Govt takes steps to set up Tax Policy Office

ISLAMABAD: The government has advertised six key positions including the hiring of Director General (DG) for Tax Policy Unit (TPU) going to be established in the Ministry of Finance at SPPS (Special Pay Scale)-1.

The government has advertised the positions of Director (Economic Analysis) SPPS-II, Director (Business Taxation) SPPS-II, Director (Personal Taxation) SPPS-II, Director (International Taxation) SPPS-II, and Director (Direct/Indirect Taxation) SPPS-II.

Under the Job description, the candidates will be hired into Tax Policy Office. They will provide visionary leadership to the TPO, ensuring its initiatives are well-reasoned, evidence based, inclusive, and aligned with fiscal and socio-economic priorities.

The candidates are required to have Masters degree in Economics, Public Finance, Public Policy, Taxation/Tax Policy and should have an experience of 12 years in tax policy, fiscal management, or public finance, demonstrated ability to lead transformative initiatives in complex environments, proven success in engaging stakeholders across government, international organisations, and the private sector.

He/she will have to guide the formulation and implementation of tax policy reforms, maintaining a balanced approach that considers economic and social contexts. Promote a collaborative and consultative culture within the TPO, fostering partnerships with stakeholders to ensure transparency and inclusivity in tax policy development, oversee the design and review of tax policies to ensure they promote economic growth, fiscal stability, and equity while upholding principles such as simplicity, neutrality, efficiency, and fairness.

The candidates should have led the evaluation of tax proposals and reforms, providing evidence-based recommendations that address national priorities and stakeholder concerns. Ensure that proposed reforms are coherent, implementable, and clearly articulated to achieve their intended purpose.

Facilitate effective coordination with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and other institutions to align tax policies with broader fiscal and economic strategies. Develop and implement a protocol governing data access and confidentiality to ensure secure and efficient information-sharing with the FBR. Engage with key stakeholders, including government bodies, private sector representatives, civil society, and development partners, to build consensus and support for reforms.

Serve as an adviser to the Minister of Finance on all matters related to tax policy, providing clear and actionable guidance. Regularly brief the minister on policy options, reform progress, and challenges, offering pragmatic solutions informed by rigorous analysis. Represent the TPO in national and international discussions, articulating Pakistan’s tax policy positions effectively and aligning them with global standards. Oversee the TPO’s daily operations, including resource management, staff supervision, and prioritisation of tasks, ensuring that its functions are performed efficiently and with accountability.

Lead a multidisciplinary team of experts, fostering professional development, collaboration, and inclusivity. Ensure that TPO activities are supported by robust research and analysis, leveraging partnerships with think tanks, development partners, and academia. Prepare annual work plans and set priorities to align the unit’s activities with the TPO’s strategic objectives.