accessible through the INSPIRA website (inspira.un.org) Please note, if using INSPIRA for the first time, you need to register in order to activate your account, which will allow you to log in and create a personal History Profile.
• The PHP should be attached to the application as a PDF file.
• Summary CV (maximum 2 pages), indicating the following information:
- Educational Background (incl. dates)
- Professional Experience (assignments, tasks, achievements, duration by years/ months)
- Other Experience and Expertise (e.g. Internships/ voluntary work, etc.)
- Expertise and preferences regarding location of potential assignments
- Expectations regarding remuneration
• Cover memo (maximum 1 page)
Please also be advised that since April 15th 2010, applicants for consultancies must be part of the
UN-HABITAT e-Roster in order for their application to be considered. You can reach the e-Roster
through the following link: http://e-roster.unhabitat.org
All applications should be submitted to:
UN-HABITAT, P.O. Box 30030, Nairobi, Kenya
Email: un-habitat.som@unhabitat.org
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Deadline for applications:28/09/2017
UN-HABITAT does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of these offices and requesting the payment of a fee, please contact:recruitment@unon.org