Technical Officer (Tobacco Taxation)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of WHO's UHC/Healthier Populations Division is to contribute to reducing health inequalities and reducing preventable disease and injury caused by environmental, social and economic determinants of health. This is achieved through a coordinated inter-sectoral approach aimed at enabling all people to enjoy better health and well-being, in line with the Organization's 13thGeneral Programme of Work (GPW13) and the Sustainable Development Goals. Within the Division, the Department of Health Promotion (HPR) works to reduce risks associated with tobacco use, alcohol consumption and physical inactivity, thereby contributing to better population health, through cross-cutting normative, fiscal and legal measures to enhance wellbeing, health literacy and engage multi stakeholders through settings approach and community engagement strategies. Within the HPR Department, the Fiscal Policies for Health (TAX) Unit provides strategic leadership, capacity building and specialized technical assistance in the field of fiscal measures for health, particularly on excise taxation on tobacco, alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverage products. In addition, the TAX Unit leads on the development of tools which provide guidance on how to use fiscal measures, in particular taxation of tobacco, alcohol and SSBS to reduce healthcare costs and generate a revenue stream for development.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the broad supervision of the Unit Head, HPR/TAX, the Economist: Provides advice, expertise, provide technical assistance and follow up in the development of innovative price and tax policy including, but not limited to.

1. Increases of excise duties on tobacco products; changes in the taxation structure for tobacco products; enforcement and recovery of tobacco taxes; and fighting illicit trade in tobacco products.

2. Working independently, provides expertise to WHO Regions (with particular focus on AFRO) and Member States on: national tobacco price, taxation and illicit trade in tobacco products policy and legislation; and integrating data on such policies and legislation into the WHO global tobacco control information system, in collaboration with the Project Officer, Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, provides expertise in drafting and expanding best practice guidelines and case-studies for implementing and evaluating tobacco price, taxation and illicit trade in tobacco products policy and legislation.

3. Provides advice, review and technical expertise in drafting reports, impact assessments and proposals in the field of tobacco taxation.

4. Other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced university degree in Economics from a recognized university or closely related discipline.

Desirable: PhD in economics.

Experience

Essential: At least 7 years of experience working in the area of tax policy, tax legislation and regulation, and tax evasion in the national and international level.

Desirable: Experience in working in the field of taxation, including tobacco taxation, would be a clear asset.

Skills

1. Extensive knowledge of tax policy and law.
2. Proven excellent writing and drafting skills.
3. Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender balance.
4. Ability to be a cooperative team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
5. Ability to work under tight deadlines and on a results-oriented basis.
6. Ability to develop innovative approaches and solutions.

WHO Competencies

1. Teamwork
2. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
3. Communication
4. Producing results
5. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 74,913 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 5150 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

• WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link: http://www.who.int/employment/en/. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.