Tax Policy Manager at Kenya Association of Manufacturers

Job Purpose:

To support KAM in coordinating programs and activities relating to tax policy advocacy matters that promote the manufacturing sector with expected outcomes as follows:

Key Objectives

• Tax Policy Advocacy
• Stakeholder Engagement and Management
• Program Coordination
• Research and Knowledge Generation
• Leadership and Management

Duties and Responsibilities

The specific duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to the following:

Tax Policy Advocacy

• Engage in advocacy for adoption of favorable tax policies and laws in the manufacturing sector.
• Provide support to shape effective strategies to communicate tax policies aimed at influencing relevant policy targets.
• Coordinate the development, planning, and monitoring of the execution of the tax activities.

Consolidation of Tax Proposals

• Manage the entire annual preparation, collation, analysis, validation, and submission of tax proposals by manufacturers for domestic/national level and tariffs formulated in the East Africa region.
• Oversee review, and analysis of information on Kenya’s tax regime and advise manufacturers on tax issues including tax administration, tax compliance, widening the tax base, and harmonization.
• Coordinate the process of the comprehensive review of the EAC common external tariff (CET) on behalf of KAM and members.
• Coordinate participation of KAM membership in the national and East African Community (EAC) region budget process through preparation, review, and submission of KAM members’ proposals.

Stakeholder Management

• Convening internal and external engagements on tax-related matters with the KAM membership, sector leadership, and the relevant Board committee, including trade and tax (TTC).
• Initiate external engagements and engage with relevant Government agencies, including Ministries responsible for the Treasury, Ministry of Industry, and National Assembly, among others.
• Work with TTC and KAM Advisory Council to resolve tax disputes that might arise from time to time within and between sectors.
• Support engagement with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to resolve individual and general operational and policy challenges facing Members.
• Organize and participate in KAM forums to inform members of contemporary tax policy issues affecting their businesses.
• Support KAM TTC as may be necessary.

Preparation of Position Papers and Research

• Conduct research and write position papers to support tax and fiscal proposals related to the manufacturing sector or KAM tax budget process.
• Prepare memoranda on tax proposals, including tax policies, fiscal strategies, budget statements and related laws, such as the finance bill and tax amendment laws, among others.
• Prepare summaries and alerts relating to tax issues related to the manufacturing sector and tax laws, policies, and strategies.
• Keep records of relevant documentation such as tax proposals, tax rulings, among others.

Management of Incentives Schemes eg. Duty Remission

• Manage, participate in, and support KAM members in the tax incentives, including tax and duty remission schemes and the resolution of emerging related issues.
• Circulate relevant information to KAM members related to tax incentives, including duty remission.

Performance Management

• Oversee and review the performance of work plans for the team reporting to the role.
• Provide regular reports on the progress of delivering your functions to the Head of Policy and Regulatory Unit.
• Manage and mentor the tax policy team.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Chief Executive from time to time.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Finance, Taxation, Economics, Law, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Certification in Tax Administration, Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) or similar tax credentials are an added advantage.
• Training or certification in Public Policy or Government Relations is advantageous.

Personal Attributes

• 7+ years of experience with at least 2 years in a management role in tax policy analysis, financial accounting, public policy, legislative affairs, research, advocacy, or government relations.
• Prior experience in working with the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and government stakeholders such as businesses, think tanks, tax firms, industry associations, or tax consulting.
• Self-starter, flexible, creative, and strategic thinker.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to communicate clearly and work cooperatively.
• Knowledge of tax policies and laws in Kenya as well as research and analysis.