Terms of Reference (TORs) for a Tax Expert to develop a CSO position paper on the UNTC and the two early protocols and their current implications.
Background
The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) with support from the Joint Country Programme of Norwegian Church Aid and DanchurchAid is seeking to engage a local tax expert to facilitate the development of a technically sound, common position paper on the UNTC and two early protocols for Zambian civil society organizations that will serve as a common set of minimum asks for this process and serve as an anchor board for the UNTC Nairobi sessions scheduled for November in 2025. The paper will also assess current domestic tax policy matters particularly related to the digital economy, Zambia’s current trajectory within the OECD inclusive framework and distill an immediate set of recommendations to the Zambian government on key reforms that are essential in supporting improved domestic resource mobilization. The UN Tax Convention process, alongside global reforms in international taxation, has significant implications for Zambia’s domestic resource mobilization, governance, and fiscal sovereignty.
CSPR therefore seeks a well-qualified tax expert to support a core team of CSOs to draft this position paper and policy advocacy recommendations.
Role of the consulting tax expert
To support the CSO Technical working group on tax to develop a comprehensive, well-researched common position paper on the UNTC two early protocols , identify opportunities,, risks for the UNTC process and distill policy recommendations related to the global international taxation cooperation framework which is also aligned with national development priorities, tax justice principles, and ensures social inclusion of the marginalized and underrepresented groups.
Scope of Work
Review global taxation process, the UNTC texts (two early protocols), guidelines, and official briefs; assess Zambia’s tax regime, BEPS, and fiscal risks.
Review the Zambia CSO draft position generated through the CSO capacity building sessions on the UNTC jointly with TJNA.
Review the Africa CSO common position of the UNTC and the two early protocols and assess common areas with draft Zambia submissions for alignment and improvements
Synthesize CSO inputs (including UN-Tax CSO submissions) and national development priorities; identify opportunities, risks, and policy options.
Produce a Position paper (12–15 pages) with an executive summary, recommendations, annex (data sources).
One-page media/policy briefing note.
Deliverables and Timeline
I. Inception and Work Plan 3 days after contract award
II. Draft Position Paper: 10 days from start date, including executive summary, main body, recommendations, and annexes.
III. Feedback: incorporate feedback within 5–7 days.
IV. Final Position Paper: 2 weeks after approval of the draft.
Experience and Qualifications
I. Advanced degree in public policy, law, economics, development studies, or related field.
II. Significant experience (5+ years) in international tax policy, public finance, with experience in UN tax-related processes.
III. Proven track record in producing policy papers, position papers, or policy briefs for CSOs or the government.
IV. Strong research, data analysis, and synthesis skills; capacity to translate complex concepts into practical recommendations.
V. Excellent written and verbal communication in English; ability to prepare concise briefs for diverse audiences.
VI. Demonstrated consultative/participatory engagement with CSOs and stakeholders.
Application Requirements
I. Cover letter outlining understanding of the assignment and approach.
II. CV with relevant experience and publications.
III. Example of previous position papers or relevant policy documents.
IV. Proposed work plan and timeline, with milestones.
Financial Proposals
I. Provide a detailed financial proposal breakdown (consultancy daily rate, estimated days, travel, conferencing, any data/printing costs).
II. Include considerations for in-country travel
Submissions should be emailed to: cspr@csprzambia.org and copy: alice.muntanga@csprzambia.org
Subject line: “Consultancy Application – Tax Expert to develop a CSO position paper on the UNTC and the two early protocols and their current implications
Deadline for Submission
The submission of proposals should be made between 22nd SEPTEMBER 2025, 23:59 CAT.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
