Senior Grant Writer And Manager

Senior Project Manager

The Centre for Tax Analysis in Developing Countries (TaxDev)

1.  About the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS)

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) is the UK’s leading independent economics research institute. Our world-class research helps policymakers – and those who hold them accountable – understand the impact that policy decisions have on individuals, households and businesses. Our remit and expertise cover important topics such as education, health, public finances, retirement, consumer behaviour, international development, tax, inequality and poverty.  We communicate our findings widely, impacting upon the policy debate, the media, and policymakers.

2.  About the Centre for Tax Analysis in Developing Countries (TaxDev)

Since the 1960s, researchers at the IFS have studied the design of the UK's tax and spending system. Following the establishment of TaxDev, in 2016 – now delivered in partnership with ODI - we have been working to better understand how to design effective tax systems in low- and middle-income countries (L&MICs).

TaxDev has three major objectives:

I.  To conduct high-quality, policy-relevant theoretical and empirical research on tax in L&MICs;

II.  To support the increased use of evidence in tax policymaking through partnerships with ministries of finance and revenue authorities in six countries;

III.  To support the uptake of tax research and resources and to strengthen networks of researchers and policymakers.

With support from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), TaxDev has recently been extended for seven years until March 2030. Building on our current partnerships with the Governments of Ethiopia, Ghana, Rwanda, and Uganda, we will be expanding our research and policy work, and establishing partnerships with policymakers in two further countries. 

3.  Purpose of the role

The Senior Project Manager will play a vital role in the design and delivery of Phase III of TaxDev, supporting the successful expansion of the programme, making relevant links across all countries and programme components, and ensuring that it has maximum impact. Based at IFS, it will involve working closely with TaxDev leads at both IFS and ODI, and the Finance, Project Management, Research Services, Communications, and Events Teams in both institutions. It will also involve collaborating with a large network of IFS and ODI staff, external researchers, and policymakers. Depending on interest and capacity, there may be scope to work on a small number of other high-impact research projects at IFS too.

 4.  Job Description

I.  Strategic Project Management

• Work with the TaxDev leads at IFS and ODI in the overall strategic design and management of the programme, ensuring that it is delivering on its core objectives, that learning is embedded into programme design and practice, and that it is maximising impact.

• Maintain and update the TaxDev reporting framework (logframe) and support the development of workplans, and the monitoring and evaluation of project progress.

• Support the monitoring and measurement of impact; including documenting project outcomes and drafting impact case studies.

• Support the development and implementation of new project management systems, procedures and practices to optimise communication and efficiency across the programme –and ensure effective integration with the Elements system.

• Facilitate information sharing and problem solving across the project team, including with internal and external stakeholders where appropriate, to improve implementation.

• Identify, manage, and mitigate project risks.

II.  Financial Management

• Work with the Programme Director, ODI Project Management Team, and the IFS Research Services team to manage and monitor programme finances, conduct both short and longer-term financial forecasting, and reconcile finances quarterly and at year-end.

• Liaise closely with counterparts in partner organisations to ensure the timely delivery of financial forecasts and reports.

• Produce quarterly financial reports and forecasts for the funder.

• Liaise with the Research Services Team and project partners and subcontractors on financial and contractual matters.

• Work with the Research Services Team to ensure that the TaxDev budget is well-integrated into the broader sector and IFS finances.

 III.  Funder Liaison and Reporting

• Support TaxDev Leads to coordinate project management and reporting across the country programmes and research; synthesise progress reports; and take a lead in developing the annual progress report (Annual Review) for the funder.

• Oversee all funder compliance activities, for example by supporting the implementation of due diligence and safeguarding processes; updating the risk register; ensuring value for money; mapping suppliers; and ensuring compliance with branding and IATI guidelines.

• Liaise with the funder’s Project Manager, respond to ad hoc queries, coordinate quarterly project management meetings, and support the organisation of bi-annual Steering Committee meetings.

