Job Description: Tax Expert to Support Rwanda Finance Limited in the Development of the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC)

Title: International Tax Expert

Place of assignment: Kigali, Rwanda

Type: Full-time fixed contract

Submit application to: hr@rfl.rw

Application deadline: November 9^th, 2024.

About Rwanda Finance Limited:

Rwanda Finance Limited (RFL) is the agency responsible for promoting and developing the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), with the aim to become the preferred international financial centre in Sub-Saharan Africa. RFL leads on policy reform initiatives and works with Rwanda’s financial ecosystem to make KIFC an attractive destination for fund domiciliation, becoming a gateway into Africa for investors. RFL actively attracts investors to domicile under KIFC, supports their entry into Rwanda and offers a vibrant network through the KIFC Club to help its members achieve its ambitious growth targets.

Background:

RFL is seeking a highly skilled and experienced individual to join our team as a Full-Time International Tax Expert. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in supporting RFL's efforts to attract investors and promote Rwanda as an attractive investment destination by providing expert tax advice and guidance on tax reforms, standards, and regulation. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of Rwanda's financial sector while working in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

The position will have a fixed-term contract with annual performance reviews.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide first class tax advice to RFL management and KIFC ecosystem and facilitate investors to structure tax efficient vehicles under KIFC.
• Provide expert advice to investors on tax-efficient investment structures and strategies to optimize their tax position.
• Collaborate with RFL team and KIFC ecosystem to create targeted materials and presentations for investor outreach.
• Liaise with tax authorities and government agencies on behalf of investors to address tax-related issues effectively.
• Build the capacity of RFL staff and professional service providers to be able to provide first class tax advisory to KIFC investors.
• Provide hands-on support in the review, drafting, and implementation of tax laws and procedures impacting KIFC investors; adoption of best practices and international standards; and improvement of processes to ensure a smooth investor journey with respect to filing and paying taxes.
• Provide hands-on support in the negotiation and implementation of tax treaties.
• Identify priority tax reforms to position KIFC as the preferred international financial centre across Sub-Saharan Africa without converting KIFC into a tax haven and keeping tax laws simple in close cooperation with the KIFC ecosystem, including investors, professional service providers and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.
• Lead and convene stakeholder consultations on tax reforms and effectively disseminate information on key tax reforms within the KIFC ecosystem
• Represent RFL during conferences and forums related to tax matters, help promote the improved regulatory and tax environment of KIFC and attract investors to KIFC.
• Keep informed about international tax trends as well as changes to best practices and international tax treaties, and ensure this knowledge is disseminated effectively across the KIFC ecosystem.
• Mentor and train RFL staff and ecosystem actors to create first-class tax advisory talent for KIFC.

Reporting line: The position reports to the Chief Investment Officer of Rwanda Finance Limited and will assist at management meetings and/or board meetings at the request of the CEO.

Required Qualifications:

• At least 10 years of experience in international tax advisory, with expertise in cross-border tax structures, transfer pricing, and double tax treaties.
• At least 7 years of international experience working with investment promotion agencies or governments to improve the tax environment for investors or structuring of tax efficient vehicles.
• Hands-on experience with tax planning, treaty negotiation, and tax policy development in the contexts of investment attraction in emerging and developing markets.
• Experience in or supporting investors in at least 3 different jurisdictions.
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships and influence policy decisions.
• Preferred experience negotiating and implementing DTAs.
• Preferred management, mentoring and capacity building experience.
• Preferred network across other international financial centres, especially policy makers, taxation training institutions and professional service providers.
• Team player with a can-do attitude, focused on delivering results.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and adopt working approaches accordingly.
• Ability to listen and understand local contexts and needs.
• Ability to work in English.
• Ability to work in French is a plus, but not a requirement.

Academic:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Law, Economics or related field.
• Relevant professional certifications/qualifications like ACCA or in tax law, international taxation or tax advisory like the CTA (Chartered Tax Adviser).

Application Process:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications or credentials to hr@rfl.rw. Please include "Full-Time International Tax Expert" in the subject line of your email. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further evaluation.

Conclusion

This position offers a unique opportunity for a talented and motivated tax professional to contribute to the success of Kigali International Financial Centre and Rwanda's growing financial sector. By leveraging your expertise in international tax advisory and investor relations, you will play a vital role in attracting investors and promoting Rwanda as an attractive investment destination. We look forward to welcoming a passionate and dedicated individual to our team.