Value Added Tax (VAT) Reimbursement Process Consultant

Job Title:                                 Value added tax (VAT) Reimbursement Process Consultant

Project:                                   Vietnam Urban Energy Security

Reports to:                              Chief of Party (COP), Finance & Operations Manager (FOM)

Location:                                 Remotely with travel to project sites when required

Period of Performance:           June 21, 2021 – February 15, 2022

Level of Effort (LOE):              25 days

Deadline for application:         June 17, 2021

SCOPE OF WORK

Project Background:

As Vietnam experiences steep increases in energy demand and rising air pollution challenges, there is growing recognition that cleaner, more reliable sources of energy are needed and greater capital investment is necessary. The Vietnam Urban Energy Security works closely with GVN at multiple levels to improve enabling frameworks, mobilize investment, and increase the adoption of innovative solutions for advanced, distributed energy.

The specific objectives of this activity are to assist Vietnamese cities to:

1. Improve enabling policies, regulations, and city-level plans/programs for the deployment of resilient, distributed energy services;
2. Mobilize public and private sector investment for the deployment of advanced, distributed energy systems;
3. Increase adoption of innovative technologies, practices, business and financing models for advanced, distributed urban energy solutions.

As a part of the contract and cost compliance with the donor, DAI/VUES is expected to receive the VAT refunded as per the bilateral agreement between USAID and the host-country regulations. There have been some successful attempts among select IP contractors with similar arrangement as DAI/VUES including, US-based firm with a  Representative Office in Vietnam to implement USAID-fund projects, DAI/VUES is seeking an expert  to support the Project to develop a VAT refund strategy and implement the agreed plan successfully.

Overview of the Position:

The main objective of this assignment is to develop and implement a strategy to receive the VAT refund for DAI/VUES within 6 months.

Roles and Responsibilities:

a.     Review the project documents, Agreement for Economic and Technical Cooperation between United States of America and Vietnam, and related local laws and regulations on taxes for ODA projects to advise DAI/VUES on the best approach/solution on how to obtain the Tax exemption status including VAT and Personal Income Tax of foreign experts.

b.     Research and introduce to the project team other ODA and USAID-funded Activities’ best practices on VAT-Refund for project’s expenses.

c.     Based on the results of the review and lessons learned from other projects, provide recommendations on approaches to obtain the tax rulings of VAT refund procedure from relevant authorities (Danang DOIT, Danang Tax Department and Hanoi Tax Department, etc.).

d.     Prepare official letters to l relevant local authorities upon agreement by by DAI/VUES to pursue the relevant tax ruling and address any follow-up response or clarifications need until receiving the official responses from local relevant authorities.

e.     Upon the tax ruling guidance provided by the tax authorities, update the procedures and guidance to facilitate and obtain the VAT reimbursement for DAI/VUES.

f.      Support the process of the project seal and Tax ID registration if required from the tax ruling including but not limited to preparing application dossiers and follow-up actions in case of further clarifications needed.

g.     Work closely with VUES’s Financial team to prepare a full VAT- refund - request dossier ready for submission immediately after the tax ruling delivered.

h.     Provide recommendations to DAI/VUES on the procedure of Personal Income Tax Exemption application for the project expats.

i.       Participate in meetings with the Project team and local authority, as required.

All kinds of Project’s official letters and documents prepared by the consultants must be approved by DAI/VUES before executions.

Tasks/Deliverables:

Total Level of Effort (LOE):

Total estimated LOE allocated for this SOW is 25 days.

Qualifications:

• An advanced degree from an accredited university in relevant fields, such as taxation, finance, economics, etc.;
• Demonstrated familiarity with the tax regulations of the GVN, in general, is required;
• Demonstrated experience obtaining GVN VAT refunds and other tax exemptions of donor-funded Technical Assistance (non-refundable) projects, in particular, is highly desirable;
• Knowledge of USAID rules, regulations, and procedures is a plus;

Reporting & Working location:

The Consultant shall conduct all activities and prepare deliverables under the overall management of Chief of Party (COP) and direct supervision of the Project’s Finance and Operations Manager (FOM).

The work will be conducted remotely with travel to project sites when required.

Application Instructions

Interested Consultants should send their CVs and cover letters detailing their relevant experience and information to VUESRecruitment@dai.com by June 17, 2021.

DAI Organization and Values

DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines of global development. Transforming ideas into action—action into impact. We are committed to shaping a more livable world.

DAI and its employees are committed to confronting racism and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work.  DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner.

DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All of our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.

DAI is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a commitment to diversity. DAI does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, veteran status, or other non-merit factor.

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