 IV.  Communications and Events

• Work with TaxDev researchers and the IFS and ODI Communications and Events teams to ensure a strategic, coherent, and creative approach to communication and engagement and communicate policy and academic findings with both research and policy audiences.

• Keep up to date on international developments in tax and public finance, and feed this into project objectives and workstreams.

• Liaise with the IFS and ODI Comms Team to ensure that the website and social media channels are maintained to a high standard; support the production of regular newsletters.

• Lead the organisation of seminars, research meetings, roundtables, and policy and training events in the UK, in partners countries, and internationally.

• Facilitate TaxDev involvement and attendance at key events in the tax and public finance calendar.

• Support the organisation of project logistics where relevant, including logistics for partner visits to the UK, peer-to-peer learning visits in Africa, dissemination events in partner countries, and international conferences.

 V.  Research Management

The TaxDev research fund is a competitive funding mechanism open to IFS and ODI staff and affiliated researchers. The Senior Project Manager will work with the Programme Director and Research Director to:

• Support the management of the fund, including coordinating the calls for proposals, organising the submissions, and liaising with the Directors and Scientific Committee.

• Work with IFS’s Research Services team to develop new funding agreements and to establish projects on IFS’s systems.

• Coordinate with researchers to monitor project progress and deliverables, and mitigate delivery risks where relevant.

• Monitor research fund finances – feeding them into broader project finances.

 VI.  Other Project Management Support

• Lead team resource planning, onboarding, and training of new colleagues.

• Support effective knowledge sharing and the organisation of shared team resources.

• Provide support for discrete tasks, such as team meetings etc. and provide other ad-hoc support to the programme as required.

• Explore the scope to support a small number of other research projects at IFS, capacity allowing.

5.  Person Specification

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience and qualifications.

• At least seven years’ of experience in complex project/programme management, including experience of managing large and complex budgets, developing and delivering workplans, liaising with funders, developing contracts, ensuring funder compliance etc.

• Proven management experience and the ability to be proactive, show leadership and initiative, and work independently.

• Willingness to combine operating at a strategic level with a hands-on approach to day-to-day activities.

• Strong time-management and multi-tasking skills and experience of efficiently managing multiple projects simultaneously, coordinating deliverables and meeting deadlines.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to produce analytical and high-quality financial and narrative reports, proposals etc.

• An excellent attention to detail, and good proofreading and editing skills.

• The ability to successfully build and consolidate close relationships with a variety of stakeholders, both in the UK and internationally.

• An interest in international development, economics and public policy and a willingness to travel.

• Experience of working closely with researchers and/or policy teams.

• A strong commitment to intellectual rigour, objectivity and political neutrality. The IFS is committed to maintaining its reputation for independent and unbiased research on issues of public interest.

6.  Salary Information

The salary range for this position is: £45,000-£55,000.

7.  Location

This role will be based at the IFS office near Tottenham Court Road in London. The Senior Project Manager may also spend some time working with the ODI team at their office in Southwark. Some international travel to countries where TaxDev works will also be required.

The postholder will be expected to work at least 3 days per week in the London office, with the possibility of one or two days working from home, if desired, upon agreement with their line manager.

8.  Contract Type

This position is permanent.

9.  How to Apply

Please upload, as one file, a CV and cover letter (maximum 2 pages for the cover letter), outlining how your qualifications, skills and experience match those outlined in the Person Specification.

The deadline for applications is: 9am on Monday 5th February.

Interviews will be held on: Friday 9th February over Zoom.

 All applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.

 10.  IFS Commitment to Diversity

We aim to foster a respectful and inclusive environment, in which people from all backgrounds feel welcome and valued. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, and flexible working arrangements wherever possible, so that staff can work in ways that suit their personal circumstances. Read more on the IFS's website.

11.  Personal Data Disclaimer

IFS will manage this recruitment process, but some information relevant to the process will be shared with ODI who co-deliver TaxDev. Details of the IFS's privacy policy can be found on the IFS's website.