The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) is hiring an Applied Research Specialist in Pretoria. Learn about the role, qualifications, responsibilities, contract details, and how this opportunity supports tax policy, research, and revenue mobilisation across Africa.
ATAF Opens Applications for Applied Research Specialist Position in Pretoria
Professionals with expertise in economics, taxation, statistics, public finance, and data analytics have an exciting opportunity to contribute to Africa’s development through a strategic role at the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF). The organisation is currently recruiting an Applied Research Specialist, a position that will play a key role in strengthening tax administration systems and supporting domestic revenue mobilisation across the continent.
Based in Pretoria on a full-time fixed-term contract, the position offers the opportunity to work with one of Africa’s most influential organisations focused on improving tax administration and revenue collection among member countries.
For experienced researchers and policy professionals passionate about evidence-based decision-making and economic development, this role presents a unique platform to influence tax reform and public finance outcomes across multiple African nations.
About the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF)
Established in November 2009, ATAF is a member-based international organisation dedicated to enhancing tax administration and revenue collection throughout Africa.
The organisation serves as a collaborative platform for African tax administrations, providing technical assistance, research, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building initiatives. Today, ATAF represents 45 African member countries and works closely with governments, development partners, academic institutions, and international organisations to improve domestic revenue mobilisation.
As African governments increasingly seek sustainable sources of development financing, effective tax systems have become more important than ever. ATAF supports this objective by helping member countries strengthen tax compliance, improve tax policy design, and modernise revenue administration systems.
The Importance of the Applied Research Specialist Role
Evidence-based policymaking has become a critical component of effective governance and public finance management. Tax administrations require accurate data, robust research, and advanced analytical tools to make informed decisions that improve revenue collection and economic performance.
The Applied Research Specialist position has been designed to provide this expertise.
The successful candidate will conduct high-quality applied research, statistical analysis, tax analytics, econometric modelling, and policy evaluation to support tax administration reform across ATAF member countries.
Through research and data-driven insights, the specialist will help identify opportunities to improve tax systems, increase revenue collection efficiency, and strengthen domestic resource mobilisation across Africa.
Key Responsibilities
The role combines research, analytics, stakeholder engagement, and technical advisory functions.
Leading Applied Research Projects
A major component of the position involves conducting and managing research initiatives focused on taxation, public finance, and revenue administration.
The specialist will:
- Lead applied research projects.
- Develop analytical frameworks and methodologies.
- Conduct comparative tax studies.
- Produce evidence-based policy recommendations.
- Support tax administration reforms through research findings.
The research produced will help inform policy decisions and operational improvements across ATAF member countries.
Advanced Statistical and Econometric Analysis
The successful candidate will apply sophisticated analytical techniques to understand tax trends and forecast revenue outcomes.
Responsibilities include:
- Econometric modelling.
- Tax gap analysis.
- Revenue forecasting.
- Tax survey analysis.
- Quantitative and qualitative research.
- Data analytics and visualisation.
These activities will generate insights that support better tax administration and fiscal planning.
Producing Knowledge Products
ATAF is widely recognised for its publications, reports, and technical guidance materials.
The Applied Research Specialist will contribute to:
- Policy briefs.
- Technical reports.
- Working papers.
- Research publications.
- Benchmarking reports.
- Flagship ATAF publications.
These knowledge products help tax administrations access practical solutions and best practices from across the continent.
Supporting Tax Administration Statistics
Accurate tax statistics are essential for measuring performance and identifying areas for improvement.
The specialist will:
- Collect and validate tax administration data.
- Develop benchmarking indicators.
- Analyse tax performance trends.
- Maintain statistical databases.
- Publish tax administration statistics.
These activities support transparency and evidence-based decision-making across member countries.
Conducting Impact Evaluations
Governments and development partners increasingly require proof that tax reforms are delivering measurable results.
The Applied Research Specialist will assess the effectiveness of tax policies and programmes by:
- Measuring policy outcomes.
- Conducting programme evaluations.
- Identifying lessons learned.
- Providing recommendations for improvement.
- Supporting sustainable reform implementation.
Capacity Building and Technical Assistance
Another important aspect of the role involves helping member countries strengthen their analytical and research capabilities.
The specialist will:
- Deliver technical advisory services.
- Facilitate workshops and training programmes.
- Support capacity-building initiatives.
- Present research findings to stakeholders.
- Assist tax administrations with analytical projects.
This work contributes directly to strengthening institutional capacity across Africa.
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Building Strategic Partnerships
ATAF collaborates with numerous organisations to achieve its mission.
The successful candidate will establish and maintain relationships with:
- Tax administrations.
- Government institutions.
- International organisations.
- Universities and research institutions.
- Development agencies.
- Policy experts and academics.
These partnerships help promote knowledge sharing and collaborative problem-solving.
Qualifications Required
Candidates must possess a strong academic background in a relevant discipline.
ATAF requires:
- A Master’s Degree (ISCED 7 or higher) in:
- Economics
- Statistics
- Econometrics
- Public Finance
- Taxation
- Tax Law
- Development Economics
- Data Science
- Related fields
An MPhil or PhD in a relevant discipline will be considered an additional advantage.
Experience and Technical Skills
Applicants should have a minimum of five years of professional experience in areas such as:
- Applied research.
- Economics.
- Statistics.
- Taxation.
- Public policy.
- Public finance.
Additional requirements include:
- Experience conducting quantitative and qualitative research.
- Experience managing multi-country research projects.
- Proven publication record.
- Knowledge of taxation and development issues.
- Experience working with governments, international organisations, or tax administrations.
Technical proficiency is highly important for this position.
Preferred software and analytical tools include:
- R
- Python
- STATA
- SPSS
- SQL
- Power BI
Candidates should also be comfortable working with large datasets and applying advanced analytical techniques such as machine learning, econometric modelling, and data visualisation.
Language Requirements
Since ATAF serves member countries across Africa, multilingual abilities are highly valued.
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Fluency in English.
Additional advantages include proficiency in:
- French.
- Portuguese.
- Arabic.
These language skills can enhance collaboration with a broader range of member countries and stakeholders.
Contract Details and Benefits
The Applied Research Specialist position is offered on a:
- Full-time basis.
- Four-year renewable contract.
- Pretoria-based assignment.
ATAF offers a competitive remuneration package aligned with its internal salary scale and based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
In addition to compensation, the role offers valuable exposure to continental tax policy initiatives, international development work, and collaboration with leading experts in taxation and public finance.
A Career Opportunity with Continental Impact
The ATAF Applied Research Specialist role is more than a research position—it is an opportunity to influence tax policy and revenue mobilisation strategies across Africa.
As governments continue seeking sustainable ways to finance development, professionals capable of generating high-quality evidence and actionable insights are becoming increasingly important. Through rigorous research, statistical analysis, and policy support, the successful candidate will contribute directly to improving tax administration systems and strengthening public finances throughout the continent.
For experienced researchers passionate about economics, taxation, development, and public policy, this vacancy represents an opportunity to build a meaningful career while helping shape Africa’s fiscal future.
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