Mineral Value Chain Training Expert at Cowater International Inc.

SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT

The Revenue for Growth (R4G) activity aims to help Zambia enhance domestic revenue mobilization (DRM) and expand the fiscal space for public spending, service delivery, and poverty reduction. By engaging both government and non-government stakeholders, R4G focuses on building capacity in tax policy analysis, improving tax compliance and administration, and fostering a stronger tax culture. These efforts are designed to support private sector growth while strengthening accountability between taxpayers and the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ).

As part of its new operating model (NOM), the ZRA recently created the Specialized Mining Tax Office (SMTO), a department dedicated to enhancing the end-to-end tax compliance of the mining industry. The mining industry contributes approximately 28% (34.6% – 2023; 38.4% – 2022; 46.2% – 2021) of the total revenue collected by the ZRA. This is the largest revenue contribution by any one industry. The industry is however the largest contributor to the Corporate Income Tax (CIT) compliance gap (c. K1.255 billion per annum in 2021). A key catalyst identified in a recently conducted tax gap study, to reduce the CIT tax gap in the mining industry, is increased and/or improved audits. The SMTO has a staff complement of 77, and a significant number of auditors in the SMTO are not sufficiently experienced in the audit of mines and require training. R4G is partnering with the SMTO to deliver capacity-building support, particularly in the audit of mining companies. R4G is providing technical support to enhance the skills needed to improve tax compliance and sustainably increase revenue from the mining sector. One of the key areas identified for capacity building is the mineral value chain. To this end, R4G seeks to engage a Mineral Value Chain Training Consultant / Expert to deliver a short course tailored to the ZRA’s needs.

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

The primary objective is to build the capacity and capabilities of the SMTO in the mineral value chain. This involves equipping the SMTO team with essential knowledge and skills in inter alia mineral prospecting and exploration, mining methods and mine planning, mineral beneficiation and metal extraction, metallurgical accounting, and governance frameworks. The training will improve the SMTO’s expertise in mineral resource management, enabling greater accuracy in resource estimation and reporting, as well as stronger regulatory oversight and enforcement of the mining tax activities of large, medium, small and artisanal companies / miners.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific Activities

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify the prioritized capacity building requirements of the SMTO.
• Develop a tailored training program that address the identified needs, ensuring alignment with the ZRA’s objectives and operational requirements.
• Provide training to the SMTO on the Mineral Value Chain. Training to comprise of classroom sessions covering theoretical concepts, interactive discussions and case studies, as well as hands-on training at a mining site to reinforce the theoretical knowledge and demonstrate real-world application.

Deliverables

• A detailed report in Microsoft Word and/or PowerPoint, outlining the SMTO’s prioritized training requirements. To include a list of potential interventions to improve the capacity and effectiveness of the SMTO, including inputs to the SMTO’s training curriculum.
• Customized training materials on the Mineral Value Chain, developed in Microsoft Word and/or PowerPoint, addressing the specific requirements of the SMTO.
• Completed training on the Mineral Value Chain for up to 30 participants.
• To include a mining site visit in Zambia to reinforce the theoretical knowledge and demonstrate real-world application. Mine to be visited is to be organized by the consultant / expert.
• To include participant pre- and post-training assessments (in Microsoft Word) to evaluate knowledge acquisition and training effectiveness.
• Completion certificates to be provided to all participants who successfully complete the training program.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• At least 10 years of experience in providing training and consultancy services to the mining industry.
• A relevant Master’s Degree is required.
• Proven track record of designing and delivering short courses on the Mineral Value Chain.
• Established partnerships with leading mining companies and organizations within Zambia.
• Experience consulting in Zambia to government institutions and/or regional bodies.
• Professional proficiency in both written and spoken English.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to foster collaboration and teamwork.
• Excellent organizational skills with a track record of delivering high-quality outputs within deadlines.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as followed: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.
Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.

ABOUT US
Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2017.