Counsel – International Tax

World Bank Group • Washington, DC

1d

About The Position

Build a career with impact. Working at the World Bank Group (WBG) provides a unique opportunity to help countries solve their greatest development challenges. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, the WBG is a unique partnership of five global institutions dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, the WBG works with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions, and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
The WBG Business Integrity Office (BIO) recently launched as a specialized legal advisory function across the WBG in private sector and non-sovereign operations, i.e., projects and transactions. This includes three areas: 1) “integrity” – corruption, fraud, economic sanctions, litigation, criminal activity/history, politically exposed persons, opaque ownership structures, etc. – any of which can affect the integrity of a WBG project, or adversely impact the WBG’s reputation as the preeminent development organization; 2) anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), and 3) international tax policy and tax good governance (collectively, “Business Integrity”). WBG BIO advises operations teams, management and the Board on the assessment and mitigation of Business Integrity matters. The creation of WBG BIO is part of a broader effort to establish a unified Business Integrity management framework for WBG investment and advisory activities.
The successful candidate will act as a subject matter expert on international tax matters, supporting IFC, MIGA, and other WBG entities on international tax issues in private sector projects. The role combines technical tax expertise with program management. A key function of this role will be serving as regional tax lead for Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East.
Under the direction of the Head of International Tax, you will perform the following functions:

Requirements

• Experience: Minimum 5 years of international tax experience (Big 4, law firm, or in-house). Private sector experience along with MDB experience is preferred.
• Education: Masters Degree in Taxation or Law required.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of OECD standards, BEPS, Global Forum initiatives, UN-led initiatives and cross-border tax issues (tax treaties, transfer pricing, structuring).
• Excellent interpersonal and client service skills.
• Ability to assess risks, prioritize issues, and find practical solutions.
• Strong organizational skills to manage shifting priorities under time pressure.
• Clear and confident communication of complex tax concepts, both written and oral.
• Ability to deliver training to non-tax professionals.
• Languages: English required; additional major language is a plus.
• Highly developed technical skills with solid judgment
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate sound judgment on what to escalate
• Clear, concise, and cogent writing skills and ability to provide concrete recommendations
• Ability to build effective client relationships
• Digital dexterity
• Genuine commitment to sharing knowledge and expertise
• Diplomacy and ability to work with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds
• Highly personal integrity, strong values, and ethics

Responsibilities

• Regional Tax Lead. Serve as regional lead for IFC projects in the Europe, Central Asia and Middle East regions. Work on MIGA and IBRD projects as necessary. Regional assignment may change in the future.
• RTP Program Management. Provide program management for the Responsible Tax Principles project, including developing content, coordinating with the B-Team, and planning events.
• Tax Reporting Lead. Coordinate and hold responsibility for reporting on tax matters to department and WBG management and the Board. Also lead technology initiatives to automate and improve reporting and case management, including use of the case management system (CMS).
• Risk Appetite Statement. Serve as lead to develop a tax risk appetite statement in conjunction with other WBG BIO units.
• Tax Risk Assessment: Evaluate complex international tax risks related to IFC, MIGA and World Bank projects, clients, and partners, including tax treaties, transfer pricing, and structuring.
• Support VPU Initiatives: Support on any relevant tax initiatives.

Benefits

• The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level