First Assistant Commissioner, Legal Affairs

Overview

Position

First Assistant Commissioner, Legal Affairs

Job Code

Reports to

Deputy Commissioner

Direct Reports

Assistant Commissioner,

Technical Advice

Assistant Commissioner,

Operations and Internal Review

Assistant Commissioner,

Tax and Customs Regulation

Division

Legal Affairs

Department

N/A

Role Purpose

The Neom Department of Tax and Customs aims to formulate and implement Neom's tax and customs policy in a manner that promotes the economic development of Neom and a high standard of living for its residents. Working for the Neom Department of Tax and Customs is more than just work; it is an opportunity to help shape the future of a region.

The First Assistant Commissioner (FAC), Legal Affairs will be the Deputy Commissioner's primary advisor in matters relating to interpretation and application of the tax and customs regulations. This FAC will also establish the teams and working mechanisms required to operate this Division. This role will through the appropriate structure lead the various Branches within the Division and coordinate their work. The FAC will also, as part of the Department's Senior Executive team, participate in the development of the Department's strategy and in reviewing and approving the policies, regulations, and decisions related to the operation of the department in accordance with the approved policies and procedures.

Key Accountabilities & Activities

Core functional

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and continuous update of tax and customs regulations in line with approved tax policies.
• Ensure support to the Tax and Customs Policy function under Neom Finance, when required, in the development of tax and customs analysis and revenue forecasts.
• Direct the coordination with the Base Economy on tax matters such as international and regional representation in tax conventions and exchange of tax information.
• Guide the issuance of private and public rulings in coordination with the relevant committee.
• Ensure proper management of objections against tax and customs assessments received from taxpayers, and timely decisions thereon, in line with the regulations in effect.
• Direct the processing of tax and customs appeals in coordination with the relevant committee/ tribunal.
• Ensure proper representation of the Commissioner before the courts on cases relating to tax and customs litigation, including preparation of legal memos in this regard and coordination with the competent entities.
• Ensure provision of legal opinion and advice, as well as legal drafting, at the request of the relevant organizational units.
• Advise on legal aspects related to the compliance with the laws and regulations, the execution of contracts and agreements, and relations with all government and external entities.
  
  

Developing function readiness and establishment

• Direct the development of the Division's strategy in line with the Department of Tax and Customs vision and strategy in order to facilitate the achievement of the Department's strategic objectives and enable efficient and effective operations.
• Ensure the timely provision of input to strategy management, in line with the approved governance process, to ensure that the Division's activities are appropriately reflected in the overall Department of Tax and Customs strategy.
• Oversee the strategy implementation for the Division while ensuring that the underlying Branches are effectively monitoring and reporting deviations and executing the appropriate measures to mitigate potential risks.
• Direct the allocation of budget across the Division to ensure complete adherence and rectify any deviation from the plan in a timely manner.
• Consolidate the Division's budget in order for the concerned parties to be able to develop a budget that addresses the Division's requirements.
• Oversee the Division's workforce planning and talent acquisition strategies, reports, figures and budgets to ensure adequate staffing levels to achieve the Department of Tax and Customs strategic objectives.
• Set performance management objectives for all reporting staff and perform mid-year and year end performance reviews.
• Identify talent for pivotal roles to ensure business continuity.
• Provide guidance to reporting staff on operational, financial and people management matters to ensure effective leadership.
  
  

Background, Skills & Qualifications

Qualifications, Skills, Experience and Mindset

Knowledge, Skills, And Experience

• A tertiary qualification in law or commerce/law is required
• Certification as a legal practitioner is preferred
• Minimum of 15 years in the interpretation and application of legislation preferably tax and customs legislation with at least 10 years in a managerial position
  
  

Essential aspects of desired Mindset

• Visioning
• Strategic thinking
• Political correctness and prudence
• Decisiveness
• Influencing others
  
  

Essential Leadership qualities

• Ability to champion the articulation and delivery of strategic roadmaps.
• Ability to make decisions quickly and effectively in a constantly changing work environment.
• Ability to influence, inspire, and motivate others in order to get them to perform and succeed.
  
  

VERSION TRACKING

Version

Version 2

Prepared by

PwC

Reviewed by

Approved by

Name

Commissioner, Department of Tax and Customs

Signature

Date