Country: Myanmar
Closing date: 02 Oct 2019
The post is opened to both nationaland international applicants and advertised worldwide.
Oxfam is a global movement of people working together to end the injustice of poverty. That means we tackle the inequality that keeps people poor. Together we save, protect and rebuild lives. When disaster strikes, we help people build better lives for themselves, and for others. We take on issues like land rights, climate change and discrimination against women. And we won’t stop until every person on the planet can enjoy life free from poverty.
We are an international confederation of 19 organizations (affiliates) working together with partners and local communities in the areas of humanitarian, development and campaigning, in more than 90 countries.
Oxfam in Myanmar is looking for Research Consultant (Understanding Informal Taxation & Redistribution in Myanmar).
BACKGROUND & PURPOSE
Globally, evidence suggests progressive taxation and adequate public service provision are key pathways to reducing inequalities. Across many countries, Oxfam has found that these policy levers can be effectively harnessed to support adequate revenue mobilisation for the provision of essential services that adequately respond to the diverse needs of communities, including those living in poverty.
In Myanmar, where poverty and inequality remain pronounced, tax revenue is low and there are few public services. There is evidence however that suggests local level informal taxation is significant. Alongside macro-level political and economic policies and trends, the prevalence of religious donations for social and community causes, user fees linked to education and health care, philanthropy and notions of self-reliance are all important for understanding how formal and informal tax systems function, how they could be made more responsive and progressive and how they connect (or don’t) with formal welfare provision. Additionally, parts of the country are governed by separate administrations with separate tax and redistribution systems.
In this context, what kinds of formal and informal taxes do different people in Myanmar pay? How do people experience and interact with these different systems of informal taxation and redistribution? How large a role does this play in people’s lives and household finances? What impact do these systems have on reducing inequality, particularly through access to services and supports? How does this play out along gendered lines? What are the implications for moving towards more progressive systems of redistribution? This research project aims to deepen Oxfam’s understanding of the nature of informal taxation at local levels and what impact it has on diverse women and men. Findings will inform our ongoing governance programming and advocacy efforts given Oxfam in Myanmar’s focus on supporting gender responsive public financial management systems given their role in contributing to reduced poverty and inequality.
Position: Research Consultant to conduct literature review and initial primary research
Type of Contract: Consultancy
Location: Yangon/remote for literature review component and Kachin or other agreed on location for primary research component
Length of assignment: 25-30 days
Application deadline: 2 October 2019
For more detailed information of the advertisement, please kindly see the below link.
https://oxfam.box.com/s/7wqhcppvp8t9jwx2a2yifatggq1wld15
How to apply:
All applications should be submitted electronically with the subject title ‘Informal Tax Research Application, name of Consultant’ tomyanmarhr@oxfam.org.uk and alisonkent@oxfam.org.uk no later than 2 October 2019**,** 5 PM (Myanmar Time).** Any questions should also be directed to the above email addresses.
Phone: +95 (0)1 539986, 539987, 539958, 539189 and 504918