Mineral Economist Expert Ministry of Natural Resources Kigali, Rwanda

The Government of Rwanda with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank (WB) is implementing the Strategic Capacity Building Initiative (SCBI). Official implementation of the SCBI began in November 2011 and the programme is set to run for up to four years from this date. The objective of the SCBI is to ‘build capacity and deliver government priorities’ at the same time. The ministry of Natural Resources (MINIRENA) is responsible for the full implementation of the SCBI in the mining sector.

 

At its core, the SCBI concentrates on ‘transfer of skills and knowledge’ from international experts to young professionals in Rwanda’s mining administration. The intension of government is that these young Rwandese women and men become experts themselves and contribute to improving the performance and efficiency of the sector with the ultimate aim of increasing revenue and the benefit to citizens from mining activities.

 

The mining sector is the country’s leading export earner, in spite of the need to address several capacity gaps. Last year alone (2011), mining export accounted for USD 164 million, more than tea and coffee export combined.

 

The GOR has taken several steps to set the conditions for progress. Mining sector development in Rwanda is transforming through increased privatisation, improvements in the legal and regulatory framework and a strong policy and strategy to chart the way forward. However, a number of factors still inhibit its full growth, including: (1) low skills, experience and exposure in various aspects of the mining sector; (2) limited capacity in monitoring and regulatory enforcement; (3) lack of knowledge and skills required to attract investment, (4) limited knowledge of geological reserves and, (5) limited understanding the economics of minerals and mining agreements.

 

It is within this context that government plan to recruit in key areas requiring capacity to build strong expertise and deliver on existing priorities.

 

 

MINERAL ECONOMIST EXPERT

 

 

Role and responsibilities

 

The expert will be responsible for assisting the Government of Rwanda to improve its mining taxation and financial modeling capabilities. Specific activities include:

•               Agree a detailed work program with the MINIRENA, MINECOFIN and Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA).

•               Conduct a rapid assessment of available data and the Ministry’s current capabilities/knowledge in these technical areas.

•               Develop a model to estimate revenue flows from Rwanda’s mining fiscal regime.

•               Assist government in the development and implementation of royalties.

•               Develop and implement a training plan based on needs and current capability assessment.

•               Provide training and structured on the job mentoring to relevant government officials including two SCBI young professionals.

•               As requested, help develop and review relevant processes, procedures, legislation, policies, manuals, etc.

•               Provide advice to Government on policies to mitigate the impact of mining price volatility on the Budget.

•               Provide other capacity building and advisory services to the Ministry on the economics of mining agreements, mining taxation and financial modeling.

 

 

Qualifications

•               At least a post-graduate University degree in economics, tax or public finance, preferably with a specialization in natural resource economics.

•               Outstanding knowledge of taxation issues in the extractives sector.

•               Good quantitative and modeling skills.

•               Proven experience in institutional and organizational development, preferably in the sub-Saharan African context.

•               Excellent facilitator and communicator, able to work in complex and challenging settings.

•               Excellent interpersonal skills

•               Good reporting and presentation skills.

•               A high level of computing skills, including the ability to use applications in word processing (MS Word), financial spread sheet (MS Excel) and project management (MS Project)

•               English language skills required. French language skills a plus.

 

 

Professional Experience:

•               At least 10 years of experience working in the field of mineral economics and taxation.

•               Proven experience in training and mentoring public officials, preferably in the area of mining taxation.

•               Experience working in developing countries, preferably in sub-Saharan Africa. Rwanda experiences a plus.

•               Publication of article/book in field relevant to this position is a plus

 

 

Supervision and reporting arrangements

The expert will report directly to the Permanent Secretary of MINIRENA and the Head the Department of Mines and Geology.

 

 

Assignment duration

The duration of the assignment is for one year and the expert is expected to work full time in Kigali. There is a high possibility of contract extension. 

 

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The Government of Rwanda will provide a competitive salary to the successful candidate.

 

 

The application deadline: 06 January 2013.

 

 

Applications should also be sent to nimarto@gmail.com  and info@minirena.gov.rw

 

 

Application will include:

•           Motivation letter;

•           Curriculum Vitae (CV);

•           Three referees with detailed addresses attached.